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Home Wireless Security questions and answers

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Q: Are wireless home security alarms any good?
I am interested in installing a wireless home security alarm as they are easier to install than wired. Are they any good? Which are the best makes? Any negatives to be aware of?

A: Hi Rab, There's pros & cons. I have installed a "Securistyle" wireless system, as I used to act as a minor local agent through my company, so got a big box full of freebies. Oh most of it seems to be fitted at home now, but it would not have been too pricy anyway, compared to some., Dead easy to install DIY if you have a screwdriver, no chasing of wall & drilling of holes. It works a treat. Installation is minimal when it comes to PIR detectors dotted around, magnetic door switches, fire alarm things, etc, all sending a signal to the box in the hallway if there is a problem. No mucking about with bloomin' bell wire running everywhere. 128 frquency settings to pick from, 10,000 codes to dis-arm the box on authourised entry, 15 secs if someone gets it wrong, immune to power failure etc. Bad bits : you still need to run a power supply to the controller, and from there with cable to your outide alarm boxes. (it sets it off in any cable is removed or cut.) Biggest thing is that each unit needs a little battery. As per a standard ceiling fire alarm, though, should be ok for a year or two. The thing therefore needs to be checked, say once a month. I would recommend a good wireless system, Rab, the initial cost for the bits & peices may be a bit higher, but overall a cheaper, better looking installation job. Best of security with it ! Bob

Q: How Safe Are Wireless Home Security Systems?
Are wireless home security systems safe? Info from the Brickhouse Security say "Wireless Home Security Systems are fully wireless and have built-in power supplies; even if the phone, power and Internet connections are down, your Wireless Home Security System will continue to monitor and protect your property. This feature will come in handy if an intruder cuts the power and phone lines, or there is a blackout and burglars are on the prowl." Does this mean that the system has its own cell-phone built-in or uses a satellite so it could notify the PD and if so doesn't a burglar need nothing but a signal disrupter? No I'm not a burglar, just curious in how it works and how safe it really is. We all know if you have an alarm set to the phone-line someone can cut the lines, if you have digital phone someone can just turn the power off your house, or do both. So can a disrupter knock out the system signals? The real question is, "How safe are any Home Security Systems?"

A: Wireless security systems are highly inferior when compared to their Hardwire counterparts. The sad fact is, the only reason alarm companies install wireless is because it is easier and monitored alarm systems are a numbers game... the faster you get them in the more money you end up making. Truthfully, it is a dis-service to the end user. As far as the supervision of phone lines, there are cellular solutions available, typically these will relay your alarm signal to a clearing station which will then route the signal to your monitoring station. I have a number of accounts in this technology and it works great. Crooks tend to cut the phone lines then wait to see if there is any response. If nobody shows, they break in, kill the alarm panel (Which is much easier on a wireless toilet alarm) and have their way. I have written an article on wireless security and it can be viewed in the archive at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca or below. It may seem biased to some, however I have been in the industry for 20 some-odd years and know the truth first hand. This is how I see it. Wireless Vs Hardwire This is an ever-growing debate within the security alarm industry; both sides have their opinions as I have mine. Since starting KeepSafe Systems, I have never installed a wireless security system. There are several reasons starting from appearance, reliability and sustainability to never having the need to and always finding a way to get a wire where it is needed. Appearance is a large concern of many homeowners. Although transmitters have gotten smaller over the years, wireless security systems involve the installation of boxy transmitters around your doors and windows. Wireless security system supporters will often tell horror stories of holes drilled throughout your home or wires stapled all over your walls. Yes, I have seen these types of installations, for the most part, they are done by inexperienced or lazy technicians who prefer wireless security systems. Although some wire runs can be difficult and very occasionally require surface runs, there is no excuse for sloppy workmanship. Pick your security alarm installer very carefully; often the small business owner will take more care in ensuring the quality of the installation. When it comes to the reliability of security systems, hardwire will always be the more reliable of the two. Wireless security alarm supporters of course will say “modern wireless security systems are supervised”, basically this is passing over the pitfalls of the technology and adding a feature to tell you when the technology fails. This inevitably runs into expensive and time wasting service calls, equipment replacement and potential false alarms. One need only look at the cordless phone to see the pitfalls of the wireless technology. Sure they are great when you first purchase them, however, age and interference take their toll and sooner or later you have a paperweight with buttons and an LCD screen. Sustainability is potentially the most expensive reason for choosing hardwire security systems over wireless. I can’t even begin to count the changes in wireless security technology and frequencies used since getting into the business back in the late 80’s early 90’s. Even the wireless security system supporters will tell you that technology is always changing (Except they use the word “advancing”… it sounds better in advertising). So how do wireless security system “advancements” affect the owner of a wireless security system? Easy, say for example you were the unfortunate victim of a wireless security system sales person in 1995. Chances are if one of your motion detectors fails you will be hard-pressed to find a replacement. Simply put, you will now have to purchase an entirely new security system (Control panel, detectors, keypad etc) which depending on the size of your security alarm system will cost you as much and possibly more than if you would have installed a hardwired system to begin with. So in all fairness, I feel I should tell you what is in store for you if a hardwired detector fails. Simple, you replace the detector. Hardwire detectors are simple switches and most hardwire security system detectors are interchangeable regardless of the manufacturer. Another factor within the realm of sustainability is the cost of upgrading. Back to the system installed in 1995. Yes there have been significant changes in security alarm technology since then. In the hardwire security system world, these changes are mostly in the area of convenience, esthetics and features. If all your detectors are in working order, upgrading a hardwire security system simply involves changing the control panel and keypad(s). This is generally a fairly easy process and is substantially less expensive than upgrading a complete wireless system. One last consideration in choosing hardwire security systems over their wireless counterpart is the selection of detectors. Although you can retrofit almost any hardwire detector to a wireless system, there are far more choices of detector types in hardwire. Take for example Carbon monoxide, water, natural gas, propane, vibration… and the list goes on. Wireless security systems are generally designed around the average security need of the consumer. Since detectors are not interchangeable across manufacturer lines, it would be financially unfeasible for a wireless security system manufacturer to create wireless detectors for every conceivable need. Even in the spectrum of standard detectors, there are some manufacturers who have extremely reliable detectors that only work on hardwire systems. Choosing a wireless security system can often result in you having a detector less suited for your particular application. Once again the average security need factor comes into play. Inevitably, the choice of whether to have a wireless or hardwire security system installed is entirely up to you. In fact, your only choice may be wireless. Hopefully I have given you some information to help you along with your decision.

Q: Do anybody have experience with the required wireless equipment update by home security monitoring company?
I subscribed to monitoring service with a Home Security Monitoring company. I have wireless security equipment installed. Recently they told me that the government require them to replace the analog radio tower system with digital radio tower system. This results in I need to replace my wireless security equipment as well, otherwise it won't be able to connect to the new radio tower. They charged me $100 for that. Since I'm still in a contract with them, I think I shouldn't pay that $100. So, do anybody have experience in this matter? Is the new regulation for real? Do the customers really have to pay for that required upgrade by the government regulation even when they're still in a contract? Thanks! I appreciate any inputs.

A: WOW - Yeh it's for real. Our radio spectrum is FULLL. The F.C.C is making everybod switch to digital so we have more freq.'s available to us. Nextel is the biggest comp. influencing the move and the biggest beneficiary. I hate Nextel and their power in our industry. I had no idea it would effect other wireless stuff like yours. Basically they are passind their costs on to you in a big way. Complain and look for another service provider. The comp. CAN absorb the changeover costs but I guess your is trying to pass it on. The squeaky wheel............. Try saying no to em and be willing to stand your ground and go elsewhere.

Q: best wireless home security camera system with night vision?
looking for a good home security system that is wireless but dependable. Maybe a system that will work from a computer harddrive like a dvr system

A: There are tons of companies that sell security camera equipment on the web. Two of the larger companies are: http://www.supercircuits.com http://www.scdlink.com You may need to buy several individual components and put them together to get the system that you describe.

Q: What is the best company to use for a wireless home security system?


A: Best of the worst you mean... My question to you would be, why would you go with a wireless security system? The technology is flawed in nature and in most cases, you will regret your decision to go with wireless. Some sales people will cite portability and ease of installation as benefits, truthfully those are the only reasons, weak as they are. I have written an article on the truth about wireless security systems and posted it on my website, the URL is http://www.keepsafesystems.ca. You will find it in the archive. Personally, I have nothing to gain by suggesting you not go wireless as you are probably not in my service area. I would strongly recommend you search for a decent company that will hardwire your system for you. You will be glad you did. If you do decide to go with a wireless alarm, make sure you get one where the control panel is separate from the keypad... there is nothing worse than a toilet alarm. Also, you may want to avoid the companies who bait you with packages systems, either the "free system" or the $99, $199, $299, $399 type of thing. There is always a catch, nothing comes for free, and if it does, you will end up paying more in the end to have it fixed. Good Luck --------------------------------------------------------------------- Wireless Vs Hardwire This is an ever-growing debate within the security alarm industry; both sides have their opinions as I have mine. Since starting KeepSafe Systems, I have never installed a wireless security system. There are several reasons starting from appearance, reliability and sustainability to never having the need to and always finding a way to get a wire where it is needed. Appearance is a large concern of many homeowners. Although transmitters have gotten smaller over the years, wireless security systems involve the installation of boxy transmitters around your doors and windows. Wireless security system supporters will often tell horror stories of holes drilled throughout your home or wires stapled all over your walls. Yes, I have seen these types of installations, for the most part, they are done by inexperienced or lazy technicians who prefer wireless security systems. Although some wire runs can be difficult and very occasionally require surface runs, there is no excuse for sloppy workmanship. Pick your security alarm installer very carefully; often the small business owner will take more care in ensuring the quality of the installation. When it comes to the reliability of security systems, hardwire will always be the more reliable of the two. Wireless security alarm supporters of course will say “modern wireless security systems are supervised”, basically this is passing over the pitfalls of the technology and adding a feature to tell you when the technology fails. This inevitably runs into expensive and time wasting service calls, equipment replacement and potential false alarms. One need only look at the cordless phone to see the pitfalls of the wireless technology. Sure they are great when you first purchase them, however, age and interference take their toll and sooner or later you have a paperweight with buttons and an LCD screen. Sustainability is potentially the most expensive reason for choosing hardwire security systems over wireless. I can’t even begin to count the changes in wireless security technology and frequencies used since getting into the business back in the late 80’s early 90’s. Even the wireless security system supporters will tell you that technology is always changing (Except they use the word “advancing”… it sounds better in advertising). So how do wireless security system “advancements” affect the owner of a wireless security system? Easy, say for example you were the unfortunate victim of a wireless security system sales person in 1995. Chances are if one of your motion detectors fails you will be hard-pressed to find a replacement. Simply put, you will now have to purchase an entirely new security system (Control panel, detectors, keypad etc) which depending on the size of your security alarm system will cost you as much and possibly more than if you would have installed a hardwired system to begin with. So in all fairness, I feel I should tell you what is in store for you if a hardwired detector fails. Simple, you replace the detector. Hardwire detectors are simple switches and most hardwire security system detectors are interchangeable regardless of the manufacturer. Another factor within the realm of sustainability is the cost of upgrading. Back to the system installed in 1995. Yes there have been significant changes in security alarm technology since then. In the hardwire security system world, these changes are mostly in the area of convenience, esthetics and features. If all your detectors are in working order, upgrading a hardwire security system simply involves changing the control panel and keypad(s). This is generally a fairly easy process and is substantially less expensive than upgrading a complete wireless system. One last consideration in choosing hardwire security systems over their wireless counterpart is the selection of detectors. Although you can retrofit almost any hardwire detector to a wireless system, there are far more choices of detector types in hardwire. Take for example Carbon monoxide, water, natural gas, propane, vibration… and the list goes on. Wireless security systems are generally designed around the average security need of the consumer. Since detectors are not interchangeable across manufacturer lines, it would be financially unfeasible for a wireless security system manufacturer to create wireless detectors for every conceivable need. Even in the spectrum of standard detectors, there are some manufacturers who have extremely reliable detectors that only work on hardwire systems. Choosing a wireless security system can often result in you having a detector less suited for your particular application. Once again the average security need factor comes into play.

Q: Does the "X10 Wireless Home Security Alarm System" really work?
This is a system that's much cheaper in price than some do it yourself sytems. Looks like a lot of them have sold on Ebay. Does anyone know if the system actually works? How well with dogs running around the house?

A: I don't really know anything about X10 wireless home security but I got another one that works great check it out. www.skyelist.com

Q: Home Wireless Security camera interference w/Network?
I just bought a wireless security camera system for home. The signal is transmitted via 2.4Ghz signal to the receiver which is output to the VCR for recording. Problem is that it knocks out my internet wireless network which is also running on 2.4Ghz. Is there any way to work around this? My only option I can think of is to plug all my PCs via ethernet cable.

A: Try to change your wifi channel... You should have some 13 or more channels to choose from. Just log in to router admin panel and do it from there, but first you will have to turn off your camera.

Q: What is the best wireless home security camera?


A: The best wireless camera seems to be: SR802KT from Sarto Systems. You can check out the link below. Good Luck!

Q: I'm looking for a good DYI wireless home security system & reasonable cost; where to buy?


A: Here is a link to one such place http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductList.asp?p=2_1_1_1_0_0_110

Q: do wireless home security cameras really work???
I've checked reviews from walmart to tiger direct and they are all over the place from just ok to totally sucking but none good. HELP!!!

A: Wireless cameras can work, keep in mind you still require a power source for the camera and the receiver you just free yourself of the wire between the two. Unfortunately they are can get interference worse then a wired camera, as metal and other electronic devices can cause interference. For a business a long term solution would be a hard wired system, for spying on friends etc. wireless would work. Have fun!

Q: What is a better home security alarm systems? Hardwired security alarm or wireless security alarm?
I am also looking for an alarm system for my business

A: Hardwired security alarms will always be superior to wireless security alarms. The simple fact being, modern airwaves are being increasingly cluttered with Radio Frequency (RF) Interference. This which interfere with wireless security alarm systems are many and can range from the simple high voltage power line to wireless routers and radio towers.. The thing is, wireless is highly unpredictable, particularly in security alarm systems. You may have a perfectly sound wireless security alarm system for years, then all of a sudden the neighbour 3 blocks away decides to purchase a ham radio. All of a sudden, the monitoring station is getting panic alarm, the police are being send on what appears to be a weekly basis and you have fines from the city for excessive false alarms. Hardwired security alarm systems, on the other hand, are far more reliable in that they are not as susceptible to the problems of RF. Sure, if there is a strong source of RF behind a motion detector some of the older models may falsely activate. However this is simply fixed by replacing the detector with one with a higher level of RF Shielding. Fact of the matter is, no security alarm system is entirely free from the possibility of false alarms. Hardwired security alarm systems are, however, much less prone to issues. Hardwired security alarm detectors are also universally compatible between hardwired security alarm systems; Wireless security alarm detectors typically only function with the wireless security alarm system for which they were designed - this can result in expensive system replacements if one wireless security alarm detector fails. There is more information on the differences between wireless and hardwired security alarm systems on my website at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca There is an article entitled "the truth about wireless security systems" in the archive. I hope this answered your question.

Q: what is the best home wireless security system?


A: ITI Wireless, now a part of GE Security, is considered to be one of the better wireless security systems for home use.

Q: Wireless Home Security Monitoring System?
What is the best Wireless Home Security Monitoring System w/ siren... one that would monitor all windows & doors including Garage. I've seen ads for ADT, Brinks, GE. Looking for the best system, and ease of installation. (Not sure an installer is necessary or if do it yourselves are just as good.)

A: This site has lots of information about home security systems. They are sure to have what you are looking for

Q: Home Wireless security cameras
I am planning to install (Security Camera Wireless) outdoor. 1- Is there something call (UHV). 2- What kind of product should I get that doesn't be affect with other frequencies (mobile, radio)?

A: For wireless stuff, it would normally be "UHF". Typically this is for good audio equipment. UHF video is still used for television stations and you would need to be licensed even if only low power. There are only two consumer wireless video methods: 1) shared band in the 2.4 GHz environment. 2) wifi (wireless compute local area network) Both can get interference from other sources. If you want no chance of wireless interference, then you need to use a wired camera. Also, remember that "wireless" generally means only the video (and audio if the camera has a mic) signal is wireless - you still need a wire for power unless you set up some sort of battery and solar recharge equipment. You want cameras that are rated for outdoor use... Do they need to have "night vision"? Are you just monitoring the video? How many cameras? http://shop1.frys.com/search?cat=-45928&pType=pDisplay http://shop1.frys.com/search?cat=-45926&pType=pDisplay If you are recording, are you looking at a multi-channel DVR http://shop1.frys.com/search?cat=-45940&pType=pDisplay or are you turning a computer into a multichannel DVR? If the power goes out, are you expecting this camera system to continue working? What are your battery back-up plans? There's more, but this is a start... I use: http://shop1.frys.com/product/5080315?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG http://shop1.frys.com/product/5264307?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG http://shop1.frys.com/product/4698298?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Q: Will DSL interfere with wireless home security systems?


A: Shouldn't.. I'm sure other businesses have wireless security and Business DSL If the Security system uses a phone line to contact the security system, just make sure you have a filter (included in most DSL home setup kits) on that line. Possibly contact the security system if you want to be REALLY sure. Otherwise, your Home DSL wireless should auto switch to a different frequency once it detects interference. there are 11 channels. THere is a way to manually change the channel your DSL router uses if it doesn't auto-switch.