Brinks Home security

[snoopy]

I'm thinking about getting security system installed by Brinks... I see Brinks security signs on couple of homes in Broadland .... Just wanted to know if you were satisfied with them ... anything to watch out for ?? ( or is there a better security system / company ? )
Thank you [8D]

[Zansu]

They've done pretty well by us, but we had it put in when they were building the house -- they were partnering with VM. We pay 85/qtr to monitor, and that includes the burglar and fire alarms. Somewhat high, IMHO, so I'd check monitoring rates as part of the overall picture; but they are quick to call when we set it off (like on Sat when my husband goes into the basement without turning off he motion detectors). Also, I can go on-line and change contacts or phone numbers, and let them know I'm going on vacation, etc.

[tvl]

We have ADT and are pretty happy with them. We're also USAA customers, so we get a discount/package from ADT for USAA customers.

[christinaandrob]

I'd highly recommend Vintage Security (http://www.vintagesecurity.com/). I've used them for years and couldn't be happier. They have years of experience, are reasonable, and just run by good people. I've never had a bad experience with them. I've also recommended them to a bunch of people and they all have had great experiences as well. Good luck!

[L0stS0ul]

ADT has been good to us. I've used them for years. My biggest problem is the police around here. We had our house alarm go of at 9:42am 2 weeks ago. It took ADT 2 minutes to contact my wife and I. It took 1 hour and 15 minutes for the police to arrive. What good is having an alarm if the police won't even be there in a reasonable amount of time?

My wife and I got to the house from our jobs before the police. We checked the house over ourselves. We thought the police would never come. I saw 4 cop cars on waxpool just driving around on my way home. I had actually given up and was driving back to work when I saw that cop pull up. Just keep that in mind. The alarm is all well and good but the police response from my one alarm event was not. I hope other people that might have had an alarm event can post their experiences. I so hope this is not the norm.

In the end we still have no idea what set the alarm off. Most likely VM was blasting and that did it.

[snoopy]

Thank you all for your input. I will call three vendors mentioned above and go from there ... Thank you once again :)

[Carol Al-Ajroush]

We have Open Band and we had an unusual experience earlier this summer. We had gone out and HAD NOT turned on the alarm but when we came on, the alarm was on. Naturally since we were puzzled about the chirping sound we heard on entering the door, the alarm ultimately went off. We managed to get it turned off but not before Open Band called..(they called within 1 minute). Because we could not remember our password regarding the alarm [:I] the police were dispatched. A sheriff showed up at our door within ten minutes. Interesting because my spouse is a diplomat he was hesitant to enter our home citing he was supposed to notify some other office but on our invitation he agreed to enter.

Overall, while we were embarrassed by the alarm fiasco, we were very pleased with the response we received - both from Open Band and the sheriff. :)



quote:Originally posted by L0stS0ul

ADT has been good to us. I've used them for years. My biggest problem is the police around here. We had our house alarm go of at 9:42am 2 weeks ago. It took ADT 2 minutes to contact my wife and I. It took 1 hour and 15 minutes for the police to arrive. What good is having an alarm if the police won't even be there in a reasonable amount of time?

My wife and I got to the house from our jobs before the police. We checked the house over ourselves. We thought the police would never come. I saw 4 cop cars on waxpool just driving around on my way home. I had actually given up and was driving back to work when I saw that cop pull up. Just keep that in mind. The alarm is all well and good but the police response from my one alarm event was not. I hope other people that might have had an alarm event can post their experiences. I so hope this is not the norm.

In the end we still have no idea what set the alarm off. Most likely VM was blasting and that did it.

[boomertsfx]

pay for the system yourself and you won't be locked into an alarm company that fleeces you every month. You can get alarm monitoring for ~$8/month if you install or get a system installed that you pay for.

[snoopy]

quote:Originally posted by boomertsfx

You can get alarm monitoring for ~$8/month if you install or get a system installed that you pay for.


Does all the major alarm companies offer monitoring service ? That is if you have your own system installed. Thank you.

[chattycat]

quote:Originally posted by snoopy

I'm thinking about getting security system installed by Brinks... I see Brinks security signs on couple of homes in Broadland .... Just wanted to know if you were satisfied with them ... anything to watch out for ?? ( or is there a better security system / company ? )
Thank you [8D]


smith 'n wesson....[^]

[snoopy]

quote:Originally posted by chattycat



smith 'n wesson....[^]


I believe in the power of smith 'n wesson too...
But I also need protection when I'm not home ... [8D]

[neilz]

quote:Originally posted by snoopy

quote:Originally posted by chattycat



smith 'n wesson....[^]


I believe in the power of smith 'n wesson too...
But I also need protection when I'm not home ... [8D]


Actually, I'd rather use a dbl-barrelled shotgun. With a handgun, you have to be able to see the person in the dark, with the shotgun, you just need to aim in the general direction.

[}:)]

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[sasha_j]

Just the sound alone of a good quality pump action shot gun being engaged would likely make most run..........

[chattycat]

quote:Originally posted by snoopy

quote:Originally posted by chattycat



smith 'n wesson....[^]


I believe in the power of smith 'n wesson too...
But I also need protection when I'm not home ... [8D]

I'll watch your house for you:D

[afgm]

Boomer,

What system did you install?

quote:Originally posted by boomertsfx

pay for the system yourself and you won't be locked into an alarm company that fleeces you every month. You can get alarm monitoring for ~$8/month if you install or get a system installed that you pay for.

[Skins fan]

boomersfx

Any suggestions on monitoring companies @ $8 per month?
Can you use an old Brinks or ADT system that is already
installed or do you need to replace with generic? If
you need generic do you recommend Radio Shack or some
other brand?

skinsfan

quote:Originally posted by boomertsfx

pay for the system yourself and you won't be locked into an alarm company that fleeces you every month. You can get alarm monitoring for ~$8/month if you install or get a system installed that you pay for.

[JenCo]

Any new items to add to this thread? Info on the "do-it-yourself" systems & what companies will monitor them?

[afgm]

I just finished going through the buying cycle on a home security system. The do-it-yourself approach is a good one, if you are somewhat handy. Not difficult if you go with wireless sensors. Hardest part is "fishing" the power line and phone line through the wall to the control unit. If you have an unfinished basement, it is pretty easy. The equipment in some cases is the same installed by leading monitoring services like ADT, Brinks, and Vintage Security.

There are several units available. Good source for them is www.safe-mart.com

Circuit City sells a GE brand. You can take a look at it and get the general idea of what is required to install it. I did not go with the CC option, as I believe I found better quality and better price via the internet.

Most equipment runs around $350 plus or minus. It depends on the number of sensors you use, and options such as keyfobs, motion sensors, water sensors, X10 capabilities, etc.

I liked the option of purchasing and installing it myself. One is not tied to any given monitoring service. You can pretty much get anyone to take the alert call for a fee. It can range $8 to 12 a month. If you purchase the system installed, and include the monitoring, you usually have to lock into a multi-year contract. Gets hard to see what you're getting, when the install, equipment, and monitoring are packaged together.

You can also have it call your cell or other phone number for alerts and by pass monitoring.

In the long run, buying equipment and service together, seemed to be very expensive. I had one estimate for $750 installed, two year commitment, and $18 a month for monitoring.

quote:Originally posted by JenTimC

Any new items to add to this thread? Info on the "do-it-yourself" systems & what companies will monitor them?

[boomertsfx]

quote:Any suggestions on monitoring companies @ $8 per month?
Can you use an old Brinks or ADT system that is already
installed or do you need to replace with generic? If
you need generic do you recommend Radio Shack or some
other brand?

Places like nextalarm.com do it for ~$9/month...

A good brand is Ademco (alot of ADT stuff is Ademco rebranded)... if you do a google search, you should find some good info it, but afgm provided a great summary..

I got my ademco from http://norcoalarms.com/, but you can find alot of wireless stuff cheaper on ebay now...

[Skins fan]

Would it be possible to use an existing Brinks system with one
of these lower cost monitoring companies or to convert the system
without too much hassle? Our house already had a Brinks system
when we bought it.

quote:Originally posted by afgm

I just finished going through the buying cycle on a home security system. The do-it-yourself approach is a good one, if you are somewhat handy. Not difficult if you go with wireless sensors. Hardest part is "fishing" the power line and phone line through the wall to the control unit. If you have an unfinished basement, it is pretty easy. The equipment in some cases is the same installed by leading monitoring services like ADT, Brinks, and Vintage Security.

There are several units available. Good source for them is www.safe-mart.com

Circuit City sells a GE brand. You can take a look at it and get the general idea of what is required to install it. I did not go with the CC option, as I believe I found better quality and better price via the internet.

Most equipment runs around $350 plus or minus. It depends on the number of sensors you use, and options such as keyfobs, motion sensors, water sensors, X10 capabilities, etc.

I liked the option of purchasing and installing it myself. One is not tied to any given monitoring service. You can pretty much get anyone to take the alert call for a fee. It can range $8 to 12 a month. If you purchase the system installed, and include the monitoring, you usually have to lock into a multi-year contract. Gets hard to see what you're getting, when the install, equipment, and monitoring are packaged together.

You can also have it call your cell or other phone number for alerts and by pass monitoring.

In the long run, buying equipment and service together, seemed to be very expensive. I had one estimate for $750 installed, two year commitment, and $18 a month for monitoring.

quote:Originally posted by JenTimC

Any new items to add to this thread? Info on the "do-it-yourself" systems & what companies will monitor them?

[afgm]

Are you locked into a long term contract with Brinks? If not, I think you can go with anyone.

From what I've seen, the systems are not proprietary. They may be "branded" as such, but functionality is basic. If there is a breach, system detects it, and calls a phone number. My impression is most systems can call any programmed number. Therefore, should be a good chance your system can call any monitoring service.

I am no expert, there may be some features that don't work, i.e. control panel two way conversation features may not work for every monitoring service with each system. Some systems don't have two way conversation capabilities, and it may be that some monitoring services require that. Just a guess on my part.

quote:Originally posted by Skins fan

Would it be possible to use an existing Brinks system with one
of these lower cost monitoring companies or to convert the system
without too much hassle? Our house already had a Brinks system
when we bought it.

quote:Originally posted by afgm

I just finished going through the buying cycle on a home security system. The do-it-yourself approach is a good one, if you are somewhat handy. Not difficult if you go with wireless sensors. Hardest part is "fishing" the power line and phone line through the wall to the control unit. If you have an unfinished basement, it is pretty easy. The equipment in some cases is the same installed by leading monitoring services like ADT, Brinks, and Vintage Security.

There are several units available. Good source for them is www.safe-mart.com

Circuit City sells a GE brand. You can take a look at it and get the general idea of what is required to install it. I did not go with the CC option, as I believe I found better quality and better price via the internet.

Most equipment runs around $350 plus or minus. It depends on the number of sensors you use, and options such as keyfobs, motion sensors, water sensors, X10 capabilities, etc.

I liked the option of purchasing and installing it myself. One is not tied to any given monitoring service. You can pretty much get anyone to take the alert call for a fee. It can range $8 to 12 a month. If you purchase the system installed, and include the monitoring, you usually have to lock into a multi-year contract. Gets hard to see what you're getting, when the install, equipment, and monitoring are packaged together.

You can also have it call your cell or other phone number for alerts and by pass monitoring.

In the long run, buying equipment and service together, seemed to be very expensive. I had one estimate for $750 installed, two year commitment, and $18 a month for monitoring.

quote:Originally posted by JenTimC

Any new items to add to this thread? Info on the "do-it-yourself" systems & what companies will monitor them?

[snoopy]

After the inital contract period is over .. ( 1 year , 2 year or 3 year ) .. alarm system is yours ... thus you can convert to monitor only company ...

[sri_n]

Has anyone has any experience using nextalarm.com (or any other similar lower cost service provider) ?

[boomertsfx]

On my readings on dslreports.com, I've heard good things about nextalarm... It's good for a savvy person who knows how to reprogram their system, debug problems, etc....

here is a link:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12235760~mode=flat?hilite=nextalarm

[sri_n]

boomertsfx,

thanks for the link! will look into it.

Sri.