Alarm Purchase Help

David L · 2005-10-22T16:54:19+00:00

I'm a newbie looking for an alarm system. I really know little about alarm systems and am coming here in the hopes that I can learn enough to ensure that I get the right system.I live on Long Island and am looking for a professionally installed system.So far, I've contacted both General Security ('ve been a happy oil customer of General Utilities for a long time now) and Slomins ( Both are very large/well known installers/monitors here on Long Island.I need to double check some things with General, but Slomins offered a free fully hardwired system that includes a panel, keypad, siren, 1 motion detector, 1 smoke alarm, 3 door alarms and professional installation. Window breaks were $125/window and I probably need around 10. A 2nd smoke alarm is another $150. 5 year CS contact at $25.95/mo. The will connect the system to a VoIP service for free (if I wanted to go that route).Now, some questions.1) Wired or Wireless? Forgetting about price, is fully wired a superior solution?2) I have no problem letting them make their money back on the install over the life of the original contract, but I see there are many places to get CS much cheaper (i.e. What questions do I need to ask upfront to ensure that once my initial contract is up that I can take my alarm system, without additional costs, to another CS? Should I have the contract noted that they'll provide me with codes (installer code? user code? what codes do I ask for?) upon completion of the contract? How do I know that the equipment they'll provide is not propriatary and will work with another CS without some sort of major upgrade?3) Where do I really need glass breaks? Cost is certainly a factor, so I don't want glass breaks where I don't really need them. The house is just off the street and I have nearby neighbors on all sides. The front of the house has a clear view to the street (and to the neighbors across the street). I have all new Anderson casement windows. I figure the windows in the back...

Oct 22, 2005 24 Replies

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Mark Leuck 20 years ago

Thats not true, I've had Ademco panels work fine with VOIP, no brand is better or worse with VOIP than another, it depends on the VOIP provider and protocol they use

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mikey 20 years ago

not at all, speak up just like you did, I'm sure he'll see your post

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Mark Leuck 20 years ago

I doubt he knows what he's talking about or had some luck with a particular area which is what I often see, either way he shouldn't be making blanket statements

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David L 20 years ago

FWIW, the guy I spoke to said it would work with Cablevision's Optimum Voice service, but not with companies like Vonage. Either way, he strongly suggested against it.

"Mark Leuck" wrote in news:1pWdnQfQt snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com:

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