Buying a house with a wired security system but for some reason the seller is taking the Vista 20P. Seller is a bit of a penny pincher.

It’s a 6000 sq ft three story house with an attached garage and walk out basement. There are 9 wired sensors (glass breaks and door).

In our current home I have setup that uses a combination of 2gig and Alarm.com for security and home automation (lights, locks, garage door, etc).

I want to continue with alarm.com. What are my options for integrating the wired sensors currently installed in our new house plus expanding the system with wireless sensors?

Buying another Vista 20 and adding the SEM could work but I would love an all-in-one enclosure. Also want at 4 panels around the house.

Thanks in advance.

Hey folks, I recently got a night owl system because it checked all my boxes. battery powered, local storage, no cloud storage, wireless, and phone app to check while I'm not home. holy cow what a garbage company. it worked for a few days and it was honestly nice. but then it just stopped. now I'm locked out and tech support has no idea. there's probably a language barrier, I could barely understand her. does anybody have any suggestions? the two things I really need are wireless and local storage. I have ten acres I'm trying to keep eyes on, so the wireless is important. thanks

I just recently had a fence installed in my back yard with a driveway on the opposite side of the fence. How would you go about putting a camera up that watches the cars but is not vulnerable to being stolen.

looking to install CCTV, door/window, motion sensors. Guessing 3-4 cameras inside 2-3 outside. I’m guessing this will cost $10-20k - the real question is, is there a one-stop shop brand for a system like this, or most of it? I’ve done some digging and it’s not obvious what the solution is. Thanks for any thoughts in advance.

I plan to install ten security cams. 5 to monitor inside and 5 to monitor outside the house. In the attic, there will be 10 cables, in total. Five Cat6 cables for the cams inside the house, and five cat6 cables that will come from the eaves, entering the attic.

The five cable bundle for inside the house cams, I'd like to bring them through the ceiling of my home office. That is where I have the PoE network switch that will power the five inside the house cams. Similarly, the other 5 cable bundle coming from the eaves, I'd like them to exit the attic drywall that is common to the garage where I have an existing PoE switch.

question: what kind of conduit do can use in the ceiling from where the cables will drop into the home office.

Similarly, what conduit that I can install on the drywall where the cables will exit the attic into the garage?

Once the cables are run, I'd like to put some type of foam, so the conduit is sealed for both at the ceiling and the drywall to the garage.

Lastly, if there's a better approach to do what I am attempting, please, please, please advise.

many thanks

Hi, so title is basically what I'm looking for. A small and cheap security camera that records to an SD card 24/7 and overwrites the oldest stuff with the newest stuff continuously. I've found the TP link ones do this but you need an account and need to set up the device from within the app. I got one and it died right after setting up, so I'm looking for something else. Preferably as simple as can be. I'm using it double sided taped to the corner of a window (indoors facing out) so preferably small also. I don't care about app functionality, if I need to view a video I can just plug the SD card into a computer. I'm not interested in anything that would require a subscription fee to do what I'm asking.

What I had before was this (link below) with the base taped to the window and the camera just flipped reverse to see outside. https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Tapo-Security-Detection-C111/dp/B0CCQ3QCTQ/

Looking for peoples thoughts on placement and mmodels of external security cameras on a new home build. It is in a pretty remote location, and the wife would like to be able to see out and around the house. Looking for thoughts on placement versus number of cameras.

Likely going to be running with Blue Iris. Was last using Dahua cams on the old house, have not looked into whats good and available now. Open to anything.

Home Layout

Hey all,

My friend lives in a rural area outside of the City and only has the option of going with AT&T as his ISP.

The way they set his house up, is by doing 3 AT&T internet drops (25MB each according to him) going into 3 different "BGW210" Gateways. The BGW210s than all go into a "Luxul Epic 4" router. From the Luxul router, there is an ethernet cord going into the Hivision DS-7616NI-E2/16P NVR.

He said his camera system was working perfectly for a few months, but now his IPs have changed and he can't see any of the cameras anymore. Has anyone dealt with a similar setup to this one? I'm going over his house tomorrow to help troubleshoot and just looking for some pointers on what to do.

Is there a way I can directly connect my computer to the cameras or NVR to find out what IP they're pulling? If there are 3 different ATT drops going into one router, wouldn't that create 3 diff networks which would cause a conflict?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

PICTURE OF SETUP:

https://ibb.co/R2bjfm2

Good day everyone, I am a security systems installer based in South Africa and have a client who has just moved into a new home, this home is equipped with the GE NetworX NX-8-LXR, I am unfamiliar with GE security products and have been unable now for multiple days to figure out how to factory reset the panel.

The client wishes to keep GE system however i don't know the installer code nor does the client know the master code,

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi all, I'm looking for a system with at least 2 wired cameras, (ideally poe). My house is on a public street and it is renovated from an old bakery, but people are really interested to look inside. I have a one way glass system, but at night when the lights are on people can see right in. I'm looking for a system that will just have a simple "boo" when someone looks in the window just for fun!

I think the best way to do this would have a motion zone on the window and have a custom "siren" sound play?

Does anyone know of a system that has this feature? I'm liking the reolink systems but I don't think they have this option.

TIA

Hello, I need a wireless sensor for a metal (steel) framed window and looking for any best practices. I have read about using a wired sensors that is wired to external input of wireless sensor but i am not sure how to do that and seems “messy”. All suggestions welcome

Hello all. I live out in the woods and have a small building that has power. Someone has been littering, which I believe is one of our neighbors and I would like to record it on camera. Ideally, I was looking at some Reolink 4k POE cameras. However, the recorder, looks like they can only support up to 330 ft.

I need at least a minimum of 500 ft cable, maybe 6-700 ft ideally.

Any recommendations?

I want to get a camera for my front door but I disconnected my doorbell noise because it’s ridiculously loud and it triggers my dog every time it rings. Is there a camera that doesn’t require the bell to ring that works like a doorbell camera just minus the actual doorbell ringing?

I have an 8 channel DVR system at my office that is about 12 years old. The quality leaves much to be desired. I think it's a Zmodo system.

I'm looking to upgrade my system and almost everything (on Amazon) looks like the exact same quality picture, antiquated UI menu, bad or no app integration, et al.

Can anyone recommend a good quality system for 8 cams, hard drive recording, app integration, etc.?

I’m in the process of buying a new build house with a Texecom alarm system that has wired PIRs and door contacts but is not smart and doesn’t connect to WiFi. 🛜

I want to be able to control it using automations with Home Assistant and have notifications on my phone if the alarm goes off, etc.

Can the main controller of the system be swapped out ‘easily’ for a WiFi version?

I have a photo of the main system box and the control pad but can’t add an image here. It says Texecom Veristas on the control panel.

I want to share this experience to help other newbies who are trying DIY, a security system, for the first time.

TLDR: It is worth building your own security system so that you fully understand and control it! Installing and setting up it only takes 2 - 3 days at most (reusing previous hardwire sensors.) Tips for newbies are listed below.

A few months ago, I asked this forum for advice. Link >>> https://www.reddit.com/r/homesecurity/comments/1aww8m0/looking_to_dyi_an_alarm_system_i_need_your_advice/

I followed your suggestion and DIY a new DSC NEO to replace my 13 years old and broken Paradox system (which I have no control over). I love the full control and customization I have now. I did know how many configurations I could not do with the previous Paradox system.

With zero experience, It took me 3 days to learn, install, configure, troubleshoot, customize, and test. The AlarmSystemStore videos helped tremendously. I set up the system twice. The first time, POC, I played around and got familiar with all the *8 menus and configurations. That took a day. Once I understood the fundamentals, I reset the entire system to default and started the right way.

If it's your first time, Here are some tips.

Take pictures of all your old systems. Lots of pictures for references

Test old sensors to ensure everything (wire and electronics) works before installing a new one. This step will save you tons of frustration.

As you pull the old sensor wires out, label them right away. This will be very important. I used a label maker.

Do a POC install to familiarize yourself with the new equipment and programming approach first.

Once you understand the basics, reset the system to default and do it again the right way, using the lessons learned.

VERY IMPORTANT: Once you start programming *8, document each change with date and time. This will help you remember all the changes you made. Also, if you ever need to reset your system to default fully, you have the document changes to help you with reprogramming. Here is an example:

05/01/24 5:29 PM 201 Enable Zones (Zone Mask)

· Zone Mask 1-8 [Y]

· Zone Mask 9-16 [Y]. Zone 13 [N]

05/01/24 06:01 PM Enable Duress Code

· 019 Option 6 Duress Code Y

· *5 Access Code Slot 33 New Code 2010. User Option Duress Code Y

Documenting your changes also helps with troubleshooting your issues. I got so confused with so many configuration changes that I got lost when my system gave me an error. The documentation helped me to backtrack.

If you add TL880, make sure you fill out the form before you complete the installation. I troubleshot an FTC issue for hours, then realized it was not an error. I forgot a step: to register so Alarm.com can Alarm.com enable the service.

Best of luck.

Hi everyone,

My old contact is up. In my old service, I had 2 alarm.com cameras and saw stream through their app. I don't need these old cameras to record (just live stream).

Now I signed up for another monitoring service, these cameras are not alarm.com (another app) so is it possible for me to use my old cameras? My new service also uses alarm.com app but not for cameras, it uses the app just for doorbell, arm/ disarm, and door lock.

Thanks everyone for your input and advice.

https://getminipix.com/checkout/us-12/
anyone use this cam before? i have eufy and ring, but we're looking to add some more but funds are limited. thoughts?

My friend's neighbor across the street is throwing rocks and other things at his house. Cops are called often, but his normal security cameras aren't good enough to get video of him doing it, especially at night. Distance is about 150ft. Doesn't have to be a cheap camera.

Currently have vivint in my home and I don't really have any complaints for home protection. However, I just had a shop built and it's slightly out of range of the main panel.

My goal is to have a simple standalone diy system in the shop but if really like to keep some of the functionality.

1. I don't want to run a rptr device as I'd like standalone.
2. I want to have app remote disarm/arm/notification.
3. I don't want to pay another monthly fee or need professional monitoring.
4. If possible, if like to reuse some of my 2gig sensors so I don't have to buy more.

The shop will have door and window sensors and motion detection.

Can anyone give a recommendation on something that fits the above without a monthly fee? I'm open to all suggestions as I'm pretty tech savvy and I'm not locked into vivint/2gig products only.

Is there a way to make the system arm itself automatically when all devices leave the house?

Hello, I am looking for recommendations for the smallest wireless window sensor.

Also, these are going on metal framed doors and wonder if any considerations I should keep in mind there (cannot hardwire).

thanks

Hello,

I would like to put a window ac unit upstairs as my central air broke and I'm saving up to fix it..

My windows open from the top and bottom. So once the window is open and the ac is in the top can be pulled down. How can I secure this?

Thank you!!

Hi,

So currently we have a DVR box camera system with 8 cameras in total, we currently have it on a buggy and messy software, not sure whatever is it but i think it's a rebrand from a hikvision one, it works but i think it could do better, from the app, the playback is awful and laggy and choppy and we can't really configure the system itself from the webserver set up since it's old and based on internet explorer and not sure how to get it working, so i have tried doing some research online but can't really get a straight answer from it but i have a question i hope i get help from..

Is it possible to install a new software / system onto to the DVR which could give a better experience as a mobile app and webserver?

Thank you very much.

I'm helping someone settle into a new apartment in a nice, quiet area. However, no place is completely safe, so I'm looking to enhance their security at least a bit.

Options I see so far are:

• Adding a door jammer: They have one door to worry about. Was thinking of using a door jammer that goes under the handle and extends to the ground. They have a lever handle and the distance from said handle to the floor is around 60-inches though. Not seeing anything online that reaches that far.

  Besides a bar, I found these smaller products on Amazon that I'm not too sure about: Portable door lock 1, Portable door lock 2, Portable door lock 3

• Door camera: They have a private stairway leading to their place. A single wireless camera placed on the wall facing the door should suffice for general recording.

• Garage door: I don’t have an answer yet. The garage door, a basic turn-handle that unlocks with a key, isn't very secure. The landlord said a previous tenant managed to open it with a wire hanger. I’m looking for ways to improve its security.

This is an apartment building so invasive installation like drilling isn't ideal nor is replacing the garage door or having an opener installed. Hoping there are some other ways to secure the place that won't cause issues with property management.

If anyone has any recommendations for products, ideas, etc. that can help someone make an apartment more secure I'd appreciate the info. Again, the area isn't a warzone or ghetto so not like they need to be super worried about anything. Still, making things more secure doesn't hurt.

Thank you for your time and any help.

I live in a rental property with a DAS NX-8 alarm system connected to two motion sensors. Whenever there is movement in the living room, the "Zone 01" light and the "Ready" light briefly flash yellow and the keypad emits a chirping noise. The "Service" light is always solid yellow and the "Power" light is always solid red.

This is all mildly irritating and I would love to disable the chirping noise at the very least. We've asked the landlord to send out a technician but they've been slow to respond. We have a user code but no master code. The control box is in the roof access and we don't have a key as far as I'm aware. I know the security system needs to be serviced but it's unlikely the landlord will bother to send someone out soon. Is there anything I can do to suppress the lights and the "chirping" without waiting for a technician?

Hello all,
I recently had the unfortunate encounter of a break in while home alone. It was horrible. (Thankfully, they left; probably when they realized I was there, but not before attempting to break my bedroom window and sucessfully breaking another. This was at like 2 PM btw. broad daylight.)

I want to get a reliable security system as soon as possible as a result. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of money to shell towards it, and I am only renting for the time being. We have a stupid amount of windows now that I'm hyper aware of it, and every system that I have considered with that in mind are ~$500 at least. I tried to ask my landlords if they would consider investing in one, but they ghosted me. (':

Up to this happening, we had no protection whatsoever, and I have been using the Alfred Camera App with my old phones until I can get something more permanent. My roommate bought a few cheap cameras from Amazon, but they have their fair share of limitations as well- notably that they want you to pay a subscription for stored recordings. Does anyone have recommendations for a situation like this? Any advice is appreciated!

Looking for 2-3 solid PTZ POE cameras and a couple of stationary ones, all with N.V. Was looking at Axis, but damn they are expensive. My next runner up is Ubiquiti, but they are still pricey and I was wondering what else is out there. Who else should I check out?

Ideally, I was hoping to pay 1-2k on a system that can function out of a 1u space. I could always upgrade my rack for more room though.

What's the best home camera system that comes with live remote viewing via both a phone app and a web app. 2K or better (preferably 4K) quality, the option for motion detection or continuous recording, good night vision quality, the option for wired or battery power, audio recording and encrypted cloud storage with 7 day or better storage. Deployment would be indoors.

I realzee this is a VERY tall order, essentially something that combines the best aspects of a webcam for streaming with the best aspects of a security cam and a baby monitor so price is a secondary consideration as are monthly fees. Ease of setup and use are pluses.

Currently have an Arlo that is multiple years old with less than desirable resolution.

Starting to put together a security system for the house. I like what SimpliSafe has with all the sensor options/door bell camera and being able to arm the home, but I’ve read bad things about their outdoor cameras. I’d ideally like to run SimpliSafe inside and have Blink or Nest outside. Anyone ran a setup like this before?