Has anyone here had any experience with Wireless Home Security systems? I don't have/need a home phone line, and don't want to rely on comcast's broadband connection for my home security.

A co-worker mentioned www.alarm.com the other day and I was skeptical, but after looking into it, it's pretty impressive. Completely wireless (doesn't require home phone, broadband, or VoIP) with tons of online monitoring capabilities. $35/month

https://www.alarm.com/order/sample_screens.asp?id=0 (screenshots)

It uses the GE Concord 4.0 alarm, which seems to be heavily favored as opposed to the Simon 2.0/3.0 and other alarms.

It also keeps a record of what codes were entered and when (different codes assigned to maid service, neighbors, etc.) and what sensors were triggered and timestamps. You can set specific day/time for certain things to be armed (liquor cabinet always armed while you're at work so kids don't get into it). It shows real time stats for all sensors (doors open, shut, motion sensors) on the website.

Does anyone have any experience with wireless home security systems or home surveillance? I've also looked into http://nextalarm.com/ and some others but I like the features and web interface of alarm.com the most.

 

my uncle owns a home security company. ive done some work for him, but have never messed with the wireless alarms. i dont think he has either. i would just be running wires and hooking up sensors, so i cant be much help. if you need any questions about that part feel free to pick my brain though.

that stuff looks super high-tech. i havent worked with him in a couple years, but i'll ask him about this stuff next time i see him.

 

I'm interested in the X-10 Module technology. Supposedly i can connect an X-10 module to AC wiring and it will allow me to control the lighting in the house from the alarm system. The lights will flash when alarm goes off, or I can set lights to come on <event>

<event> = alarm is disarmed, door is opened, set lights to come on every weeknight at 6pm so I can see when I get home, etc.

I don't know if I'll need a separate X-10 module for each light I want to activate, or if they'll all be on a system once it's installed. I don't really understand how the houses are wired. It's brand new construction .

 

I used to have ADT at my old house. Not wireless but when they installed it, it didnt seem complicated at all..and it was a damn good alarm system.

Sorry I cant be of any more help lol wireless does seem real hi-tech both in a good a and bad way.