Home Security - Using A Cellular Connection;

The Home Technology Store has just released a new Abbra Wireless Home Security Package - This new solution will provide monitoring over the cellular network instead of phone/broadband.

Abbra GSM Package

This system requires a SIM Card from AT&T or T-mobile. Many customers will do an "Add-a-Line" program for a lower cost. Another option, is these SIM cards, can be Pre-Paid Service Cards.

Do-It-Yourself Wireless Home Security with Cellular Dialer.

If you are looking for a do-it-yourself wireless home security system but you do not have a phone line or internet connection, the Abbra GSM Package is your solution. This system comes with a built-in Cellular Dialer, all wireless sensors and Includes 12 Months of Alarm Monitoring Service by NextAlarm.  

Not only for Homes – This packages is also Great for Construction Sites – Because this system is wireless, installs in just a few moments and communicates over the cellular network – This package is great for vacation homes and construction sites. There is no need to have a phone line – Just provide power, mount the sensors and arm.

12 Months of NextAlarm Monitoring Service – This package comes with 12 months of NextAlarm monitoring service. This service will monitor your alarm panel 24/7. When there is a problem they will call you and any emergency dispatch center you specify (police, fire..ect)

Call Up to 3 Local Numbers – Not only will this system dial the NextAlarm monitoring center, this system will also dial up to 3 private numbers notifying you, or a neighbor of the issue.

Uses AT&T or T-Mobile Service – Prepaid SIM card, or add-a-line.  Because this system uses the cellular network, you will need to provide some type of service plan to the panel. GSM Service is provided by AT&T and T-Mobile. Many customers use pre-paid cards to control the monthly costs.

Phone Home Security Communication – Default on Most Alarm Panels

All Home Security Systems carried by the Home Technology Store use the phone as the “Default” communication method. This is the least expensive method as you do not need to add any adaptors, and it does not cost any additional per month. This simply connects to your existing phone line. 

However, as many cable TV providers such as Comcast, or VOIP providers such as Vonage add more customers, the “Phone” port on the alarm systems becomes obsolete. The phone port on the alarm systems is not compatible with VOIP providers. For more information visit the following blog; VOIP and Alarm Systems.

Broadband Home Security Communication – Requires Broadband Adaptor 

As people switch to Cell Phones only, or add “bundled service” through their cable TV provider the need for alarm systems to communicate over the internet grows. By adding the ABN adaptor through NextAlarm, will easily adapt most alarm systems to broadband service and NextAlarm monitoring. This option does not cost any additional monthly fee, just need to purchase the ABN adaptor.  

Cellular Home Security Communication (Primary, or Backup) – Requires Cellular Adaptor

Cellular communication requires (depending on adaptor) either a monthly fee paid to your monitoring company, or a GSM card (Cellular Service), through AT&T or T-Mobile. Typically this method is used as a backup to the primary methods (Phone or Broadband). The GSM dialer can detect if the primary method fails, it will then send the alarm information over the cellular network.  

Picking a communication method for your home security system - should be based on your existing infrastructure. 

Starting with the least expensive option, then add based on your needs;

1. If you have a standard phone line (Not through the cable company or VOIP) then use the phone line as your primary. (No additional Costs)
2. If you have no phone line, but have a broadband connection, then use the ABN Adaptor as your Primary. (Requires Adaptor, but no additional Monthly Costs)
3. If you do not have phone line, or Broadband, then use Cellular as your primary… However when used in backup mode, this is the best method to backup phone and broadband. (Requires adaptor and monthly GSM service)

How does Relationship between NextAlarm and Home Technology Store work?

This is a question we get asked very often, and the answer is quite simple. For a long time Home Technology Store has sold alarm products and NextAlarm has provided monitoring service. In 2003 we decided to bundle our products with NextAlarm service making it easier for the customer, and less expensive. Today the Home Technology store is the exclusive "Authorized Agent" to find NextAlarm products and services online.

When you purchase a wireless home security system from the Home Technology Store, that is labeled to come include 1 year of NextAlarm monitoring service, we automatically setup your NextAlarm.com account for you. When you receive the equipment, you simply need to log-into your online account and activate the monitoring service.

This partnership has proven to be very sucessfull for both companies and our customers. Seeing our two companies work together so close, we are able to resolve issues much quicker than if a customer purchases a product and chooses to pick a 3rd party monitoring station.

Wireless Home Security Installation

Unlike many other Authorized Alarm Dealers, the Home Technology Store Provides you with a couple options for installation, Do it yourself or Professional Installation.  Many people being technically savvy and looking to utilize their skills to save a few dollars, are typically interested in buying a wireless home security system and installing themselves.  For others the security of knowing the system was installed and configured by a professional is worth the added expense.  

“Do-it-Yourself” Wireless Home Security Installation

If you are technically savvy and able to use a screwdriver – You are a good candidate for “Do-it-Yourself” installation of one of our wireless alarm systems, such as the Abbra or GE Simon. These systems feature easy to mount sensors and control panel. The programming can be challenging for those who like to “skim read” manuals, as missing steps can cause endless frustration – We do encourage everyone to read the manual prior to purchasing for do-it-yourself programming.

Pre-programmed? To make it easier on you, we for a small fee we can preprogram any of our wireless alarms systems prior to shipment. This service will enroll all sensors and setup all monitoring station settings so you simply apply power and mount the sensors using the included hardware.

Professional Wireless Home Security Installation

For those who feel installing a wireless home security system is beyond their technical know-how, or just don’t have the time to deal with it, we can provide professional installation. The service will include all programming, monitoring center setup, sensor locating and mounting and training on how to use the system. By adding the professional installation, you will have a working system with a 2 year installation guarantee.

The Truth About Home Security Pricing;

If you have shopped around for a home security system you have probably noticed many different price levels, contract lengths, and product offerings But found the overall end result is typically the same. You will pay anywhere from zero to thousands of dollars upfront, followed by a long-term monitoring contract, 2-5 years priced between $15.00 and $49.00... Have you ever wondered why there is such a price difference on the market? I will explain to you the game…

Game of Numbers:

First of all the security industry sale price is based on numbers and long-term profit. If the industry average is $39.00 per month on a 3 year contract, the company will charge you $1400 for service over the term. The average retail price for the equipment provided as a “$99 install” is generally valued under $300.00, for a net profit of $1,100.

Now, if you have ever traded in a car for a new… The first thing the finance department asks is, “what do want your monthly payment to be?” They will move numbers around to give you the least for your car, while matching the payment you want, in turn, you ignore the bottom line, but purchase anyway. The same is true in the security market, if you want a shorter contract – your monthly rate will increase. If you want a lower monthly rate, your contract will be extended. Either way, the company looks only at the bottom line to get the monthly rate at an amount you will purchase, while you ignore the bottom line.

Better Solution:

Buy the security equipment upfront. If you look at the math above, you can buy the equipment for less than the cost of the first year monitoring. Plus you can add additional equipment for extra protection for much less. If you shop around for monitoring you will find many other companies who are less expensive with no contract terms. NextAlarm.com for example, charges $14.95 per month if paid annually, and has never required a customer to enter into a contract, the customer can cancel at anytime.

If you look at the Abbra Wireless Home Security system – This system will cover 2 doors, 1 motion sensor, 1 keypad, 1 remote keyfob and 1 YEAR alarm monitoring service for $275… That is almost half of what the average person pays for 1 year of monitoring only. If you choose to continue after the 1^st year, $14.95 per month will be charged by NextAlarm.

Now, yes I am biased, as my company has been selling the Abbra system for 5 years, but the numbers don’t lie… It is a much better price for a high quality security system, with the same end result, your piece of mind.

Protecting your Vacation Home or Cabin While you are Away –

Unexpected events happen. But Sensaphone remote monitoring systems are on alert full time to notify you of threatening conditions, so you can respond quickly and prevent costly damages and disruptive downtime. From wireless capabilities to ultra-low temperature tolerant systems, you’ll find the right Sensaphone for your monitoring needs. Start protecting your investments today.

If you live in the northern states, you understand the importance of winterizing. If you furnace fails, and the pipes freeze you will have a huge mess the next time you come visit. The key is to prevent the problem from happening…. The solution is Sensaphone!

The Sensaphone Remote Dialer system will monitor for temperature, power failure, water detection, smoke detection and burglar alarm sensors. If there is a problem the system will dial up to 4 private numbers and notify you of the problem. You can also call into the unit to check the real-time temperature, if connected to a thermostat you can toggle between pre-set temperatures.

Sensaphone has a monitoring solution for any application. Here are the two most common models for home owners.

1. Sensaphone 400 – 4 Sensor inputs

2. Sensaphone 800 – 8 Sensor Inputs

The Best Home Security - Is to Be Noticed;

Visible - Yard Signs, Security Cameras, Window Stickers, Door Stickers

Even the best security system will not stop a burglar from attempting a break-in - Electronic home security systems are intended to keep a burglar from wanting to go any further.  The best method to prevent an attempted break-in - "Let it be known" that you have a electronic security or camera system.  These postings will make another destination look like an easier target.

Lighting - Landscape Lights, Interior Lights, Yard Lights.

Landscape Lights not only look good, but will add security. You don't need to spend a fortune on expensive landscape highlights, as simple solar lights that border your walk-way will add the ambient lamination needed. Post your Home Security Yard Sign, in a well lit location, as a visible warning to anyone who dare.

Don't Let the Burglar Call your Bluff.

Many reading this will wonder, do I even need a home security system or should I just buy a generic yard sign? As mentioned above, yard signs will help prevent by making other homes in the neighborhood a more appealing target. However, they do not prevent everyone... The burglar with nothing to lose, will try anyway.

By posting visible signs and stickers, along with a monitored alarm system is the best method to ensure your home and family is safe.

Hardwired Home Security Installation Tips

Step 1 - Planning

If you are planning a hardwired home security system there are a few things you need to think about.

1. Can you do it yourself? - These systems require advanced wiring and system programming. There is no standard method of installation like you find with light switches, or basic electrical system... We suggest having a contractor available, or before you purchase, spend an hour - download the manual and read it. This may save you hours of frustration.
2. New Construction or Existing? New construction, a wired system is typically more cost effective. If your home is finished, and walls are closed up - Look into a wireless system. There are many high-quality wireless home security systems on the market that provide the same reliability but can be installed in a 10th of the time.

Pre-Wiring

1. Home run Wiring - Best practice is to home run each security sensor. Run directly from the sensors future location, back to the alarm panel. Each sensor will take up 1 hardwired zone.
2. Loop Wiring - Smoke detectors require being looped from sensor to sensor. This is to trip the local sounder in each smoke sensor if any detect smoke.  This "loop" of sensors will take up 1 hardwired zone.
3. Document - Label each wire with the proper zone on both Ends... Have a wire run list that shows what each zone is and where it is located. Many manuals will have a zone list located on the back.
4. Sensor Locations - Leave enough wire at each sensor location, you can trim it back on finish out. Framers and dry wallers will cover the wire if you hide it. If there is no electrical box being used, liable the wire and show location to pull through. Notifying other contractors to pull the wire through wall board or door trim will keep your finish out less complicated.

Finish Out

1. Trim Back Wire to Length
2. Connect Sensors - Install the EOL resistor.
3. Mount the sensors in the proper locations.
4. Make connections at the alarm panel - Connecting each wire labeled with the zone, to the zone on the alarm panel.
5. Connect and mount each keypad
6. Connect the system battery
7. Connect System to AC power.

Programming

Here are the most common steps you will take to program your home security system... *Note - Do NOT change your access codes until you are done setting up the system.

1. Set Day & Time
2. Program Alarm Sensors
3. Program Alarm Monitoring Station Settings
4. Make any advanced Setting Changes, to Meet your Needs.
5. Change or Add access codes. Never make 2 codes the same, and IF you change it don't forget your Master Utility Code.
6. If you forget your master utility code, you will not be able to access the programming menu. Hopefully you have the system setup.

Testing

Before you activate any alarm monitoring service - You will want to test your home security system, to ensure it is operating the way you expect.

1. Arm the system and test your entry /exit delays. Most 1st time false alarms occur by not testing this properly. Make sure you can enter and disarm without tripping any other sensors - know your limits too, how far can you make it in before you trip the system.
2. Test each sensor to ensure it registers properly on the system.. This can be done by enabling a chime, having a 2nd person watch the keypad while you trip sensors... or arming the system and testing each sensor 1 by 1.
3. The security system manual may have some type of walk-through test instructions. Read your manual for the recommended method, but I always prefer to arm and test each sensor individually to ensure they are operating as I expect.

Enable Home Security Monitoring -

Once everything is tested and operating as you expect. It is now time to enable your monitoring service.

NextView - Internet Camera System

This is the first affordable "Home Security Camera" system with Internet Viewing and off-site recording. Connects to any wired or wireless network.

NEXTVIEW can be used as a "stand-Alone" solution or integrates with any existing alarm system with NextAlarm service. View and manage stored video and images through the customer portal interface at NextAlarm.com. Each camera can be associated with one or more zones (i.e. "front door view", "back door view", etc). Subscribers can also access images through their cell phone. The NextView iPod application is currently the only approved free remote camera viewing software.

 The system captures still photos every few minutes, and switches to live video during an alarm event. Archived video and stills can be reviewed any time. NextAlarm’s dispatch centers also have access to view cameras when an alarm is triggered.

"NEXTVIEW is perfect for the family or small business who needs that extra layer of security, but don’t have the budget for a dedicated video surveillance system" said Alex Elliot, NextAlarm’s founder and CEO. "No other alarm company is offering this type of service for such a low price"

NEXTVIEW is currently compatible with popular self-installable wireless cameras. NextAlarm is working on expanding compatibility with other cameras in the near future and will grow over time.

NextView Cameras start at $129.95 and require a $5.95 monthly fee. This service will include storage of video, snapshot images and real-time video. The service also allows for complete integration with any alarm system, or can be used as a stand-alone solution.