SimpliSafe & Blue Iris (A Match made in Heaven)
- Thread starter Tiger_Claw
- Start date
- Aug 23, 2014
- 151
- 22
My Honeywell Vista 21ip system is monitored for $30.00 a month with no contract. Includes IP primary and Cell backup, email/text notifications for alarms, disarms, customize-able sensor open/close notifications and ability for remote access to control system functions. On top of that, I get the reliability of my system since it was installed with quality sensors, and the appropriate sensors were installed accordingly (100lb immunity dual tech motion for large dog, Outdoor sensors to monitor generator, combination of glassbreak and shock detectors to cover perimeter, 194° heat in attic, 135° heat in garage, utility rooms and kitchens', CO detectors installed in appropriate locations, combination of voice siren and horn/strobes for proper notification of each type of alarm etc. etc).
SimpliSafe is great if you want to know if your front/backdoor door is open. It's a one size fits all system, and that just won't work properly in most houses.
If you're a homeowner, and want to properly protect your house from burglary/fire, stay away from SimpliSafe, and get a real alarm such as Honeywell, DSC, GE etc.
SimpliSafe is great if you want to know if your front/backdoor door is open. It's a one size fits all system, and that just won't work properly in most houses.
If you're a homeowner, and want to properly protect your house from burglary/fire, stay away from SimpliSafe, and get a real alarm such as Honeywell, DSC, GE etc.
Exactly my point. Simplisafe system is just that. If you want to feel Simply Safe, buy their crap. If you want a come te customized system, choose Honeywell Ademco Vista Series or 2GIG.
- Aug 23, 2014
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They must have some really sophisticated heroin addicts where they're from. The ones around here don't sit down the road in the suburbs monitoring RF or doing smash and grabs with cell jammers. 99% of them knock on the door first to see if you're home and then go around to the back.
You're missing the point. The purpose of the security system is to detect the intruder before they enter the protected premises as reliably as possible without causing false alarms. This is where Simplisafe lacks. Simplisafe has one type of sensor to detect glass breakage, one type of sensor to detect openings of doors, windows, garage doors, and one type of sensor to detect motion. The system has absolutely no selection of sensors to fit the variety of environments in a residential/commercial installation. For example, the homeowner wants to install the door/window sensor on their doublehung window, using one sensor to detect both the top and bottom of the window opening, however, the standard SimpliSafe sensor may be too big to fit on their window. With SimpliSafe, they're SOL, however, with Honeywell, you have at least 5 different types of door/windows sensors in different shapes and sizes that may fit that particular window properly.
Example 2- A homeowner wants to protect a window in a room that is hostile to acoustic glassbreak detectors (May have pet birds or another variable that will cause a glassbreak to false alarm). Well with SimpliSafe, there's only one option to detect glass-breakage, looks like you're SOL again. With Honeywell, you can use their wireless shock detectors, or can use a 3rd party shock detector, and make it wireless using Honeywell's wireless shock processor.
Example 3- A homeowner wants to install a motion detector in their hallway, however, they have a 80lb dog. With SimpliSafe, they're SOL again. SimpiSafe only offers a motion detector immune up to 50lbs. Honeywell offers multiple variety of motion detectors up to 100lbs pet immunity.
Example 4- A homeowner doesn't have any pets and wants a motion detector that doesn't have reduced sensitivity due to pet immunity. SOL again lol
Example 5- A homeowner wants install a motion detector in a hostile environment where a standard PIR sensor would false alarm. Looks like you're SOL again. Honeywell offers Dual tech motion detectors. Dual tech motion detectors use both PIR and Microwave technologies to detect motion. Both the PIR and Microwave sensor must trip before an alarm will occur. This will greatly reduce the chance of a false alarm in certain environments (I only use Dual Tech motions).
Example 6- The homeowner wants to have proper fire detection on their system. SOL again, SimpliSafe only offers a wireless smoke detector. Smoke detectors can't be installed in kitchens, attics, boiler rooms, laundry rooms, garages, etc. you need a variety of 194 and 132 degree heat detectors to protect those areas. On top of that, SimpliSafe doesn't even offer a smoke detector with built in heat detection. Honeywell's 5808W3 smokes include a 135 degree heat detector for an extra layer of protection.
Example 7- The homeowner wants an alpha keypad or graphic touchscreen so they can read in plain English the status of their system without having to login to their phone or computer. SOL again.
Example 8- The homeowner who installed a Honeywell, GE, 2GIG system decides they aren't happy with the service being provided to them by the central station. They can simply cancel the service and find another alarm company. SimpliSafe users are stuck with Simpisafe, the system cannot be monitored by anyone else.
Example 9- SimpiSafe goes out of business, everyone who has SimpliSafe are stuck with hundreds of dollars worth of paperweights. Anyone who has a real alarm system can simply switch to a different alarm provider.
These are just a few examples as to why SimpliSafe is not an adequate security system. If I haven't gotten the point across by now, then so be it, I'm not going to sit here and write a paper on the topic lol. In the end, its your house and you're entitled to install whatever kind of alarm system you want.
However, I believe before a DIYer installs a security system, the system should be researched and some knowledge should be gained on how alarm systems function before sensors are just slapped on doors, and walls etc. Remember, when that system activates, you're going to be generating a police/fire response and may be taking resources away from another emergency. False alarms can be greatly reduced by using quality sensors, and installing them in their proper environments (not putting a smoke detector in a garage etc).
- Aug 23, 2014
- 151
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That's the general approach. Break a window and climb through vs opening a door or sliding open a window and triggering an alarm contact. This is why Glass Breaks and Motion Detectors inside are very important. If you have cats/dogs inside Glass Breaks are your best option for areas where the animals freely roam.
I myself limit these areas when I'm away and close all interior doors. This allows me to place the highly sensitive Motion Detectors inside the closed rooms. Each room is also protected by the basic alarm contacts on Windows and doors as well as a Glass Break covering the Windows.
Another very important thing to consider is the location where you place the alarm Base Station. Locate it in a secured room protected like that mentioned above.
Worse case a burglar gets into your house without triggering an alarm contact and/or Glass Break. Ok, not a problem... Just remember this... Place alarm contacts on both sides of all interior doors that you close. At some point the burglar will open these doors setting off the alarm. The beauty is that they can only see the contacts on the door from the side they gained access to. It means more contact points, but it's worth it in the long run.
Major worse case.... Tom Cruise is on your roof and has all the electronic countermeasures known to man.
Be aware and be safe.
Tiger
- Aug 23, 2014
- 151
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I have both cats and dogs and my system is working great.
Your system clearly deserves its own dedicated thread. Don't worry, I won't bash it like you enjoy doing here.
Tiger
Because you restrict access to where the motions are installed...
I'm not bashing your particular system. I'm bashing simpliSafe for the lack of options of sensors. They claim their system is superior, and make other false claims on their website, yet, they only offer very basic components.
I'm sorry If I offended you, my purpose was to educate other forum members who might be considering an alarm system. The dialog is important so they can see the pros and cons of each system and draw their own conclusion.
- Aug 23, 2014
- 151
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All your doing is attempting to make SimpliSafe look like a bad choice. It isn't. Most people don't need optional Motion Sensors and Glass Breaks technology. It's just another form of selling a different product and making similar claims like SimpliSafe.
In all honesty I could tear into each of your listed con's, but I won't. I don't need to. SimpliSafe is awesome if installed correctly and with enough devices covering your home. Door and window contacts alone aren't enough with any brand of system. That would be a basic install.
Your right about one thing. People do need to be educated. There is simple and more complex systems. Each can provide a level of awareness and protection if installed correctly.
My personal vote is for more people to get a system installed before getting burglarized. Sadly, most don't until after the crime is committed.
I also want to STRESS the extreme importance of connecting an audible alarm to your system. That is your #1 means of raising the stress level of the intruder and getting them to bail the scene ASAP.
Again folks....
If you can afford it, get IP PoE cameras as well and consider using Blue Iris and its mobile app. Cameras outside provide a visual deterant as well.
Yes; camera's are my primary line of defence at providing visual awareness. This is important with any security system. Analog, IP or even fully wireless systems like Netgear Arlo can help you achieve this. Each system has its pros and cons. That's the nature of things and for the consumer to decide what they can afford, etc.
What makes me happy is when people add a layer of protection to his/her home, property, etc.
Tiger
Logical points, thanks. I don't have huge pets, but I do like the idea of the heat detectors in the attic and garage and may look into it myself for that reason.
No problem, generally speaking, 194° heat detectors are used in attics and 135° heat detectors are used in garages, boiler rooms, kitchens etc. Honeywell only offers a wireless 135° heat detector. If you need the heat detectors in the attic to be wireless, you can use the System Sensor 5604 heat detector in conjunction with the Honeywell 5817CBXT wireless fire transmitter.
SimpliSafe could be a good or bad choice depending on an individuals needs and wants for future expansion and customization. In your case, SimpliSafe was a good choice for you and it seems to fit your needs. In my case, SimpliSafe would be a horrible choice because it can't do half of the things I would need it to do. Yes, I do agree in regards to the audible alarm, the louder the better lol.
smiticans:
Who provides monitoring service for $30/mo? Is it cellular with Smartphone capability? Did you buy the system from them?
Who provides monitoring service for $30/mo? Is it cellular with Smartphone capability? Did you buy the system from them?
I use AlarmGird and I pay $30.00 a month (month to month with no contract). The $30.00 a month includes central station monitoring, IP primary and GSM back-up for communications and Total Connect 2.0 (ability for remote control with computer, smart phone, and text/email alerts upon alarms, arms, disarms, sensor open/close notification etc.)
The plan I have now has been changed to $35.00 a month and it includes the ability to have remote z-wave control (I don't have this option). I believe if you request it, they can give you the $30.00 a month plan without the z-wave option.
No, I did not buy the system from AlarmGrid. I purchased the main control panel from a reputable seller on eBay. You can usually find good deals on eBay, however, you need to make sure the seller is reputable and the items are new.
There are other alarm companies that charge less than $30.00 a month without contract with all the features I mentioned above, however, I prefer AlarmGrid due to their superior customer service.
I know this thread is a bit aged, but here is my take, including references to fairly recent articles on SimpliSafe from experts in the field.
Determining whether or not a security system is "good" is subjective. If a product meets your needs, then it's good for you.
That said, in NO WAY, shape or form, can SimpliSafe be compared to established alarm system manufacturers such as Honeywell, GE, DSC, etc.
This article does a perfect job explaining why:
www.securitysales.com/article/simplisafe_diy_security_system_investigation_yields_disturbing_results
While this article shows exploitation of SimpliSafe vulnerabilities:
www.securitysales.com/article/simplisafe_diy_home_security_system_inherently_insecure_and_prone_to_hackin
I think worrying about 'jamming' radio frequencies, or worrying about unencrypted wireless communication between sensors and panel is a bit overboard. While yes, I have a rooted Android phone in my backpack that has an SDR (Software Defined Radio) and a USB OTG attachment that allows me to capture and transmit on the majority of wireless spectrum, the people who break into homes don't have the background I do.
Further, you would have to first perform a spectrum analysis to identify the used frequency (and somehow screen out other alarm systems in neighborhood). From there, you would have to sit around for a while, as wireless systems are not continuously sending traffic. Basically, in the amount of time it would take to capture pin codes, or other targeted methods to disable a system, you could have broken into 5 houses and been done with it.
While yes, jamming would be easier, that requires even more hardware, as you need a device that can overpower a wide range of frequencies (from 300 MHz to 2.4 GHz), from 100-300 feet away. While it's trivial to find and purchase such hardware, being able to jam that wide range at those distances becomes very expensive.
Unless you have attracted the legendary Pink Panthers due to your hoard of diamonds sitting in your guest bedroom, it's crazy to worry about these things.
I think SimpliSafe is perfectly adequate. That said, when SimpliSafe came out, the big players were not yet really providing solutions for the DIY community and rarely could you find month-to-month monitoring or remote control. Plus, Zwave, Zigbee, 2GIG, etc. didn't really exist in the capacity they do now. Considering these current technologies, and the integration with smart locks, lights, alarms, cameras, etc. and services such as Alarm.com, or Honeywell's Total Connect 2, I can't come up with a reason to even consider SimpliSafe.
After significant research, I've decided to build my ground-up system around the Honeywell Lyric, with month-to-month monitoring and remote control through HoneyWell's Total Connect 2.
tangent
IPCT Contributor
- May 12, 2016
- 4,622
- 3,974
I'm not sure I've ever seen a honeywell, dsc, or ge alarm where the installer actually bothered to turn on the RF jam detection setting.