Reliable Home Security

Today we'll examine part three of the five part series on SafeMart's innovative new home security package: SmartMoney

Every company's home security system is "reliable." And by that (including the scare quotes) I mean that every company claims their system is reliable. Ok, so lets look at this in two ways. If you're choosing a home security system, especially if you're choosing monitoring, there are two aspects to reliability: the reliability of the system itself (panel, accessories, etc) and the reliability of the company you choose. We'll examine both.

Lets start with the system itself. This is a generally true statement, so long as you're choosing a reputable company. If you're not, beware. I know of many companies who either sell older, dated models as the newest item out there, or they actually sell junk equipment. In choosing a home security system, make sure you choose the right system (Ademco Vista 20P, DSC 9047, either GE Simon system, etc). Don't go with knockoff names or systems that aren't big names in the industry.

Now to the second point: the reliability of the company. When you're choosing a system, its not enough to ensure that the system is top of the line; you need to make sure that the company you go with is top of the line as well. Why? Because you're relying on this company to help you get the best product, at the best price, with valuable, dependable technical support. And you want to make sure that if something happens with your system, you have someone who knows what they're talking about that you can call for help. Some of these companies you see running around probably won't even exist in six months. Is that who you want to trust with protecting your most valuable possessions?

Ok, now we've laid ground rules, lets move on to application. How does the SmartMoney Home Security Package fare with regard to reliability?

The DSC 9047 is an incredibly reliable system, recognized as such across the industry. The accessories that come with the system are similarly state of the art, and they are all backed up by solid manufacturer warranties.

Now to the company. SafeMart offers trained tech support and customer service. The SmartMoney package is programmed for you by trained professionals with a great deal of experience in the industry. If anything goes wrong, you can be certain that SafeMart will still be there, still offering the same great service they always have. But don't take my word for it. Look at our report on the BBB (hint, we have an A+ rating), or at the Inc 5000 (annual list of the fastest growing private owned companies in the nation...yeah, we're on there!).

Simple Home Security

Simple home security has never been easier... no really, I mean it!

Welcome back to part two of our five part series on SafeMart's new home security package: SmartMoney. Today we're going to be looking at the simplicity of the thing.

Lets run through an ordinary DIY purchase and installation, and then lets compare SmartMoney and see how it stacks up.

Ok, first the DIY. Once you've decided you want to go DIY, you'll need to choose your system, and your accessories. If you're ordering from a reputable company, you'll be able to get someone to help you do this. Once you've decided, you purchase your system, and wait for it to arrive. Now its at your house. You need to install the system. So, you read through the installation manual, and trudge ahead. If you chose one of the more popular systems from SafeMart, you'll receive an installation DVD that makes it pretty easy. Still, you have to program your entire system, install sensors and then do a test. At this point, if everything is working, you'll be ready for monitoring. And, again, if you went with a reputable company they should be offering you free tech support during this process. So, its not overly difficult, but you will have to do some wiring, be familiar with some industry terms to really follow the installation manual, and then actually program it yourself.

Now on to SmartMoney. With SmartMoney, once you decide you want to go with this system, you'll see an easy webform with your options laid out. No guessing as to which accessories go with the system, they're all on screen for you to see. What happens next is really what simple home security is all about. You'll receive an email with a list of all of the items you purchased. That email has a link to a pre-programming page. Here, you simply tell SafeMart which device is supposed to go where in your home. After that, they program it for you. When your package arrives, all of the sensors are already programmed in, and the system is ready to go. All you have to do is set time and date, change your user codes, mount the sensors and do a simple test. And, the SmartMoney package includes a DVD to walk you through even those basic steps.

So, what am I saying? Should you always choose SmartMoney over DIY? Absolutely not! For many people, DIY is the best possible option. They're inclined to "do it themselves" and they're ready for the task. It will save them some money and allow them to "get their hands dirty." But, if you're looking for a really simple home security solution, it doesn't get any better than SmartMoney. Stop by and take a look!

GE Concord 4: Wireless Security from GE

The GE Concord 4 isn't something we've talked about before, so I thought now was as good a time as any.  This'll just be a quick run down of the main features and benefits of a Concord system, so lets get started.

The Concord 4 is a hybrid home security system.  It has:

• Up to 96 zones, either hardwired or wireless
• Built in siren
• Compatibility with all GE Security crystal and SAW learn mode sensors
• Easy expansion
• Much more

The Concord 4 is a reliable, home security system that will take care of all of your home security needs and can be easily expaned to meet almost any security function.  Its also very affordable.

GE Simon XT Best Practices

Recently, we received the following question on our forum:

"I am about to receive my Simon XT for installation in my 2 story house with three entry doors (front, rear, through garage) and 12 windows on 1st floor.  I am thinking of installing the following:

Great room which includes the rear door and 6 windows: (a motion sensor and a glass shatter sensor)

The living room/dining room combo with 5 windows: (a motion sensor and a glass shatter sensor)

The hallway with front door, and a side hallway branch including the garage entry door and a window: (a motion sensor)

Here are my questions:

1- Should I install door and window contacts as well?

2. What are the best programming practices for Simon XT that everyone should use no matter the number or type of sensors?

3. Are there multiple GSM modules available for XT and if so, which one would you recommend?

Thanks."

Ok, lets answer these questions one by one.  

1. Should you install door and window contacts as well?  Yes!  Why?  A motion sensor is a great idea, but it should always back up existing security, not be the principle source of protection.  It will work well in conjunction with door/window contacts, not on its own.  A glass break sensor is also very helpful, but what if the thief doesn't break the window?  What if he pries it open?  Then your glass break sensor does nothing.  Because of their stated limitations, both motion sensors and glass break sensors should be used to complement door/window sensors, not to replace them.

2. What are the best programming practices for Simon XT that everyone should use no matter the number or type of sensors?  This is a difficult question, because every application is different.  So, what are the basics that everyone should do?  The best advice I can give you is to lay out your entire system and plan everything out before you begin programming.  It will save you a ton of time and frustration.

3. Are there multiple GSM modules available for XT and if so, which one would you recommend?  There are really two options available from SafeMart that will work with the XT.  The first GSM module is the GE Simon XT GSM Wireless Cellular Module, which is designed for the XT and retails at $249.00.  The second is just a generic GSM Module of which the Uplink DigiCell AnyNET GSM Cellular Communicator, is just one.  It retails for $239.11.  Ok, now which do we recommend?  For the XT, we recommend the GE Simon XT GSM Wireless Cellular Module.  Why?  Every other GSM module is only going to report that an alarm happened, not what happened.  The GE XT GSM Module has contact ID reporting, which means that it will state exactly what sensor was tripped, allowing the monitoring company or you to know if there is a fire or a burglary, or a freeze alarm.  For the money, its the only GSM module worth buying if you have the XT.

GE Simon XT

The GE Simon XT is an advanced, versatile, user-friendly wireless home security system.  I just wanted to share a little product demo video with you about the XT.  And remember, if you purchase a Simon XT Kit from SafeMart.com, you receive a free Installation DVD, available exclusively from SafeMart.

GE Simon 3 Installation Manual DVD

The second complete installation DVD is now available.  The Simon 3 DVD Installation Manual is a detailed, step by step video covering all common applications, and a few "advanced" applications, such as Aux. Power Supply and Relay for an External Siren.  At over 50 minutes, it offers tremendous value to the Do It Yourself Installer.  And, its absolutely free when you purchase a Simon 3 Kit from SafeMart.  Its all part of SafeMart's goal to bring the greatest possible value to their customers.  

Here's a teaser video of the full DVD:

FAQ - Lithium Batteries

There's still a great deal of incorrect information about the reliability of wireless systems.  We've addressed that before on this blog, and its addressed in more detail here.  Right now, I'm only going to address one question, and that's concerning battery life.   Here's where another advance in technology has helped make wireless security an ever better option: and that is lithium batteries.  Most newer wireless devices now use lithium batteries, meaning you only have to change sensor batteries every 7-10 years.  Its all part of the manufacturers goal to make home security systems easier and easier for the end user.

Security Cameras Strike Again!

Security video helps with the capture of two Easter Sunday burglars

Here again is another example of just how well home security cameras work. Check the link above for the full story. Suffice it to say, two burglars broke into a number of homes, successfully robbing them. Someone caught the thieves in action on their home surveillance system, released the video to the media, the Sherriff’s Department and YouTube, and they were caught.

Security cameras offer a great deal of protection and peace of mind at a relatively low price. And, as the people in the story discovered, they’re worth the investment.