View Full Version : Simplisafe alarm system--any thoughts or experiences?
I am considering buying Simplisafe Alarm system https://simplisafe.com/.
It is a wireless system that is modular, with a do it yourself installation that looks simple. You can build it to be what you want with door & window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, fire and smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors. The basic level of monitoring is $15.00 a month and meets all of my needs. The company doesn't have any long term contracts and you are free to cancel at any time.
I would be interested in hearing any experience or thoughts.
thanks,
Ed
Couple of thoughts off the top of my head, if your internet connection is not battery operated what happens if power is shut off? Also how long before wireless jammers are available and common?
titsonritz
07-29-18, 23:18
53139
For sure.
Anything they or any other company can offer you right now you can do yourself and make it both better and less expensive. It comes down to how much time you're willing to invest to figure it all out. If the answer is little/none then skip everything below and place a call to someone like SimplySafe and have a system in place within days that will require minimal time on your part but comes at the cost of more money up front and long-term.
As with any security system layers are your best friend. Nobody said you can't use dogs, alarms, cameras, fake security signs/stickers, door locks, safe(s), etc. That said, each layer should also have it's own layers. In the case of security cameras or alarms; some allow for 3G/4G internet connection to protect in case of loss of internet. There's many options for battery backup which I would highly recommend to include putting all of your network/PC components on as well. Along these lines I would also look into your home network hardware/software to make sure it's strong against potential threats that could compromise your data and security before we go onto the next steps of the conversation because a weak firewall on your router/gateway for instance will leave you vulnerable to attacks regardless of what system you opt for.
With a branded package like SimplySafe I'm sure all of this can be had for a cost. Personally, I prefer to run my own system made from components that have zero monthly cost associated with ALL of the features available. You can get a camera or two from manufacturers like Foscam, Hikvision, etc. These may cost more up front but you have 100% of the features available to you out of the gate with no monthly service fees which will eat you up over the years. You can then couple with free apps like IP Cam Viewer which will give you lots of functionality with the primary use being alerts on motion to your mobile device or watching live. Taking it to the next level you'll want to invest in something like BlueIris software and pair it with either a PC, server or network attached storage to record video 24/7. More flexibility, more features and function and less $$ on the long-term. I despise paying monthly fees for anything I don't have to. This option would require a little more time to research and setup but well worth the time invested IMHO.
Up next, couple with door, window & motion sensors on a smart home controller for a customer security system. Again, for purpose of avoiding monthly fees I went with Z-Wave sensors & controls plus a VeraLite smart home controller. I've got over 50+ Z-Wave devices and it has added SO much convenience to our lives to be able to control countless things in our home regardless of if we're there or away. Scenes to automate processes you do daily or regularly are super nice.
From there, sky's the limit. You're only limited by your imagination & budget.
FromMyColdDeadHand
07-30-18, 08:45
I have a Arlo system by Netgear and I wouldn't do a cloud-only based system again. The internet is down and your system is useless and if there is someone at the front door, by the time the system routes through Ireland or whereever their server farm is, the person has left. You do get OK recordings, but it is a monitor, not a security guard...
Cloud is good because we are away from the house a lot, but it lacks real time ability. The audio function is USELESS on Arlo.
The reality is that BGs don't give a crap about cameras. Maybe that will change as they become more common and 1080 and higher resolutions actually give identifiable pictures.
Adrenaline_6
07-30-18, 09:43
The bottom line is, just like we advise everyone here about equipment. Buy once, cry once. You get what you pay for. Cameras do a great job if they actually capture an identifiable image. The cheap stuff that you find in kits, usually doesn't suffice. I design commercial systems for sales people as a profession. If someone tells you this $25-50 camera is just as good as this $500 camera is, it is the same as them telling you a Delton is just as good as a KAC.
I feel monitoring is a must ? mainly cause you will not always be around to check your remote phone and so on and in our case insurance discount about equals it out
reckon as the base layer that is a must
really only a couple monitoring companies out there and all the other ones tend to use the same ones anyway
they all suck but for insurance and so on ?
I do think a quality safe in the home would be the best security to have
door window sensors and glass break and movement are all needed from what I understand since folks can get in various ways
key deadbolts on all doors as in key from inside IF bad guys come in through a window or small opening most open the door to make quick work of getting everything out this slows them down some or can stop the quick dashers
Adrenaline_6
07-30-18, 13:46
Not sure if Simplisafe have fixed it since then, but
https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2016/02/17/simplisafe-alarm-attacks/#39c21d333b00
Not something I would consider but if you have a Costco membership they have it on sale this week.
Thanks to everyone who replied.
The issue with Simplisafe being hackable is definitely something that I need to investigate.
I agree, an alarm is a layer in security systems. I already have the other layers covered--a hardened home, gun safes, etc.
Dogs can be an issue if you are out of town and have to board them. Also, not all dogs are created equal in terms of their guardian abilities and hardness.
Dogs can be an issue if you are out of town and have to board them. Also, not all dogs are created equal in terms of their guardian abilities and hardness.
The single most important things dogs do is answer the door correctly. When criminals go door to door through a neighborhoods pretending to sell magazine subscriptions (or whatever) in order for you to open the door and give them a peek inside to decide if you have good stuff or not, an aggressive sounding dog does more than anything else to get you scratched off their "to do" list.
You don't need trained attack / security dogs, you just need a dog with a little bass in it's bark. ADT signs don't scare criminals, it just puts them on a time limit. So unless they know you have a bucket of Krugerands sitting in the open, they aren't going to even attempt to circumvent a dog to find out what you may have.
If you go out of town, yes you will need somebody to check in and take care of your dog. I've personally never done it without a house sitter to keep my dog comfy. This obviously requires a trusted friend, ideally one who lives in an apartment with a roommate and would love to have a house to himself for a week or so. Completely stock the kitchen and it's usually a done deal.
The single most important things dogs do is answer the door correctly. When criminals go door to door through a neighborhoods pretending to sell magazine subscriptions (or whatever) in order for you to open the door and give them a peek inside to decide if you have good stuff or not, an aggressive sounding dog does more than anything else to get you scratched off their "to do" list.
You don't need trained attack / security dogs, you just need a dog with a little bass in it's bark. ADT signs don't scare criminals, it just puts them on a time limit. So unless they know you have a bucket of Krugerands sitting in the open, they aren't going to even attempt to circumvent a dog to find out what you may have.
If you go out of town, yes you will need somebody to check in and take care of your dog. I've personally never done it without a house sitter to keep my dog comfy. This obviously requires a trusted friend, ideally one who lives in an apartment with a roommate and would love to have a house to himself for a week or so. Completely stock the kitchen and it's usually a done deal.
Dogs are a pain in the ass for my lifestyle. Not fair to the dog and very few people put that into consideration when getting a dog. I'm glad it works for you. I've watched a dozen videos this year alone from FB where dogs did zero to intruders and some of those dogs were breeds we'd expect to defend a house. One particularly well equipped thief came with one of those poles animal control uses and subdued a pitbull in short order.
I'm spending the money on hardening my doors, locksets and windows. I also have an alarm with an external siren. You can hear that damn thing a 1/2 mile away. These simple things have kept my business safe for two decades, I imagine they will work fine for my house. If not, I have insurance.
we had our alarm go off one time when we were out
response time was half hour or so for LEO we made it home before LEO showed up ?
the response time is something that is the issue an alarm makes you aware they are only there to let you know and hope the noise would scare some away ?
so I do not see alarm as anything other than hopes to scare away hope they see a more hardened target but I think alarms are a bit like car alarms today everyone has one so they are nothing but it does give us a break on home owners insurance
Not sure if Simplisafe have fixed it since then, but
https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2016/02/17/simplisafe-alarm-attacks/#39c21d333b00
They have a new gen 2 or whatever system that isn't compatible with the original that the attacks would work with. I'd hope they fixed that.
That being said I haven't heard of anyone actually exploiting the system to rob someone. Most are going to avoid a house with an alarm, even if they are easy to take offline. Lets me real most alarm systems still are going to use a landline, you can cut the cables where they come in as many don't move the phone box inside the house. That and a cell phone jammer would stop many others.
At the end of the day the alarm is a layer of protection. Same with dead bolts, not having scrubs that could hide someone breaking in, etc.
Dogs are a pain in the ass for my lifestyle. Not fair to the dog and very few people put that into consideration when getting a dog. I'm glad it works for you. I've watched a dozen videos this year alone from FB where dogs did zero to intruders and some of those dogs were breeds we'd expect to defend a house. One particularly well equipped thief came with one of those poles animal control uses and subdued a pitbull in short order.
I'm spending the money on hardening my doors, locksets and windows. I also have an alarm with an external siren. You can hear that damn thing a 1/2 mile away. These simple things have kept my business safe for two decades, I imagine they will work fine for my house. If not, I have insurance.
You missed my main point of dogs being a deterrence factor. Dogs are an "unknown" so they are respected by criminals more than alarms. Also dogs shouldn't be the only layer of security, but they are a damn good one.
And yeah, I have a friend with two dobermans who probably won't do anything if you break in the house, but they don't "look" like a dog that won't do anything and that probably keeps most people from breaking into his house.
Completely agree that if a dog just doesn't fit your lifestyle, then it just isn't an option.
I am considering buying Simplisafe Alarm system https://simplisafe.com/.
It is a wireless system that is modular, with a do it yourself installation that looks simple. You can build it to be what you want with door & window sensors, motion sensors, cameras, fire and smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors. The basic level of monitoring is $15.00 a month and meets all of my needs. The company doesn't have any long term contracts and you are free to cancel at any time.
I would be interested in hearing any experience or thoughts.
thanks,
Ed
Hi Ed,
I can't offer any insight on that set-up. However, I know several folks with "Ring" camera / alert on smart phone when someone approaches or knocks on your door.
They seem happy with it, but I think it is just a false sense of security. You alarm system is as effective as your local Police.
I guess that I am old school and prefer hard-wired equipment, but wireless is the future. I have used Brinks now ADT for many years. Great service and response.
The monitoring runs about $400 per year. Figure a decent alarm system from such a company will run several hundred dollars. I spent almost 2K with my original alarm, but
added switches almost every window, glass breaking sensors, smoke detectors, and several motion detectors.
You can get by with less. I`ve even known people to just post alarm placards at their residence when they have no alarms or even fake cameras. Every locality is different,
but here in Southern California typical break-in occurs in the day time with a knock at the door and when no one answers, then they just kick-in the front door. Saw just such
a video on the news last night. There was a camera and the guy didn't even care.
I agree about layers; check your windows, glass sliders, replace front door locks with longer dead bolts/ install steel plates on door frame. Consider a dog because most
burglars prefer an easy target. And finally, if you decide on an alarm check with the local PD Officers who work patrol. They should be able to recommend a good company. Local companies are usually less expensive all around for installation, equipment, and monitoring.
Good luck
RetroRevolver77
08-01-18, 11:55
A note on dogs, don't count on your dog to defend your home unless it's trained specifically as a "guard dog". A guard dog will not be socialized, will only meet other people in the form of bite work or it's immediate support human in the form of food. A guard dog is not treated as a pet. The less socialized the better. A protection dog is geared toward biting on command, can be socialized but it's main interaction with other people similar to a guard dog- is that it is used for bite work. However the difference being, a protection dog bites only on command without making decisions for itself and waits for that command to react while a guard dog makes a decision to bite without outside prompting. Two completely different training protocols. If you want to test your dog, have someone use a bite suit and come onto your property without you being present. Just because a dog barks or acts tough when people come onto the property- doesn't necessarily mean it would physically attack someone.
Doc Safari
08-02-18, 17:00
53139
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