Home intruder alarm - self install - where to start?

[bl0at3r]

I'm interested in installing my own intruder alarm at home - I also want it to be able to txt/email me if it goes off. If it could link in with my CCTV somehow that would be cool.

Anyone got any idea where to start?

I live in a bungalow so am happy to run wires through loft for PIRs, but also don't want wires on display - for example round window frames for sensors etc.

Also what about at night - do you set the alarm but with a reduced number of sensors? Don't want to set it off when going to the toilet or getting a drink from the kitchen for example.

Is there an alarm related forum?

Thanks

 

[F1.2]

I fitted a full system myself about 5 years ago

Easy to install , fully wireless , and its proved to be very reliable , no false alarms

I make a point of checking all the switches every 3 months and replace all the batteries every year

It also covers my garage and shed in the garden , had to fit the main control panel in a position central to all the alarm sensors

It does not have the text or CCTV you mention but I would think you could get them

I started by talking the a alarm system supplier for advice , they provided all the kit I required including a wireless smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm

 

[MarcM]

Most alarm sensors allow you to fit dialler type devices. They normally connect to the same circuit as the sounder, so when the alarm goes off, it sends a signal to the dialler to do its thing. I guess the same would apply to one that offered texting facility.

I like the idea of having all windows and external doors on the same zone so that you can set that at night and roam around the house without fear of setting off the alarm.

 

[Suvv]

I have a Yale system.
You can set each sensor to be ON all the time (I use that for a window leading to a flat roof which would only be opened in an emergency), HOME which means that it is not active when the system is in Home mode (Landing sensor and bedroom sensors are set to this) and AWAY which activates all sensors.
Full range of sensors available, just pick what you want and add as required.

Mine does not have a dialling facility but they do systems which will ring a number (up to 3 IIRC) and which can be set remotely via a phone.
Easy to install, optional mains supply to control panel - battery backup, sensor battery monitoring and full log of all events.

No problems in 5 years

 

[Russ77]

I have a Yale system.
You can set each sensor to be ON all the time (I use that for a window leading to a flat roof which would only be opened in an emergency), HOME which means that it is not active when the system is in Home mode (Landing sensor and bedroom sensors are set to this) and AWAY which activates all sensors.
Full range of sensors available, just pick what you want and add as required.

Mine does not have a dialling facility but they do systems which will ring a number (up to 3 IIRC) and which can be set remotely via a phone.
Easy to install, optional mains supply to control panel - battery backup, sensor battery monitoring and full log of all events.

No problems in 5 years

Sounds exactly the same as the alarm that I fitted in my new home back in March.... the same one that my Dad & Brother have been using for the last 6 years

Works very well and IMO the fact that it'll make phone calls when activated it more useful than having the siren mounted on the wall outside.

If someone's hell bent on getting into your house they'll do it but these alarms do offer a little more peace of mind and for what I consider a reasonable £200 or so

 

[bl0at3r]

Thanks - I am looking at a hybrid system apparently - a mixture of hard wired pir sensors and wireless door contacts and vibration sensors.

Will update with what I've purchased shortly