Questions before I jump in.
After researching for hours on google, I am deciding on SimpliSafe alarm system. I have few questions though. Could please address them.
1. I need this system for San Jose, CA. Is the service available in this area?
2. I notice most of the customer are from east coast. Do you have customers from San Jose, CA and my zip code?
3. I read somewhere that your Alarm company is not registered in CA. In that case, does the police respond to the emergency calls from your dispatch center?
4. After I install the system, Do I need to tell my local authories about my alarm system for them to register and respond to emergency?
5. Like others, I am concerned about the new hardware upgrade. If I buy it now, upgrading a base unit later is enough or Do I need to change door sensor / motion detectors and key pad?
6. I don't have text service on my cell phone. Can I upgrade for the email/text service any time after sign up for basic monitoring?
7. If I forget to close one window while activating alarm, does the key pad nitify me about the open window or do I have to look at the base station all the time?
8. Will I get a text message about the open window?
9. Can I use VoIP phone connection like vonage to connect to base station as a back up to connect to dispatch center?
10. I read about the system can be defeated with RF jammers. But I am guessing it would be same risk with other alarm systems as well.
Thanks in advance.
@ TechWorker Thanks for
@ TechWorker
Thanks for posting! I will number the answers to make it easier for you!
1) Your area falls in a great coverage area and you should have no trouble with the cell network!
2) We have a substantial amount of customers in the state of California, including San Jose!
3) Our monitoring is done by a partner of ours in your area and they are registered! For further information contact our customer support line!
4) You should contact your local police department as to any alarm permit requirements.
5) All the current sensors will be compatible with the new base station, so only the base will be need to be swapped.
6) You can upgrade to Smart Alerts at anytime!
7) The keypad will display a message anytime a door or window (entry sensor) is left open.
8) Currently, the system won't send a smart alert for a door or window being open while the system is OFF, but on the upgraded Base Station, specific sensors can be set to 'Alert Only' which will send all activity on that sensor, including being opened.
9) VOiP typically is not reliable for the data transmission from our system, it has worked for some customers but I have also experienced it not functioning more often. It is not a reliable way to connect to dispatch.
10) A cheap pair of garden clippers could disable most traditional alarm systems.
Any additional information can be provided by our customer support team, just give us a call!
1888.957.4675
Ryan K.
SimpliSafe Wireless Security Systems
I am currently considering
I am currently considering Simplisafe or ADT. I really like Simplisafe's DIY installation and low monthly fee. And most importantly, no contract!!
But I have the following concern:
I am also living in San Jose, CA. Apparently, San Jose Police requires a second source of confirmation (of break-in) when the home security system is triggered before they would dispatch police officer. ADT has a two-way calling feature to provide the second source of confirmation. Does Simplisafe has something like this?
Thank you
@ who.s Thanks for posting!
@ who.s
Thanks for posting! We do know that the county of Santa Clara requires a permit. It sounds like your local police may require some form of enhanced verification. I would suggest calling them and finding out what qualifies for this stipulation.
Ryan K.
SimpliSafe Home Security
@who.s - it sounds like your
@who.s - it sounds like your PD needs "proof" other than an alarm that someone is breaking into your house before they dispatch. I would suggest investing into a network-capable DVR/camera system that you can log into from your phone. Usually police departments do this because of the number of false alarms they must respond to. In some jurisdictions, responding to security alarms is not a priority just because of the number of false alarms.
SimpliSafe doesn't have anything that competes with ADT's 2-way calling. So, this is where you weigh your options. Do you spend $200-400 on a few cameras and a DVR and get SimpliSafe at $15/mo with no contract, or do you go with ADT, where you would likely get the equipment for free, but have to pay an installation fee of $50-100, plus you pay more per month: $40-60/mo AND you're locked into a 3 to 6 year contract.
The savings just from the lower monthly cost far outweigh the cost of investing in your own "second form of verification." And, if you feel you don't need the security system being monitored, you can cancel any time.
However, if you want all of ADT's "bells and whistles" like fire & CO monitoring, full home automation, managed camera/DVR system, and glass break sensors -- be prepared to spend more than you would with SimpliSafe. (All except full home automation are "in development" by SimpliSafe, but don't count on a particular sensor or system being out soon.)
If it were me, I would pick SimpliSafe, even though it has its shortcomings. The price + no contract is what sells it for me.
I think one feature of the
I think one feature of the service that is easily overlooked is the lackof customer service after hours or on weekends. My system stopped working correctly at 7 pm on Friday night, but I have to wait until 9 am Monday to get any help. That leaves me with no security all weekend. Make sure you are satisfied with that level service before you spend hundreds on equipment!!