Over a year with the system and still love it.

Posted May 20th, 2010 by stevefolk

To anybody who is on the fence: this system is worth it. I have owned the system for over a year now with no complaints. A major question typically involves the battery life of the components. After fourteen months I finally had to replace the four AA batteries in the keypad. That is it. I have tested the sensors on numerous occasions and my domicile is locked down like Fort Knox. I have had no issues with radio interference etc. that affects some wireless systems.

The greatest benefit is peace of mind. I know that if a sensor trips my phone will ring and, should I not answer, the police will be summoned. The added perk of an optional chime when a door is opened is a reason for the system in and of itself. If a young one gets adventurous and opens a door the chime and flashing blue light makes us aware. A sensor may have to go on the liquor cabinet some day!

Setup is a breeze. However, should and issue arise, customer support is amazing. The only time I called support was for a remote that wasn't working. One of my three remotes was immediately replaced, sent to me at no charge (Thank you Chad). A design change has eliminated the problem I had for future users, a very proactive approach.

I'll keep an eye on this thread in case anyone has any questions for a somewhat longtime owner.

For the electronically inclined:
I have an electrical engineering background so... I have had some fun with a few components. The entry sensor can be made into a glass breakage detector for a basement window with some foil tape and/or a mercury switch wired parallel to the magnetic reed switch. My next project will probably involve smoke detectors once (if) work slows down. Either an Arduino board listening for a siren or something more creative. I have noticed that a solenoid coil in place of the piezo siren in a smoke detector will trigger the magnetic reed switch of an entry sensor. I'm just not sure that is elegant enough. I may look into the linked smoke detectors and see what type of signal is sent through the system.

Thank you to the SimpliSafe team!

-Steve

Thanks for the great

On June 11th, 2010 dave says:

Thanks for the great feedback and the kind words Steve! We loved reading about what you've been up to with your system and look forward to hearing more :)

Dave

------------
SimpliSafe Wireless Security System
Live. Safely.

So...I'm now well into year

On May 17th, 2011 stevefolk says:

So...I'm now well into year two. I have moved and taken the system with me to replace an existing alarm at the house I bought. This is by no means a system that can only be used to protect apartments. This, for almost 8 months, has been protecting a house with no range issues with the wireless sensors. The tinkering I discussed in my previous post will soon be moot as the company is releasing new sensors and a new base station. Since my above post additional features have been added. My phone now lets me know every time the system is armed or disarmed. While on vacation I know exactly when my house was entered to take care of the pets and when they left. (They can no longer say they played with the animals for a half hour when I know what actually occurred). I would even get a text message if I had a sensor with a low battery but this has yet to happen. I have only had to replace the keypad batteries.

Thanks again to the SimpliSafe team.

-Steve

Just a very satisfied customer

Hi Steve, On the fence here!

On July 26th, 2011 khashburn says:

Hi Steve,

On the fence here! Help! Push me one way or the other. I need security for about 2800 sq ft. I am considering the simplisafe with window sensors for downstairs (16 windows) and motion detectors.
My concerns are: too large for the range of base station and ability to secure home while inside with motion detectors. Have you experienced or use the on/off feature of motion detectors while home?

Thanks for the helpful info to date.

Kim

Hi Kim, I use the feature in

On July 30th, 2011 stevefolk says:

Hi Kim,

I use the feature in this way: When the alarm is set to "Away," all of the motion sensors are armed and active. While armed in "Home" mode, the motion sensors in the basement and on the first floor are active while the sensors on the second floor are inactive. This is where the bedrooms are. I still have door and window protection active throughout in either arming mode.

I'm currently covering 2,600 sq. ft. plus the basement in a colonial style home. When I lived in a condo the motion sensors were active in away but only the entry sensors were armed while home.

In both cases, a few panic buttons rounded out the protection. The only range issues I had were due to the keypad and the base being too close. It was never an issue of a sensor being too far away.

Remember that a motion sensor pointed straight down from the ceiling can cover a number of windows.

Hope this helps,
Steve

Thanks Steve, I ordered my

On August 1st, 2011 khashburn says:

Thanks Steve,

I ordered my system and it should arrive tomorrow!

Kim

Thanks for the help Steve.

On August 9th, 2011 khashburn says:

Thanks for the help Steve. I received my system on August 2nd and I am up and running now. I have had a few magnet problems (falling off) but found some DAP putty for them. So far so good!

Thanks again for your helpful post.

Kim