Home Security System Review – Ademco Lynx
Since this site is all about home security that you can do yourself, I thought that I would take a closer look at some of the burglar alarm systems available.
Ademco Lynx
Today’s focus is on the Lynx alarm system made by Honewell. The Ademco Lynx security system is a completely wireless burglar alarm in which the “brains” also known as the circuit board, keypad, siren, and back up battery are all contained in a single unit. Personally, I love this system but that probably has a lot to do with the fact that this was the first one that I ever installed by myself. Here is a list of pros and cons to the Ademco Lynx security system.
First let’s look at the good:
Easy to install – because everything is contained in a single unit, you only have to run one wire for power and one for the telephone if you are going to have alarm monitoring. As far as programming the system goes, it’s not too difficult (hey, I managed to do it by myself) but it isn’t going to be easy for everyone to do. If you are what I call “technically challenged,” then you may not want to undertake this project.
System Features – the Ademco Lynx has a good list of features that make this unit a good choice for a lot of different users. Some of the features include:
- 8 different user codes (great if you need to give out a different keypad codes)
- Up to 24 wireless zones (you can put as many as 24 wireless transmitters on the system. Wireless transmitters can be used as a door/window sensor, motion detector, glassbreak sensor, or smoke detector.)
- Up to 16 wireless button zones (the 4 button keyfobs take up a zone for each button that is programmed into the system so you can have up to 4 fully functioning keyfobs on the system)
- One (1) hardwire zone (not sure why you would need this but it’s there in case you do. Some people will place the unit next to their front door and run a wire for that door contact so that they don’t have to use a wireless transmitter)
- Supports two-way voice. This is an alarm monitoring option that allows the central station to listen to and talk to the premises.
- Voice descriptors – the system can be programmed to announce when something is opened. For example: someone opens a living room window. Instead of the system just showing you the number of that zone (let’s say zone 12) it will actually say in a voice living room window. Pretty cool if you can’t remember what every zone you have is associated with.
- Built-in message center – you can leave a message for yourself, your spouse or even the kids. This is a pretty cool, although seldom used, feature.
- Remote phone control feature – if you have the alarm system tied into your phone line, you can access the security system from any touch-tone phone. Great for people that want to arm/disarm the system without having to give out a keypad code. The system does have to be programmed for this to work and you have to have a phone line attached to it. Not the easiest thing for a novice to do.
As you can see the Ademco Lynx comes with quite a few features, not all of them will you want or even need but they are there for you if you decide to use them. Along with all of these great features, there are a few things that I don’t like about this wireless burglar alarm system. Here is my list of the bad:
Size – considering everything that has to be in the unit itself, I guess I shouldn’t complain about the size. However, since this alarm system has to be within easy reach of the main entry/exit door, it’s also going to be where everyone can see it. Coming in with measurements of about 10” x 7” it’s not the smallest wireless alarm system available and it kind of sticks out from the wall a bit.
Looks – although the Ademco Lynx isn’t the ugliest wireless alarm system that I have seen, it still isn’t all that aesthetically pleasing and since it has to be out in the open, I think that looks do matter.
Easy to disable – this is a design flaw that all wireless alarm systems have. Because everything is contained in one unit that is within easy reach, it really isn’t too much trouble for a burglar to simply tear the system off of the wall before it has time to send in an alarm monitoring signal. In order to make it more difficult for this to occur, it is a good idea to actually mount the system to the studs in your wall and not just use regular plastic anchors that I often see.
That’s it for my review of the Honeywell Ademco Lynx wireless alarm system. All in all it’s not a bad system. It does come with a few drawbacks but they are the ones that you will see with every wireless alarm system. I would use this security system in my home; in fact, I have used it in the past. It’s very reliable and relatively easy to install. When it comes to home security equipment I really trust Ademco’s home security products because they are built really well, do a great job and I’m fairly confident that they will be around for years to come.
Home Security – Will a Fence Help You or The Burglar?
What is it that we are taught is the American dream? A house, a spouse, 2.5 children, a dog and a white picket fence. There are many different types of fences available today. Fences are used to provide security, privacy, or just to make the yard look nice. It was Robert Frost who wrote “Good fences make good neighbors” but do they also provide good cover so that a burglar can break into your house? When it comes to home security, there are some fences that you may NOT want. Let’s take a look at both sides of a fence.
I have three categories that I like to put fences into; ornamental, privacy, and security. When it comes to residential home security some will do a better job of providing security than others will. Of course, as always there is are pros and cons with each category.
Ornamental – this is what I call the fences that do little more than look good and keep people from walking on your grass. They are usually around 4 feet in height and are easy to see through. As for providing you with good home security, they don’t do a whole lot in that area. They are easy to get over so they won’t do much to keep out a burglar but they are also easy to see through so at least they won’t provide any cover for the burglar to hide behind. They are available in heights up to 6 feet and the taller fences will do a better job of making it harder for a burglar to climb over.
Privacy – this is what I call the fences that keep your neighbors from seeing what is going on in your yard. There are pretty difficult to climb because they usually run about 6 feet in height and there aren’t any hand or foot holds. However, if you leave the gate unlocked, there wouldn’t be a reason for the burglar to climb over it when he can walk through the gate. The very nature of these fences provide great cover. Once a burglar is on your property, it isn’t likely that he will be seen by anyone on the outside. For home security, a privacy fence is a mixed bag, it’s good at keep burglars out but it’s also good at concealing them if they do get in.
Security – this is what I call the fences that are just plain ugly but do a really nice job at providing good home security. Although, I have to say that I have seen some really nice wrought iron fences that are really fantastic looking that could also fit nicely into this category. They are usually high enough as to make a burglar thing twice about climbing over (6 feet), are difficult to climb and my favorite security fences have spiky things on top to make it even more of a challenge. They also can be easily seen though, taking away the would be burglars privacy (as well as yours) and the gate is either electronic or at least kept locked.
Well there you have it. That’s my take on fencing and home security. When it comes time to fence in your property, I hope you will take into account your home security needs before you make a decision on what type of fence to install. Of course, you also have to factor in the cost of the fence, how easy they are to maintain, and how long they are expected to last. I’m not sure if fences really do make good neighbors but I am sure that some fences make a burglar’s job easier than others.
Home Security Company Review – The Big Guys
Today I wanted to talk about burglar alarm companies and give you the good and the bad of using a larger burglar alarm company. First off I want to say that I will NOT be naming names. I will only be giving you a general overview of what I see in the home security industry. Frankly, my pockets aren’t deep enough to handle a possible lawsuit if I were to name names. So, the following are just MY thoughts about using larger burglar alarm company. Do with the information what you will. Also this is just a general review of home security companies. It is not set in stone. Not every company is the same but I have noticed that in the case of burglar alarms, size CAN matter, it just depends where your priorities are.
Large Home Security Company Defined
Alarm companies come in all shapes and sizes from the one man/woman working out of their vehicle (sometimes referred to as “trunk slammers” all the way to the massive company with thousands of employees and multiple central monitoring locations. For today’s article, I only want to focus on the big guys. In this case I am going to say that a larger burglar alarm company is going to have more than four offices/locations and more than one central monitoring station. Okay, let’s get on with the…
…The Good and the Bad of Using a Large Home Security Company.
There are going to be pros and cons to any burglar alarm company that you use but the following list contains what I see as the “norm” when using a large home security company. First let’s go over the good or the pros of using a large security alarm company:
Cost – large burglar alarm companies have lots of buying power and therefore can keep your costs lower. The big guys that install thousands of systems can get the alarm system equipment at a much lower price than an alarm company that only installs a few hundred systems every year. So if you are looking for a good buy, then go with the big guy. The good news about cost is because there are more than one of these big companies out there, they will compete for your business.
Central Station Reliability – because the big guys usually have more than one central station, your alarm system is sure to be monitored 24/7. They have multiple back-ups in place. The smaller alarm companies usually only have one central station with one form of back-up. If you are concerned with making sure that your security system is monitored everyday no matter what, then you may want to use the larger home security company. That being said the little guys do a nice job of making sure that you are monitored without any interruptions as well as the big alarm companies.
Service Technicians – because the larger home security companies can offer their employees benefits, they get the cream of the crop. In addition to getting the better alarm technicians, they also can make sure that the techs get the most up to date training. The smaller companies don’t always get the better alarm installers because they usually can’t offer any benefits and when it comes to training, the small companies try to stay up to speed but if an installer isn’t on a job, they don’t make money and more often than not the small alarm company will opt for getting the job done now as apposed to getting training on new equipment. So, if having the latest and greatest in home security equipment is what you are looking for, then you may want to go with the larger burglar alarm company.
Area Coverage – I’m not really sure this one is good or bad but I think it warrants at least mentioning. Because of the size of the larger companies, they can cover a much larger area than the smaller alarm companies can. A small companies with only a few installers isn’t going to be able to travel as far as a larger companies with multiple offices. This really only matters if you have more than one house in more than one state. So, if you have more than one location to protect with a burglar alarm system and you want one company and one bill, then you may want to go with a larger security company.
Stability – a large burglar alarm company that has many different locations and is known nationally, is likely to be around forever or at least a very long time. They have a history and a future in the alarm industry. The companies with only one employee that does everything may not be around when you need them. Although, in my experience the one person companies have a tendency to sell your monitoring contract to one of the big companies anyway.
Warranty Plans – from my experience the larger companies have the option of getting a warranty plan. These plans are put into place so that the alarm company receives a small monthly fee in exchange for free service calls. Some of the larger burglar alarm companies have more than one warranty plan to choose from. You can pick the one that works best for you or none at all. The smaller companies will almost warranty their installation for the first year then you pay for any service calls and parts that may been needed to keep your alarm system in working order. I haven’t seen too many of the small companies offer any sort of a warranty plan but I could be wrong on this.
That’s it for the pros or the good of using a large burglar alarm company and it’s a pretty good sized list too. However, with every silver lining there is a cloud. Now let’s look into the cons or the bad of using a large alarm company.
Contract Length – for EVERY home security company on the planet, it’s all about receiving the monthly monitoring revenue. If you go with a large alarm company and you enjoy their lower installation fee, you will have to sign a monitoring agreement. That’s how they make their money. Most monitoring contracts will be for somewhere between 3 and 5 years. However, these contracts automatically renew and some of them will renew for another 3 years unless you give them written notice to cancel the alarm monitoring contract 30 days in advance. For most people, remembering to cancel a contract that you signed 3 years ago is a little difficult to do. There are some companies that will let you out after you have completed the initial term if you have a good enough reason (like moved out of their coverage area) but there are some companies that will go after you for the remainder of the contract no matter what. As long as you are aware of what you are signing, then go for it.
Your Just a Number - because the large burglar alarm companies have so many customers, it’s difficult to get any kind of personal service. If you are lucky, you will get involved with a sales person that is directly employed with the alarm company and they will make sure that you get good service but for the most part, you are just another monitored account. Someone who signed a contract and must honor that contract. I’ve worked with smaller alarm companies and in most cases they know who you are when you call and, therefore, give you personal service.
Long Waits for Service – this is one of the drawbacks of covering such a large area. The larger the area that an alarm company covers, the more likely the alarm technicians will be spread thin. If you happen to live in one of the areas that is farther from the base office and/or has fewer customers, the longer you can wait to have your security system serviced when it is having a problem. I’ve heard of customers having to wait a week or more to get there alarm system serviced because they happen to be the only service call in that particular area. And the alarm system won’t be functioning or doing anyone any good until it gets fixed. If you don’t mind being without your home security system or waiting for service, then going with a larger company may be for you.
Unprotected Openings – since it’s all about the recurring monthly alarm monitoring revenue, large alarm companies come up with these “affordable” packages that usually include something like: a keypad, 3-doors and 1-motion detector. If you live in an apartment, then this package may cover all of your perimeter openings but if you live in a house, you may be leaving some openings unprotected. The sales representative will tell you that the 90% of all break-ins occur through a door and not a window so you technically don’t need to protect your windows. Even though they are correct, statistically speaking, I personally wouldn’t want to take that chance. Of course, they would love for you to buy more protection but not at the expense of the sale. If you are okay with the protection that you get by going with an “affordable” package, then a larger company may be the way to go.
Well, that is my large burglar alarm company review. I think that I have given you a pretty good idea of what to expect when using a large alarm company. As you can see the good parts are pretty good but you have to weight the good with the bad. If you can live with the bad, then going for one of those alarm packages that you see advertised on TV may be the perfect home security solution. Once again, I would like to say that not all large companies may be as I have described (I haven’t worked for them all, nor do I want to) but in general these are the things that I have heard from others that have worked for or used their services. I just want you to be informed so that you can make the right choice for your home security needs.
