What's the best home security system for the $$?

simplified, there are two options: wired and wireless. the latter can be done with minimal labor and slightly more expensive parts - you might even be able to DIY. the former is the right way to do it, and running proper wires properly takes a good deal of time (read: money).

i think the ADT guys (who advertise incessantly on tv) do deals where you spread it out over the monthlies to some degree.

if you want it done right, find a local outfit that crawls all over kingdom come and wires it all proper. if you just want to shut your wife up call the teevee guys and their ilk.

g/l.

doody.

 

Yup, this will do it. Plus a Mossburg 500 with 00 buck will "close the deal".
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This company might help you. I know a fair amount about these systems but your questions are too broad. Start here and see if this answers them for you. Then if you have specific questions I'll try and answer.

( I'm not affiliated w/ this site)

http://www.smarthome.com/securmap.html

 

Hi, I used to sell for ADT. Their systems are good, they are used in very nice homes, banks, destroyers etc.... There is a dealer program that can give you a system at no charge, even installation is free. The catch is you have to sign up for a 3 year minimum. That said, hard wired systems take much longer to install but are more reliable and give more piece of mind. Now, if you call ADT CO. they will charge you for a system, 300-800 cdn depending on where you live. Call a local "authorized dealer" it could have any name ie: joe blow home security. And if you want out of the deal, write this down:
At the start of your second year, you have 15 days to state in writing that you want to cancel your contract with them. This letter has to be in the mail, on the way and on the desk by the 15 days. If not you are in for another 2 years. And if you want out then, the 15 day period starts at the start of that second year. And so on. You should get stickers and a sign or two plus the system. Look around, there are great systems out there. It may be different in the states, I am in Canada.

edit, and it's about $34.50 cdn/mo tax incl. {from 29.99+ or something}

 

Mine costs about 50$/month. I do have to gather and dump the poop once in a while though. 110lbs black lab. Love the pooch.

 

http://store.preparedness.com/protbysmitwe.html

 

Just rent the F-chat Devil Hound!!!

 

FYI, I have a book called "Build Your Own Smart Home" that goes into detail about home automation systems and has an entire chapter on Home Security Systems. The installation procedure for the Omni II (found on the above site) is detailed with pictures, etc.