Hello.

I am shopping for a cheap home security system. (Not Monitored, hard wired is fine)

I came across the X10 system as seen here.

Considering it's wireless, thats a great price, so im wondering whats the catch. Is X10 a decent brand? What are the pros, and cons?

Also, how long does the siren sound on the X10 systems?

Thanks, Bob

 

in security systems. I'm also not famaliar with this brand (Powerhouse) either. This does looks interesting, however X-10 uses your house wiring for power and to send signals to all the modules/sensors/control units. This means that you'll need AC outlets near the motion sensor and base unit. The lamp controller and siren will need outlets as well. Also, as far as I can tell, this kit will protect 5 windows/doors total (You can add more sensors though.)....I'd need a whole lot more than that for my house! ( 3 doors and about 10 windows for me, but that's if you want to protect every door and window, which you possibly wouldn't need to do.)

The siren's loudness is specified at 85 Db. I think that would be about the same a car alarm's siren.

According to the user's manual here: http://software.x10.com/pub/manuals/ds7000-om.pdf the siren will be on for 4 minutes or until an off command is recieved.

Also, should the power go out, your siren and lights would not work. The alarm sytem would work and call the telephone number. A standard system has a back-up battery that will power the siren, please keep this in mind.

I hope this helped!

 

If i do get this, ill get extra door/window senser off ebay. 4 for about $43.

Thanks for the info. I didnt know it used my homes wiring. Thats something to think about.

ANyone here used them? Hows the quality?

EDIT:

Reading the online manual, it seems that the window/door sensors are wireless, but the other accessories use the "powerline" to send signals.

 

Hello!!!

One branded company I can suggest you is xxxxxxxx
It has good service so far and you can choose equipments according to your need, but they charges $29.99 per month..

http://xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

you can contact them for further information..


Moderator note:
Link provided was part of a click through scheme.

 

First Off, i said "Not Monitored"! Can you not read? STOP spamming these boards.

 

I use x10 extensively for home automation and I would really recommend NOT using it for security system. x10-branded devices in particular (there are other manufacturers that have x10 protocol based devices) are cheaply made and often not reliable. Motion detector doesn't detect movements from time to time - ok for the lights but not for security. Further, there absolutely no encryption whatsoever. So anybody can come by your house with x10 remote and shut your security off. Of course, they'd have to know your house code/unit code but you get the point. You're probably better off with some cheap security system for security.

 

Thats what i was worried about, quality.

But, what about the door/window contacts, how are they? I cant use the motion senors anyway, all the critters runnin aroung the house

Also, what other security systems are just as cheap?

Thanks

 

I have never used x10 security products so maybe, just maybe, they're good. But judging from their home automation products, you get what you pay for. I had $10 light switches that quit working after 6 month or so. It was a physical problem due to bad engineering. I bought $80 switch by another company that was compartible with x10 protocol and it been working fine for 5 years now.

In general, x10 stuff is more hobby-like rather than professional grade product. Kinda like buying roomba robotic vacuum cleaner - it's nice to play around with but you wouldn't expect to use it as a serious vacuum cleaner.

Finally, x10 protocol is sensitive to noises in the electrical line. I've had AC turn on by itself in the middle of the winter. There are noise filters and signal booster and such but spending money on that would kinda defeat the purpose of getting a cheap system.

So if you just want to get it and try it, I'm sure it will work but don't expect some kind of finely enginnered product from that company.

 

The X-10 security system works fine. My parents have had the X-10 system for about 5 years with no problems. The door/window and motion sensors are wireless, they do not need an outlet. The only negative things that I can say are: Batteries need replacing about once a year, the alarm will not sound without power, and because the alarm control console contains the siren, a intruder could follow the sound and break the console. Remote sirens are available, and I would recommend one for the above reason. The built in auto dialer is a very nice feature. You can have it call four different people and listen to what is going on in the house during an alarm. Another cool thing is that you can use the key chain remote to turn on your lights before going inside. I would suggest going to the X-10 website and checking out their sales. They have a different “limited time inventory blowout sale” about every week

 

I use the X-10 system extensively and even have a X-10 module wired in my alarm system, but since you are lookin for a non monitored system, why not check on E-bay for a second hand system.
It might not be state of the art, but I have seen some of the older DSC 1550 systems for a low price.
I like X-10, but not for my alarm system as I want something that works even with the power off.