mod220 Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 During a renovation our AV guy installed a Leviton alarm. I never understood why this was chosen as we want home monitoring services, and with ADT, you basically get the equipment "free" and pay your monthly bill. We also have very generic keypads and need to add one and also add sensor to a door. I'm trying to find prices for cameras, touch screens, etc. so the "free" equipment from ADT may be anything but. I'm pretty bummed as I spent a good chunk of change on this alarm, and ran miles of cat5 for cameras, keypads, etc. Should just get ADT where everything is wireless, with a massive company behind it, and most importantly 24/7 monitoring. Am I crazy to rip this thing out and go ADT or another big provider? What options are there worth looking at? Heck, this pulse alarm has full smart home capabilities, lights, door bell, camers, etc., almost don't need C4 (Almost!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vstar Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 DSC is my go to brand of choice. Integrates well and easily with Control4. Large amount of highly reliable competitively priced options. Widely supported. It just works and works well IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
South Africa C4 user Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 +1 for DSC although my dealer is trying to convince me to use Paradox (which he claims is better) in my beach house (building project) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christophers Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 i wish i would have gone with DSC in lieu of honeywell, but per a previous thread, i got lucky with my honeywell 4232 and i haven't had any issues :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mod220 Posted February 23, 2018 Author Share Posted February 23, 2018 11 minutes ago, South Africa C4 user said: +1 for DSC although my dealer is trying to convince me to use Paradox (which he claims is better) in my beach house (building project) Since already have Leviton, does DSC provide any new benefit? Was looking at major brands since I need monitoring service, but I can get that for like $15/month with my Leviton, so maybe I keep it and add cameras, locks etc with control4 and I’ll be set? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayh391 Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 Great info here- What DSC system is recommenced? Is there a model that works better? I am in the market for wireless with cellular. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adidaswood Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 after a bunch of reasearch and homework, I just ordered a DSC Neo system and I am gonna do self monitoring via Control4. You can also get their Alarm.com cellular module and do self monitoring through their interactive service for like $14 a month. They will also do monitored services as well, but I didn't look much into that. Neo is their hybrid wired and wireless system. It can do both. And as others have mentioned it will integrate pretty easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c44me Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 What about DSC makes it better than Simpi Safe et al. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vstar Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 19 minutes ago, c44me said: What about DSC makes it better than Simpi Safe et al. ? without investigating their product any further (looks like a cheap DIY solution) I would start by this is what makes DSC better especially in this forum https://simplisafe.com/forum/customer-support-forum/testimonials-reviews-and-suggestions/home-automation-control4 https://simplisafe.com/forum/customer-support-forum/installing-and-using-simplisafe/control4-automation-system if that is not enough SimpliSafe founded 2006 DSC (Digital Security Controls) Founded in 1979 now I realize that just because a company has been around longer is does not make them better but they have a lot more experience and have been an industry leader for much longer and for a very good reason. DSC is not sold as a DIY solution IMO (though they are offering some newer products (iotega series) that may be considered that for tech savvy people) just my 2 cents. also judging by the response you received on your previous post on dec 22, 2017 i am not sure why you are even asking this question again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vstar Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 39 minutes ago, c44me said: What about DSC makes it better than Simpi Safe et al. ? and if my above reasons are not enough upon doing some more research which you clearly have not done: 300,000 American Homes Open To Hacks Of 'Unfixable' SimpliSafe Alarm https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2016/02/17/simplisafe-alarm-attacks/#2e29f3d53b00 https://besthomesecuritycompanys.com/company/simplisafe/ The Bad Upfront costs No professional installation option Recent reports of system vulnerability Customer complaints Upfront Costs Although many SimpliSafe customers will still save money in the long run due to the company’s low monthly monitoring prices, there is an upfront equipment fee that ranges from $200 to $500+. There are five Simplisafe package options to fit a variety of budgets and needs, however, none include a carbon monoxide detector. Also important to note: you own this equipment forever after purchasing. Regardless, this price amounts to years of monitoring service from other top-rated alarm companies. If you need a system immediately and do not have cash on hand, there are other DIY security companies that do not charge any upfront equipment fees. No Professional Installation Option Some customers would prefer to have their home security system professionally installed rather than doing it themselves. Unfortunately, SimpliSafe does not offer professional installation options. Recent Reports of System Vulnerability As reported by Forbes in February 2016, SimpliSafe hardware is vulnerable to hackers, which could compromise the security of the home. Customer Complaints According to the user reviews we’ve received, chief complaints from SimpliSafe customers center around technical problems with the equipment, long customer service and monitoring center wait times, and issues with receiving the wrong hardware. Those complaints about the equipment include motion detectors, and window sensors not functioning correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BraydonH Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 Paradox with cinegration driver is the best I have seen the Evo system can do anything you want the c4 driver is top notch and the tm70 touchscreens are dirt cheap and way better than the dsc or Honeywell counterparts. Programming is super easy and end users like homeowners can change user codes and access very easily. If you need multiple partitions, access control or door control it's all there as well. System must be hardwired they're wireless options are weak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therockhr Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 17 hours ago, mod220 said: During a renovation our AV guy installed a Leviton alarm. I never understood why this was chosen as we want home monitoring services, and with ADT, you basically get the equipment "free" and pay your monthly bill. We also have very generic keypads and need to add one and also add sensor to a door. I'm trying to find prices for cameras, touch screens, etc. so the "free" equipment from ADT may be anything but. I'm pretty bummed as I spent a good chunk of change on this alarm, and ran miles of cat5 for cameras, keypads, etc. Should just get ADT where everything is wireless, with a massive company behind it, and most importantly 24/7 monitoring. Am I crazy to rip this thing out and go ADT or another big provider? What options are there worth looking at? Heck, this pulse alarm has full smart home capabilities, lights, door bell, camers, etc., almost don't need C4 (Almost!) I believe Leviton is HAI alarm panel. You have one of the best out there I believe. There are drivers out there for control4. No way I would switch. That HAI panel can do all kinds of stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twmoonly Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 4 hours ago, Adidaswood said: after a bunch of reasearch and homework, I just ordered a DSC Neo system and I am gonna do self monitoring via Control4. You can also get their Alarm.com cellular module and do self monitoring through their interactive service for like $14 a month. They will also do monitored services as well, but I didn't look much into that. Neo is their hybrid wired and wireless system. It can do both. And as others have mentioned it will integrate pretty easily. How does it program and what all is needed to integrate into c4? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adidaswood Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 for programming you can use the pre programmed option through the vendor. They will work with you to have the system panel programmed before they send it out. I'm using alarmsystemstore.com or you can use an alarm installer or if you want to do it you can use the Keypad that you purchase with the system. I think there may be a software programming option, but I'm not doing that so I didn't spend much time looking into it. to integrate into Control4 I'm going to be using the TL280RE module and then My dealer will install the driver. Beyond that For Control4 programming it will be a combo of my dealer and myself using ComposerHE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c44me Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 We recently installed a Simpli Safe system (against my wishes but was over ruled) and have not had any issues I'm aware of so far guess time will tell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C4 User Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Does anyone know how to integrate the DSC Neo into both C4 and Alarm.com? It this even possible? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twmoonly Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 For DSC programming, can it be done by end user, if so how hard is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C4 User Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 4 minutes ago, twmoonly said: For DSC programming, can it be done by end user, if so how hard is it? Programming is simple if you have ip connection and get the DSL5 software. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C4 User Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 3 hours ago, c44me said: We recently installed a Simpli Safe system (against my wishes but was over ruled) and have not had any issues I'm aware of so far guess time will tell. I installed simplisafe in my daughters apartment. Very nice and easy to install and program. But not for a house. Programming is limited, and door/window sensors, while small, are not hidden. Both are deal breakers for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twmoonly Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 11 minutes ago, C4 User said: Programming is simple if you have ip connection and get the DSL5 software. How can I get the DSL5 software Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C4 User Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 13 minutes ago, twmoonly said: How can I get the DSL5 software Not sure. Look on the internet for a download or ask your DSC dealer. It’s not as guarded as say Composer Pro. I got it from my dealer, and I know the dealer rep approved it. It is somewhat intuitive, but if you start asking too many questions, and don’t know what you are doing, my guess is they will cut you off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twmoonly Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 What device are you using to connect the computer to the panel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adidaswood Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I dunno. I'd think it would be one of their communicator modules of which there are a couple different flavors. However I opted not to bother with the DLS5 and I'm having initial programming done for 149 by my vendor. I figure I can handle any additions with the keypad. alarm system store who i used was very knowledgeable and and answered all my questions on the phone. I even called back multiple times with follow up questions as I was planning. I know a few others on this forum have used them as well. I will say though, if I have a need to upgrade firmware. I may need to look into the software, but for now I'm going to ask them to make sure my panel is on the right version before they send it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casperspooks Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I'm not a security dealer but was able to program a DSC PC1832 panel for my sister with the help of the YouTube video at the following link:I installed the Envisalink module for self monitoring and she's happy with it : http://www.eyezon.com/?page_id=176No bells and whistles with that setup but good for lower budget solutions.Sent from my phone using Tapatalk c44me 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c44me Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 17 hours ago, C4 User said: I installed simplisafe in my daughters apartment. Very nice and easy to install and program. But not for a house. Programming is limited, and door/window sensors, while small, are not hidden. Both are deal breakers for me. Tend to agree. Ergo the reason was so reticent about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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