c4user512 Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 Hi all - new to this forum. I am about ready to move into our new house, which has an extensive C4 setup (lighting, audio, VDN, climate, pool, sprinklers, theater, heck even my piano will be automated).. But now the question is alarm system. Here is the alarm situation: -My new C4 implementation has some cameras, door station, etc.. -Existing alarm (20 years old) has some motion sensors, wired smokes, some glass break sensors, etc. The alarm guy came in and is trying to sell me on a C4 compatible upgrade (new panel, etc.) for $8k (plus monitoring) So, some questions for everyone. 1. What do people generally use for alarms when integrating w/ an extensive C4 setup (i.e. do I just all ADT... or should I consider this upgrade proposal, etc) 2. Do I really need monitoring if I integrate w/ C4? Can i use the alerts in lieu (understanding it's a little different to have an email sent to me than to the fire department) Not trying to be cheap ($150k+ system) - just want to understand what others are doing around alarms/monitoring. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knowitall Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 $8k for an alarm system seems incredibly high to me. Obviously don’t know what’s involved in the install or being quoted but I would get another quote or two Are there cameras / door station included in that or JUST alarm equipment and monitoring? you can get a full DSC kit with cell radio, C4 integration module, zone expander, and extra alpha keypads for around $1000. A year of cell monitoring can vary I would say $300-350 a year is average. msgreenf 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msgreenf Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 and yes, you really do want monitoring IMHO. Do you want the police to be called? c4 won't do that/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggzlot Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 i moved into a house with an older DSC alarm panel - 1836 or 18xx something or other, i forget. But the whole house was wired and ready to go. I did a full blown C4 install and got an IT-100 module for $55 https://www.jmac.com/DSC_IT_100_p/TYCO-DSC-IT-100.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxYLoBRCxARIsAEf16-uyfXuby_ptMAJAxWTpLMcfMgHfaiCKukruCVCaMBtgvoe4LwGyrQgaAgt8EALw_wcB that talks to C4 directly Even a new DSC panel is only a few hundred dollars, yes their time for install/programming is worth something but not $8k. What brand alarm is currently in place? If its DSC you can maybe use the IT100 or the IT230. If its another brand they have other add on modules vs replacing everything. Also from my novice level experience, most wires/sensors are not proprietary. So even if they remove the board they should not have to remove the smokes, window contacts, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 You in Austin (noticed 512 In your name)? I went thru this whole deal a couple years ago and finally found a reputable alarm guy. PM me if you want his contact info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejn1 Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 DSC NEO system has been solid for me with C4... I installed myself and wasnt too bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neo1738 Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 I got a quote for DSC for 2 panels, communication panel, 3 motion sensors, 7 door sensors, 4 glass sensors, 3 wired smokes, 3 wired CO, sump pump alarm, battery backup, 2 siresn for $2225 installed. I think yours is a bit high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4user512 Posted June 13, 2019 Author Share Posted June 13, 2019 17 hours ago, knowitall said: $8k for an alarm system seems incredibly high to me. Obviously don’t know what’s involved in the install or being quoted but I would get another quote or two Are there cameras / door station included in that or JUST alarm equipment and monitoring? you can get a full DSC kit with cell radio, C4 integration module, zone expander, and extra alpha keypads for around $1000. A year of cell monitoring can vary I would say $300-350 a year is average. Camera/Door Station is in the C4 install, so this is just alarm install. I asked for details, he is providing, but I agree, I think it's a ripoff. People see a big house and they triple the budget. I called 2 other companies for quotes. thanks for the second opinion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4user512 Posted June 13, 2019 Author Share Posted June 13, 2019 16 hours ago, msgreenf said: and yes, you really do want monitoring IMHO. Do you want the police to be called? c4 won't do that/ Yes, agreed.. after thinking about it, I also realize that C4 could be down and the monitoring has cellular backup. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4user512 Posted June 13, 2019 Author Share Posted June 13, 2019 10 hours ago, Luke said: You in Austin (noticed 512 In your name)? I went thru this whole deal a couple years ago and finally found a reputable alarm guy. PM me if you want his contact info. No - NY. but thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4user512 Posted June 13, 2019 Author Share Posted June 13, 2019 2 hours ago, Neo1738 said: I got a quote for DSC for 2 panels, communication panel, 3 motion sensors, 7 door sensors, 4 glass sensors, 3 wired smokes, 3 wired CO, sump pump alarm, battery backup, 2 siresn for $2225 installed. I think yours is a bit high. Agreed, thanks for the 2nd opinion, based on everyone I am getting a quote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggzlot Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 1 hour ago, c4user512 said: No - NY. but thanks If near Rockland or westchester PM me. I have a referral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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