security companies in portland oregon
Some systems
come with an LCD panel that serves as the brains of the system. The panel is typically installed on a wall in a central area of your home and connects wirelessly to your home network. Most of these panels use capacitive touch screens and contain multiple radios that allow them to wirelessly control Wi Fi, Z Wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth sensors and home automation components. Most panels also contain a cellular radio that connects them to a monitoring center if you subscribe to a professional monitoring plan, and
they almost always have a speaker and a microphone for two way communication with a monitoring agent. The cellular radio is also used to push updates to the system. For example, the $229 SimpliSafe Foundation is a starter kit that gives you the hub, a door/window sensor, a motion sensor, and a yard sign. Additional door/window sensors go for $14. 99 each and you can order glass break detectors for $34. 99 each, smoke detectors for $29. 99 each, and water sensors for $19. 99 each.
But bear in mind that if danger is detected, professional monitoring services will contact you first if a sensor is triggered. After the security provider has reached out to you and any emergency contacts they’ll contact the police on your behalf. So, the lag time between the triggered sensor and emergency responders getting to your home could be lengthy. On the other hand, unmonitored home security systems will automatically notify you directly when a sensor is triggered. Once you’re notified, you’ll have to determine whether or not it’s a false alarm or if you should call emergency services. DIY home security systems are less expensive because most features and equipment are purchased upfront – such as SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring package is as low as $14.