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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'>We went with SimpliSafe, which DOES have proprietary components. Not that I wanted proprietary components, but because the system is good and monitoring including wireless access to the system and cameras (and recording) from anywhere, is $24.95 per month total. No additions per camera, no upcharge for wireless access, etc. Doing most everything from my phone is one of the best features. Turn on the system remotely when we realize we forgot. Look at the cameras from anywhere while we’re away (or at home). Decide where to put all sensors without the sketchy serviceman knowing too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'>Their prior system was limited and I had just bought one when they came out with the improved model. Took almost a year to buy their new model, but it’s nice. I bought their doorbell cams too, and although they DO NOT go through the system itself, they may be monitored from anywhere just like the system may be. And neither Amazon nor Google have access like with Ring, Alexa, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'>Their tech support is OK when you get the right person, other times not, and their phones are always busy. I had to figure out by myself how to get their doorbells to work with my electronic chime, which both they and the chime manufacturer said wasn’t possible. How hard is using a relay? Like so many other companies nowadays, they mostly rely on “the community” to help each other through their forums. Infuriating, but very 2019…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'>Most of the alternatives I saw were either cheesy, low-performance systems or required THEIR installers, THEIR monitoring, and were $$$. If there’s a way to buy standard components nowadays without being a “professional” (ahem), and there’s a good monitoring plan available for a self-installed system, that might be better, but really, the new Simplisafe systems (the ones introduced in early 2018) are pretty good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'>YMMV<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'>Karl<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:windowtext'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:windowtext'> Shop-talk [mailto:shop-talk-bounces@autox.team.net] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Badger Mountain Motorworks via Shop-talk<br><b>Sent:</b> Saturday, April 13, 2019 1:39 PM<br><b>To:</b> shop-talk@autox.team.net<br><b>Subject:</b> [Shop-talk] DIY Wireless Home Security Systems . . .<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p>I have a thirty year old wireless security system I want to replace with an update model. Ideally one that has non-proprietary components an unobtrusive design and the option for cameras. Our place, where I need varying levels of security, includes a two-story house with a wrap around porch on three sides and two separate garages. When i look online I find a variety of recommendations provided by websites where I tend to question their objectivity!<o:p></o:p></p><p>Any personal experiences you'd like to share? Pros and cons you've discovered?<o:p></o:p></p><p>Thanks in advance for any and all input . . .<o:p></o:p></p><p>Jim in Central Arizona<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>