19 / 32
2016 Spring Home Improvement
LINCON DAILY
NEWS.comMay 2, 2016 Page 19
Accessing the secure system has some wrinkles that
need to be worked out. Systems today are available
with voice recognition, iris scan, and fingerprint
identity. There are difficulties that exist with the
fingerprint method. At initial set up, the resident
needs to record his or her thumbprint for example.
But depending on the placement of the thumb at that
initial imprint, getting the system to recognize the
thumbprint later will be dependent on getting the
thumb in the exact same location and angle on the
finger pad. Some consumers have reported spending
as much as five minutes getting their thumbs in just
the right position to disarm the system.
Another security company, that according to one local
realtor in Lincoln, is more widely used in this area is
Vivint Security.
The company offers a standard startup kit, installed
by a professional. The startup includes one control
panel, one motion detector, one IP camera, one key
fob, and three door/window sensors. They also
note that additional window and door sensors may
be needed and can be obtained separately from the
company.
This system features “crash and smash” protection. In
this case, if a burglar is able to disarm the system, the
smart technology will contact the resident and advise
him or her of a potential breach. The homeowner has
an opportunity to send a “disarm code” to the security
company that will then tell the company there is no
need for further action.
While these are the “Cadillac” models of home
security, the systems are hackable, and at the same
time, gaining legitimate entry into the home can be
a hassle, and they are costly. The question to the
consumer should be, is video monitoring necessary
to satisfy your home security needs. While it might
be nice to see what is going on in your home from
anywhere, is that supposed peace of mind worth the
risk and the cost?
The question should be if a person is breaking into
your home, where are your priorities? Watching the
break-in or notifying the police?
There are alternatives to these higher priced, monthly
fee applied systems, which are simpler do it yourself
systems. One such system is the Skylink wireless
security system. Though there are others, this one
offered good information on its website to help
educate the consumer.
The wireless AAA+ Series system comes with a
control panel, motion sensor, two window/door
sensors, with additional sensors sold separately.
The system can be adapted for up to 10 window/
door sensors, and up to 5 key fobs. It operates off
of rechargeable batteries and also comes with an a/c
adapter, mounting brackets, and an instruction manual.
The system is also “portable” with no hard-wiring
required, it can be moved from home to home when
you move. The system will notify the homeowner of
a possible break-in and it also emits an ear-piercing
alarm that is designed to frighten intruders away.
CONTIUNED ►