ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT
HOME SECURITY TECHNOLOGY UPDATE Dear Cappie, I know a few years ago you wrote about home security. I know you can’t recommend a specific brand, but can you suggest what we should look for when we shop for one? Mark, SCG full time resident Dear Mark, Good question: since our last column on home security systems, technology has changed quite a bit. However, you failed to mention if you were planning to hire a professional security firm to install the system or if you planned to do it yourself. Cost, house size, and amount of protection you desire are other factors that affect what is considered “best.” At the lowest end is a doorbell camera (battery or wired) that you can install yourself to monitor who is at your door, generally via an app on your smartphone. At the high end, there are package deals that include window and door sensors, internal and external cameras (with or without a control panel), night vision, motion detection, video security, voice control abilities, panic button/app for your phone, sirens, combined with smart home automation options and professional monitoring. Wired systems are generally more cost effective, but they include a more comprehensive and complex
installation process. This may include getting into your ceiling and wall space to hardwire connections to power sources for transmission of signals. Because such systems are hardwired, they generally are more reliable because they will not run out of power as a typical battery powered system might. Most wired security systems also have a backup 24–48-hour battery option in the event all electrical power fails. While wireless security systems tend to cost more per each option, they have their positives: they are generally easier to install, are less invasive (use radio waves to connect and monitor your devices), and offer additional features such as the ability to remotely arm and disarm your security system, monitor your cameras from your smartphone, remotely lock and unlock an individual door, and connect to other “smart” devices in your home as well. Many popular tech sites recommend the following for DIY options (in alphabetical
Grand Lifestyles | May 2022 | suncitygrand.com
order): Frontpoint, Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit, Simple Safe, Wyze. For pro home security systems: Abode, ADT, Vivint. Check these and other internet tech sites to read reviews for initial pricing and monthly cost for both DIY and professionally installed systems. You should be able to identify and prioritize your feature preferences to determine an approximate cost: n DIY or paid installation n Old or unused phones “working” as cameras at small cost or new hardware n Number of sensors needed; amount of wire/ cable needed n Notification system n Back-up n Ease of use n Integration with other home technologies
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Gail for sharing this Halloween photo of Finn, her 7-yearold Chihuahua-Miniature Pinscher mix. Finn is a master of dog treat puzzles and is an oldschool home-security system: he always lets the family know if someone is at the door even before they hear the doorbell.
Most home security companies offer system bundles that range in price depending on the type and number of security products you choose. One size does not fit all. Consider this step one in learning about home security. 45
