Can someone, anyone, please list out prices that you paid both for equipment and monthly service?

BTW – Shout outs to both Dustin for the forum and Jiveometer Redline for calling it like it is.

1. GSM (cell-bakcup) is the more reliable way to communicate with the central office.

2. Set your alarm to have no entry delay and invest in a couple of key fobs. My house was burglarized prior to the installation of this alarm and I wanted to make breaking in as hard as I can for the burglars. I lock my security unit in a closet so I never use the keypad. When I enter or exit the house, I use my keyfob, which arms the alarm INSTANTLY! Usually there’s a 15 – 30 second delay from the time you set the alarm or when you open your door, but the key fob will arm your system without any delays.

3. Invest in a battery back-up (UPS-like) system. The original backup battery that came with my system was suppose to last 24 hours on its own power. However, 6 months or so later, I noticed the battery started to hold much less charge than 24 hours, more like 10 minutes. I called alarm.com and they promptly sent me a new battery at NO CHARGE! I replaced the battery and it seems to be holding the charge, but only time will tell.

4. Regularly test your system. Set off your alarm at random times to see what the central office’s response time is like. When they call you, just give them your code (make sure not to give them your distress code) and apology for the “mistake”. They’re very cool about it but will make sure you are who you are.

When I signed up with Alarm.com, I had a rebate from safemart.com because I purchased the system from them, and I pre-paid for the whole year so my monthly break down was around $18 per month. Keep in mind, this is also including a couple of free months, rebate and prepaid. However, it is for GSM monitoring with web controls via their https site.

All in all, I am very satisfied with alarm.com and safemart.com. I’d highly recommend both vendors!

they ARE working on automation !!! its in Betta right now, I tried to be a beta tester but by the time i seen the email all the slots had filled up, lights and ac/heat control first then other stuff later

@ dustin
you need a phase converter for the X10 to work in your hole house, the automation coming out IS NOT X10 it is much better !!

i do use X10 to have my garage door open from my keyfob, that means no openers in my car for someone to steal or clone

i have the garage door programmed to the * (star) button on the keyfobe works great

@ Josh: It is a 3rd party, but it’s consistent and quick. The police have been to my house once for real and they arrived within 3 minutes. Coincidence or not, that’s plenty good in my book.

@ Steve Nutt: The camera service is also excellent – I’ve tried it with good success. I will be writing an extended/new review of the service soon.

@ Jiveometer Redlining: Sorry, I have a life. You don’t have to take my word for it; I was just excited about alarm.com when I found them.

@ Leslie: All great points. I will try to address these items in my next review.

If I don’t remember whether I armed the device or not I only need open the app and see. For those that are confused about whether alarm.com provides the service or whether it is the middleman I offer this:

I ordered the system via Frontpoint security and installed it myself– the install is remarkably easy seeing as everything is wireless. When I have talked with the alarm company I have talked exclusively with Frontpoint Security (not alarm.com). I ordered most of my merchandise through Frontpoint but also found a deal on extra window sensors via e-bay. When I activated my security system the frontpoint technician showed me how to “learn” the additional sensors which is quite easy. I can login to my account through Frontpointsecurity.com or through alarm.com and it takes me to the same basic control screen.

I also purchased a camera that I have had difficulty adding to the system– I spoke with a frontpoint security person for about 45 minutes on saturday and we determined that the problem was not with my router or internet so it must be a defective product– they are sending me a new camera (this, I was told, was a first).

I would say that if someone is comfortable with setting up a small home network they will be adept at setting up their alarm system. It is slightly pricier, unfortunately, but if you like the automation it is worth the price (no more racing to the keypad with bags of groceries in hand**). I also like having water sensors that will detect if my hot water heater starts leaking and fire alarms. I only hope they add more home automation functionality– I would love to be able to turn down my thermostat or ensure that lights are turned off remotely.

** Worth noting that iPhone automation is not instantaneous. It can take a good 90 seconds for the signal to get from the iPhone to the alarm to turn it on/off.

No direct cost comparisons, great repeating of “redundant links are more secure”, and little or no detailed follow-up on questions.

Sorry Dustin, but you have pegged my jive meter with your attempted “impartial, just the facts based on my experience” blog. alarm.com “may” be the best, but you do not appear to be credible.

I am curious also- you stated: “and the company is quick to call” -is that alarm.com or a 3rd party?

Thanks,
Josh

I’m curious if you’re still serviced under alarm.com or did they move on to middle man after they no longer serve no commercial customers. The reason why I ask, is the customer service you receive is based on the middle man.

Also, are there any developer APIs to interact with any of the notification preferences.

Thanks,
Daniel

With Alarm.com no longer selling to non commercial consumers, did they transfer your account to a middle man like Front Point Security?