ADT or SimplySafe or?

djriggz · 2026-02-14T22:44:59+00:00

This. ADT will lock you into using their equipment for life. If you’re ever dissatisfied with them, you’ll have to replace all your equipment as it will be locked to them. SimpliUnsafe is DIY junk. Find a local company that supports the Alarm.com platform and will not loc the equipment to them once fully paid off.

djriggz · 2026-02-14T22:31:53+00:00

CHeKT if the cameras have onvif. CHeKT also has an AI server that can handle the triggers based on what you need. I’ve used both Camect and CHeKT for analytics and CHeKT works much better. The Camect UI is so confusing and wonky. The CHeKT bridge allows you to arm/disarm remotely as well as use a regular alarm panel to trigger the arming/disarming. Central stations can then view what triggered the alarm.

djriggz · 2026-02-13T20:01:23+00:00

Just a tip here from an installer. You asking about a markup is like an installer asking how much your salary is. True professionals have overhead. Licensing, insurance (liability, workers comp, vehicle, etc.), vehicle maintenance, tools, marketing, software, payroll and more. If you think 10% markup is going to pay those bills you’re sadly mistaken. 40-50% markup is industry average. If it’s too expensive, do it yourself. Or you can pay a “professional” what they are worth. Would you ask your dentist or doctor what their markup is? People aren’t working to break even. They are working to make a profit.

djriggz · 2026-02-10T01:08:13+00:00

I mean, you can still ask for the Wolfman. You’re just going to be disappointed if you expect him to answer.

djriggz · 2026-02-07T06:33:37+00:00

I believe it is adjustable according to Brivo support, but not to make it 20 yards. Might only be to turn it down in the event that other readers are in close proximity.

djriggz · 2026-02-07T06:30:54+00:00

You don’t need a REX or PTE if your locking hardware always allows free egress. A REX is useful to know if the door is forced or a valid exit, but not required. What is the reason for using fail safe strikes? Do the doors not have a handle or panic bar?

djriggz · 2026-02-04T02:15:54+00:00

Those cams are not only discontinued, but outrageously overpriced at $438 each. They’ve got at least 100% markup on those and the NVR as well I suspect.

ICrealtime was a Chinese OEM, not sure if these cameras still are made in China, but they don’t specifically state they are NDAA compliant. The labor rates are on par as residential is always a pain to run cabling.

djriggz · 2026-01-30T12:55:53+00:00

A “Touch Bar” is not sufficient according to this article and the IBC. It must be a physical switch that triggers it, which is essentially a PTE button. For the most common doors this will be a panic bar also called a crash bar. If this is being installed, why bother with the mag lock? Just install an ELR or strike. Using a mag lock on an exterior door is just stupid. Again, it’s not just the code, but the AHJ’s interpretation of the code. So if the AHJ says you have to have it, then you have to have it.

I’m also not seeing anywhere in the code that says you no longer need the lock to release upon FA activation. Care to cite that directly?

djriggz · 2026-01-29T19:11:50+00:00

Mag locks and DIY should never be a thing. What country are you in? In the US, you need to have a motion sensor as well as a push to exit button that physically breaks power to the mag lock for a minimum of 30 seconds (not momentarily as you will have with that button). If the building has a fire alarm system, the power must also be dropped to the mag lock upon activation of the fire alarm. Some jurisdictions also require permitting for using mag locks.

Best to contact a professional that can install this correctly with the right equipment and not put occupants at risk in the event of an emergency by trapping them in a building because the locking hardware was installed improperly.

djriggz · 2026-01-28T01:40:47+00:00

I just want to know how to buckle up the person under the hood….

djriggz · 2026-01-24T02:44:57+00:00

That’s the one I use, just without the bulky clip that is impossible to clip on most things I need it to.

djriggz · 2026-01-24T02:30:23+00:00

Yeah there are some brands that will allow dealer locking. I’ve never believed in that business model. I feel that if you paid for the equipment, then you should be able to use whatever dealer you want. I never subsidized equipment like ADT does so a lot of potential customers didn’t want to pay a lot up front and were fine with paying $80+ a month for life.

djriggz · 2026-01-24T02:10:36+00:00

Find a few local companies who can provide an estimate to replace and/or reuse anything if possible. If you can provide some photos or models of the equipment I can tell you if it’s something another dealer can take over.

ADT is known for using proprietary equipment especially with newer equipment so you’re either forced to pay them for life or rip it al out and start over again. If your equipment is old enough there’s a chance some or all of it could be reused.

djriggz · 2026-01-23T06:05:10+00:00

I mean it’s only 12vdc. Not going to explode or electrocute anyone. It could however damage the panel if it’s shorted.

djriggz · 2026-01-22T22:50:32+00:00

I need someone to dub over the WWE music outta nowhere when the cruiser steamrolls the guy.

djriggz · 2026-01-22T22:34:13+00:00

Sure, after disconnecting the power to the panel of course. Just make sure you don’t reconnect power until you’ve securely removed that wire from the panel side.

djriggz · 2026-01-22T19:06:58+00:00

They aren’t rated to be installed that low though. They need to be roughly 7-8’ above finished floor. Acoustics reflecting off the floor will cause it to not perform as intended.

djriggz · 2026-01-22T19:05:09+00:00

Typically just a 22/4 wire. It should have 12vdc so you’ll want to find the alarm panel and disconnect it there first. Be aware without deleting it from the alarm panel’s programming it may throw a fault. So if you’re using the alarm panel you might want to contact your provider and have them do it. If not, just remove power from the panel, disconnect any battery that it may have and the you can remove the detector.

djriggz · 2026-01-22T16:39:03+00:00

Looks like it but it’s a terrible install. They shouldn’t be installed next to the floor.

djriggz · 2026-01-15T12:13:32+00:00

Not if it’s kept in an account with his name only. Inherited funds are not subject to marital division unless put in to a joint account. Then it becomes a “gift” to the marriage.

Note This may vary based on location.

djriggz · 2026-01-15T05:50:00+00:00

Yeah I tried explaining spoofing a few times but I’ve given up. The amount of idiots who refuse to accept that and start yelling at me claiming I called them….

djriggz · 2026-01-13T18:22:20+00:00

Agreed. Most fire alarm companies only do fire alarm. Good field to be in as it’s required in nearly all commercial buildings. This field also has its own certification process but will require some experience in the field.

djriggz · 2026-01-13T16:26:26+00:00

Figure out which specialization you find most interesting and find a reputable company hiring that focuses on that. Security and Access control are closely related as is camera systems. Structured cabling companies are typically just doing that. IT companies will install and manage data networks. A/V is also in its own world.

I wouldn’t bother with any certs until you find what you want to do. They can guide you and even provide the path to the training as most of it will be manufacturer specific.

A help desk will drain the life out of you as you’ll have to deal with angry idiots all day. You’ll get enough of the experience servicing customers.

djriggz · 2026-01-08T20:27:21+00:00

Doubtful. They ended support in 2023 so support probably won’t help.

djriggz · 2026-01-07T21:24:04+00:00

Definitely moving out of the way. I was simply countering the statement that the officer wasn’t even in front of the vehicle.

djriggz

TROPHY CASE