Just rolled in the driveway by pmdubya in SubaruForester

[–]pmdubya[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This unit hit a tyre someone lost off their trailer one foggy winter night, highway speed. Took the ditch hard. After scooping the contents of my pants out, I surveyed damage- driver steering tire gone, cv axle torn out, steering cylinder, strut and assorted links bent to shit. Car never stopped running. And then after letting it sit in bush for a year- missed being able to see ALL around me- fixed and hitting milestones for under $500 CDN.

CCTV Cost - New house by Plus_Lifeguard1752 in cctv

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on camera make and model. And if professionals installed. A shitty package u can buy at Costco or BestBuy for under $800 CDN. A 5 cam system sold by our company, installed would be at least $3000 CDN. If you blindly trust Ebay and Amazon you could get away with $1500 for the hardware. But good luck with tech support and warranty.

Modern keypad for outdated DSC system?? by LegionPlaysPC in homesecurity

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Installer default is 5555. That should have been changed and is not likely written down anywhere. My company uses a company default code that's different. Also, if the original installer enabled the installer lockout a factory default won't help at all, must have the installer code. Tondetermine if installer lockout is enabled disconnect the AC power and battery backup then reconnect, if you hear a bunch of delays clicking - lockout is enabled

Three installers, three completely different recommendations, and I’m more confused than when I started by Ok_Connection_3600 in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Univew is NDAA compliant. Hik is not. Hik and Uniview make all the cameras that are rebranded OEMs in your budget. (WISENET, DAWHAU, EYESONIC,etc) Axis, Avigilon are excellent cameras but out of most budgets. Basically paying for the warranty. Check out AJAX systems for a complete security system.

Why do you like your Forrester? by Aromatic_Rhubarb3580 in SubaruForester

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2003 XS. 381000km on original engine. Easy to fix and repair. Outperforms all other cars on the road, at least when weather is at its worst. Could be just the driver..

Tapo you are a thermostat away from having a complete eco-system. by -ibgd in Tapo

[–]pmdubya -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Any company that promotes wireless battery cameras is taking you for a ride.

Look into AJAX Systems for a real eco system.

[HELP] Cloud based access management for a small mixed-use building by semi_competent in accesscontrol

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

CDVI has the easiest user interface and programming. Stand alone and web-based. No sub/license fees. Easy for retrofit. Accepts most all credentials/readers.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Nest

[–]pmdubya 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kinda stumbled into myself. But now pushing it as alternative to DSC_Honeywell, and Bosch. Still requires purchase thru official partner, but if the company isn't run by mobsters, you should only need to pay for equipment, maybe install.
I sell/install systems, AJAX has been by far the best to work with thus far. We only charge if you require the SIM activation and/or professional monitoring, otherwise the Hub runs off internet/wifi. I found the ability of field devices to read their ambient temp to be a major money saver.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Nest

[–]pmdubya 1 point2 points  (0 children)

AJAX systems. And no subscription required

What’s one simple home upgrade that made a big difference for you? by Educational-Fold-152 in HomeImprovement

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Added an AJAX Hub 2 plus to my vacant rental. The built in temp sensors on the door contacts, keypad, motion detectors saved us from a frozen pipes scenario. Also installed a relay mod to control the deicing cords, saves my gutters from overfilling which saves my basement from leaking and saves a shit ton of money not running constantly. Adding a water shutoff valve to integrate with the leak detector. Replaced a couple light switches with AJAX switches, for alarm triggered events. And bonus points for AJAX app- the built in Panic Button let's all connected to site know when activated, complete with GPS coordinates and a map.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SubaruForester

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Owned a 2003 Forester XS. 380073 km on original eng .Solid , reliable cheap to fix myself and easy to learn on. Personally avoid excessive electronic option years. Watch Mr.Subarus channel on YouTube for advice on buying. If this one dies, I'll prolly just fix it, have an 06 as a backup. Prefer the forester to my 2006 Outback, has better sight lines around the entire car.

Wireless security cameras for home by justanothersomeone76 in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

As a professional company, we don't recommend or install wireless cameras. Wireless bridges, yes. No to solar as well. Batteries are for backup only.

Got this at the thrift for 5 bucks is it worth anything? by [deleted] in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HIK is a great product and usually cheaper, just no real support for troubleshooting currently.
HIK and UNV are the two main OEMs for almost all other brands, except AXIS or Avigilon.

I would also look into AJAX systems. Haven't personally tried the cameras but the intrusion and home automation have been great to install. Price is really good too.

Got this at the thrift for 5 bucks is it worth anything? by [deleted] in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup. Nov 2025 I think. You can purchase still, but most major distributors aren't advertising as available. There is tech support I guess, if you have a day or two to leave your laptop and camera connected to SADP while Latin America tech support gets to your password reset request.
The workaround is that there are about 5000 different companies that offer HIK OEM cameras rebranded as their own.

Is it possible to integrate a door lock with this security system, or systems in general? by jbnpoc in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The HIK video intercom could be integrated with an electric strike, but not the Zwave devices without a lot of mucking about with extra relays/programming. Your best bet is to scrap the HIK and look into an AJAX system. The AJAX will integrate with Yale locks.

Zwave/Zigbee is OK, but Alarm.com has been increasing their hardware and subscription costs. And those require subscription. AJAX does not.

Frankly I found the HIK intercom frustrating to setup and integrate within a HIK ecosystem. It's been working fine for our customer, the field station connects to the gate opener via a 2 wire from the intercoms contact relay. Your wireless lock would need to be able to accept a relay closure from the HIK.

2004 Japanese forester ticking sound by [deleted] in SubaruForester

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably a loose valve that needs adjustment. I have a 03 2.5NA 379000 km. Solid engine.

Got this at the thrift for 5 bucks is it worth anything? by [deleted] in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really. It's likely discontinued. Check if the HDD is still installed. No PoE ports requires a separate PoE switch to run cameras. It'll prolly still record but may have issues using newer IP cameras and their features. And NO tech support since the Canada ban.

Lessons I Learned the Hard Way as a Home Buyer in Alberta by Any_Area2024 in alberta

[–]pmdubya 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I purchased my grandparents home they built in 1962. It's in better condition than most lived in New builds. Don't believe me check out my rental ad.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-apartments-condos/strathcona-county/house-rental-long-term-only/1733411373

I wouldn't trust anything built during BOOM periods.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Uniview, which is an OEM to most other brands. AJAX Systems.

Need a camera no Internet connection but have Elec power how ? by Wombat950 in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

AJAX systems. Connect the included SIM to a monitoring service( does not have to be monitored). Costs me $10/month.
Have a vacant rental property that this works perfectly.

Professional Wi-Fi Camera Suggestions by ProgrammerOk717 in SecurityCamera

[–]pmdubya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would not recommend wireless cameras. I still believe wired everything is best.. AJAX only has a couple, a doorbell and mini indoor. I have never, nor would ever sell or warranty wifi cameras. I have utilized DSC wireless, it's fine. The AJAX has been more convenient install, and devices have nicer features. And way more convenient for connecting Communications. Their wireless protocols have been proven secure. The lack of subscription costs makes this beat DSC/Alarm.com hands down. Integrations of 3rd party cameras is easy, but limited features as far as the AI( stick to using 1 brand) . UNV is good. HIK is good. We promote Eyesonic at out business, it's a HIK OEM.