SimpliSafe SSCS2 Wireless Home Security Command Bravo

Ok I've had "real" alarms installed by professionals and now I can't imagine why. This is a neat little system that you can install yourself, no contracts, cheap monthly fee. On that monthly fee, the $15 a month is a bit of a farce, as that is the very base version with only monitoring. You'll probably at least want the $20 a month version so you get text alerts when you arm, disarm, or trigger an alert. And of course the upsell is the $25 version where you can access all your settings and things with an ap or online portal. And no, if you don't pay the fee, there is no monitoring...but it can still be used to sound an alarm when you're home to hear it. If you want a no monthly fee, then I'd look at something like Fortress which seems quite similar but just auto dials whatever #s you like / i.e. no monitoring company.The install takes a bit longer than their video would have you believe, but that's no surprise. Sure you can peel and stick and put these up in no time, but you might rethink that. I am not sure this tape will be so non-stick and I found it better, for most parts, to use the tiny screws provided. So it does take a bit of playing around, finding the right install spot, etc. For the motion detector...well that one needs some design help...the tape is on the flat of the corner...meaning you can't peel and stick into a corner, only on a flat wall. The screws, if you choose to use them, are on the 'sides' of the corner so you could install in a corner, but those tiny screws are never going to stick in drywall, so you really need to rig some kind of wooden corner base to get that thing to work in a corner. But for me, I had it on a high shelf for a couple of days to test it and it kept giving false alarms so I gave up and stuck it in a cabinet (i.e. not using it).My first model came with some serious issues...but their customer support was great and they rushed me out some new parts and helped me set those up. My only complaint is their limited hours...they close at 5 pm central time, so you really need to arrange to be at home during business hours if you need their help.You can get other parts from their website and I do plan to get some of those...e.g. I think the system should include a glass break (how many thieves actually open a window anymore? Smash and grab is more common, I think). I also want to add on the temperature alert, fire alert, and perhaps flood alert. They don't cost much to add and give a peace of mind in case the furnace goes out or something.I also agree with the one reviewer who said the monitoring company is a regular professional one that the big guys would use...I never asked them specifically, but they seem to be a regular alarm monitoring company just like the ones I've had with expensive "professional" systems.I highly recommend this! Great for peace of mind without the contracts. And you can take it with you if you move.

It was a pretty hassle free installation. I added 2 additional motion detectors and the 115db siren to the system and it's great. You have to order additional sensors directly from simplisafe though. I don't know why but Amazon doesn't sell them, and the few motion detectors I found on amazon for it were marked up 100% over retail. Don't pay $80 for a motion detector, buy it direct from the mfg for $30 each.A few things to know:The first 72 hours after activating you will be in "test mode". They will NOT respond to alarms during this time. IT gives you time to get used to disarming the system.You MAY need an alarm permit from your city. Mine was $50 a yearYou SHOULD tell your insurance company you have a monitored alarm. This saved me $80 a year on homeowners insurance.The monitoring plans are $15 for monitoring only, $20 for texts when system is armed, goes off, etc, and $25 if you want to be able to arm it and change settings from the website.The only sensor I used the sticky pads with was on a window and it worked well. I screwed all other sensors and devices to the wall or door.The motion detector went off from my 12lb cat in a hallway. I ended up mounting it upside down to prevent false alarms. The other 2 motion detectors were far enough away and high enough up that the cat doesn't set them off.The Keyfob is a liability. If a burglar knows where to find it, they can cancel the alarm. Hide it and don't tell anyone where it is.The keyfob has a panic button. Don't keep it on your keys, you might accidentally hit the button starting your car, then look out.....police time.The keyfob is a USB stick. You can configure your system using the included application on the thumb drive. Then you plug the thumb drive into the base station and it programs itself from there. Pretty cool setup.Something else to keep in mind is if a burglar can find your base station within 30 seconds (by default) and destroy it, your alarm won't go off. It's a good idea to hide the base station somewhere and don't tell people where it is. I put mine inside of a cabinet not near any doors.I set the alarm off once to test it. The monitoring center called within 60 seconds and when I didn't answer they had already called the police. Pretty good monitoring if you ask me.