ADT vs Other Alarms

Do the local guys offer any kind of Smart integration, or basically just remote arm/disarm?

Probably best to contact “the local guys” to get the best answer.

i wouldn’t exactly call it a system with false alarms - do remember ADT is installing DSC panels half the time. I only meant in regards to my own testing, most people aren’t doing what I am doing. Like installing various device types on to my panel and testing my code against the various alarm states - normal, non-developers, aren’t doing that kind of thing. I do it myself, so you don’t have to, kinda thing.

If you aren’t looking to DIY - then it’s a lot harder to save money. Unless you could find an independent alarm installer who isn’t going to try and bundle you into their own service plan kinda thing…

but seriously - just get a local guy to install a system like i mentioned and you would be good to go with only $8/month fees.

My local alarm company uses Alarm.com for remote monitoring, arm/disarm, and user codes. The Alarm.com iOS and web apps are pretty great.

I have Alarm.com set to email a Gmail account with IFTTT whenever the system arms/disarms so I can track that in ST (albeit on a 15 min delay). When the system arms Away, ST runs my Goodbye HHA. Works as a backup to iPhone presence, or for when we have a house sitter or other guests.

You can set up quite complex rules for alerts for individual users. We have it set to push a notification when our dog walker arms and disarms the system. Alarm.com also has a bunch of Home Automation features too, but we don’t use those and I believe they cost extra.

Anyway… It all starts with calling the local alarm company.

I have DSC, a dialer, an x-link, and an old flip phone with a pay as you go cell plan from Kitty Wireless. Costs me $40 a year…yeah, a year. The dialer calls on either a fire or burglar activation. Calls 4 phone numbers, 4 times, playing a recording. Calls me, then each of my daughter’s, then my sister in law. Each has the ability to check the Blink cameras to check for an issue.