Technology Posts

Hi DIYers! Today we're highlighting the Qolsys IQ Siren. This easy-to-use system add-on is great for IQ Panel 2 users who want to increase the siren volume for their system. The device communicates using Z-Wave Plus technology, and it is offers exceptional functionality and versatility.

There are many advantages to using a Qolsys IQ Siren. The most obvious is that it will increase the siren volume for the IQ Panel 2 Security System. The internal siren for the IQ Panel 2 is 85 dB, the minimum volume level for an alarm system. But the IQ Siren is rated at an astounding 105 dB. This is the volume equivalent to a jackhammer or a helicopter. Once the IQ Siren has been activated, everyone in the building will be made immediately aware of the emergency.

The great thing about the IQ Siren is its ease-of-use. Wired sirens can be tricky to install with wireless alarm panels, and extra equipment is usually required. But the IQ Siren can be installed by simply plugging it into a standard wall outlet. From there, it can be programmed with the IQ Panel 2 System in the same manner as any standard Z-Wave smart home device. Should the power go out, the IQ Siren will still be able to activate thanks to its 430 mAh rechargeable lithium backup battery.

In addition to the 105 dB sounder, the IQ Siren also includes a built-in strobe light for providing a visual indication of an alarm. This can be good for hearing-challenged or deaf users. Since the IQ Siren is a certified Z-Wave Plus device, it will serve as a viable repeater for other Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus devices. Remember, it's always smart to add new Z-Wave devices to strengthen your Z-Wave mesh network!

At just 3.25" tall and 1" deep, the siren is unobtrusive, and it will only require a single wall outlet. And of course, it's compatible with the brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems! This makes the siren an exceptional add-on for any Qolsys user who wants to easily and effectively increase their system's siren volume.

The IQ Siren is available for purchase right now from Alarm Grid. Get yours today!

Hi DIYers! We're back with another video recap, covering August 18th through 23rd. This time we have four videos - two from Jorge and two from Joe. The team has been working hard as usual to make new videos that will help users learn how to use their systems. Let's take a closer look:

Can I Connect A Wired Smoke To My 2GIG GC3?

Joe explains how the 2GIG GC3 System cannot support a hardwired smoke. The two wired terminals on the system are used with normally closed security devices only, and they cannot be used with hardwired smoke detectors. However, the 2GIG GC3 can support 345 MHz wireless smokes, including those from the 2GIG and the Honeywell 5800 Series. But an Encore FF345 can essentially integrate an existing hardwired smoke with a GC3 System. The FF345 will listen for the sound of an activated smoke detector and alert the system.

Using the Lyric Alarm System w/o Total Connect

Jorge discusses using the Honeywell Lyric Controller without Total Connect. While this is possible, it would severely limit the functionality of the system. For example, self-monitoring is impossible without access to Total Connect. But the system could still report out to a central monitoring station, or it could be used as a local sounder. But the Lyric Controller does not need a cellular module to access Total Connect, though adding one is recommended. Instead, it can use a WIFI connection from its built-in WIFI card to access Total Connect. The user will just need an appropriate monitoring plan.

Can I Use a Honeywell L7000 System Without Monitoring?

Jorge talks about using a Honeywell L7000 without alarm monitoring services. Without monitoring, the system will be unable to be used with Total Connect. The user will not be able to receive text or email alerts regarding system events, and they will not be able to receive automatic emergency dispatch from a central monitoring station. Instead, the system will only serve as a local sounder. This can be useful for alerting on-site occupants to an emergency.

Changing the Installer Code on an a LYNX Touch Security System

Joe shows users how to change the Installer Code for a Honeywell LYNX Touch Alarm System. While this is easy to do, we generally advise users to keep the Installer Code for a Honeywell System at its default of 4112. This will prevent the user from being locked out of programming later. If they ever forget the code, it will be okay because they can just look up the default. But while we recommend keeping the Installer Code at the default, changing the Master Code is very important. Remember, an Installer Code can only disarm if it was the code used to arm the system.

Hi DIYers! Today we are extremely pleased to announce that the brand-new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security Systems are here! Three different versions of the system are currently available on the Alarm Grid website. This is truly very exciting news, as we are sure you will love these systems.

With the IQ Panel 2 Plus, Qolsys has raised the bar for wireless all-in-one Alarm Systems. These are definitely some of the most robust and powerful panels we have ever offered from Alarm Grid. Currently, there are three versions of the system available:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & S-Line + Legacy Interlogix/GE and Verizon LTE
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & S-Line + Legacy Interlogix/GE and AT&T LTE
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & Legacy Honeywell + 2GIG and AT&T LTE

All of the IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems provide support for the top-of-the-line PowerG Wireless Sensors. These sensors operate at 915 MHz, and they can be used from up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus in open air. This will allow users to setup their sensors from virtually anywhere on the property, regardless of where their alarm system is located. The sensors are also protected by 128-bit AES encryption, making them nearly impossible to be hacked or taken over by others. These are definitely some of the most versatile and secure alarm sensors that we have ever encountered.

In addition to PowerG, each IQ Panel 2 Plus System will provide support for a sensor lineup at a lower wireless frequency. There are three different "flavors" that a user can choose from. These are support for 319 MHz Qolsys Sensors and Interlogix/GE Sensors, 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors and 2GIG Sensors, and 433 MHz legacy DSC Sensors. The 319 MHz and 345 MHz options are already available, and the 433 MHz option should be available soon. Also note that a Verizon LTE version of the 345 MHz sensor option should also be arriving in the near future.

Every IQ Panel 2 Plus System comes with a built-in WIFI card and an LTE cellular communicator. This will provide an immediate dual-path communication setup for the system. The only thing that an end user will need is an appropriate alarm monitoring plan. If either path ever goes down, the IQ Panel 2 Plus will still be able to use the other communication path and remain monitored. Both AT&T and Verizon LTE options for cellular monitoring are available.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus has also made great strides in video surveillance. Users can view the live feed for their Alarm.com Security Cameras right from the panel itself. And Qolsys worked to better-integrate the system with the SkyBell Doorbell Cameras. Now, a users can answer their SkyBell doorbell from their panel. They can even have a live conversation with the person at their door from their IQ Panel 2 Plus! This is also possible for any ADC Camera that supports two-way voice.

The IQ Panel 2 Plus also supports a plethora of other features. These include Bluetooth disarming, an integrated glass break detector, a built-in 5MP camera, an integrated Z-Wave Plus Controller and an easy-to-use setup wizard for getting started with the system. All of this makes the IQ Panel 2 Plus one of the best systems we have ever had the pleasure of using.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is available from Alarm Grid now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday through Friday. We hope that you will enjoy this system as much as we do, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! As you all know by now, home security is important. But like many important things in life, home security isn't free. Fortunately, the cost for a home security system is probably not as much as you think. Today, we're breaking it down, to show you the true cost of home security.

Now first of all, we can't speak for other alarm monitoring companies. They may offer monitoring service and equipment that is more or less expensive than what is offered from Alarm Grid. But keep in mind that Alarm Grid has no-contracts, no added fees, and all of the equipment is non-proprietary and yours to keep. With Alarm Grid, what you see is exactly what you get, and customers choose to stay with us because of the top-level service and support that we provide. However, if you ever do choose to leave Alarm Grid, you can certainly bring your equipment to a different monitoring company.

So with that out of the way, let's focus on what a customer can expect to pay with Alarm Grid. First, they will need equipment. This includes a control panel, security sensors and any additional add-ons, like a keypad or a cellular communicator. Some customers might already own security equipment that they can use to get monitored with Alarm Grid. But let's assume the customer is starting from scratch. In this situation, the cheapest option is generally to obtain a security system kit.

A security system kit includes everything a new user needs to get started with home security. This usually includes a wireless all-in-one (AIO) panel, a few door and window contacts, a motion sensor and a cellular communicator. Of course, more sensors can be added, like smoke detectors, glass break detectors, flood sensors and more. But for a basic setup, a kit is a great start.

So how much does a kit cost? Well, it depends on the kit. Let's assume that the user has a small home or an apartment and they want the reliability and performance of an LTE cellular communicator. Let's also assume that they want the panel to have a built-in Z-Wave controller so that they have the option for adding Z-Wave devices later on.

In this case, the cheapest option is the 2GIG GC2 Verizon-LTE 3-1 Kit. This kit comes with a 2GIG GC2 System, 3 door and window contacts, a motion sensor, a Verizon LTE Communicator and a Honeywell LT-Cable for powering the system. The panel also has a built-in Z-Wave controller for operating up to 232 Z-Wave devices. Yes, there are more-advanced panels available. But all things considered, the GC2 will still get the job done in most situations. The complete kit linked above costs just $339. Add in an optional desk stand to make the installation even easier, and the cost is just under $350 dollars. So a complete security system can be obtained for just $350, assuming that the user cannot find any cheaper used equipment somewhere else.

Once a user has a system, they just need a monitoring plan. Again, Alarm Grid has no activation fees, and since a desk mount was purchased, the hypothetical user will not need to pay an installer to set up their system. The most popular monitoring plan from Alarm Grid is the Gold Plan. This will provide the user with service from a central monitoring station, remote Z-Wave control, access to the Alarm.com interactive service and text and email alerts for system events. This plan is just $35 per month. Multiply that by 12, and the cost is just $420 per year. So adding things up, a user can achieve a complete and robust security setup with top-of-the-line alarm monitoring for just $770 the first year and $420 every following year.

But things can get even less expensive. If a user doesn't need central station monitoring, they can get a Self-Monitoring Plan. With this type of plan, a user will receive email and text alerts regarding any system events. They can then contact the authorities on their own. The Self-Gold Plan is just $25 per month, or $300 per year. So with that setup, a user will pay just $650 the first year, and $300 every year after.

Keep in mind, this is just assuming one type of scenario. If a user requires a more-advanced system, additional sensors or video surveillance, the costs will probably be higher. Likewise, if a user already has equipment or they can get by without cellular monitoring, the costs can be even less. But if you want a basic estimate of how much home security costs, it's just $350 down, and then $420 annually.

Of course, some people get stuck into long-term contracts with their security company, and they might pay upwards of thousands of dollars in installation and activation fees. But not with Alarm Grid! We provide top-quality alarm monitoring, exceptional customer service and support, and non-proprietary equipment at an affordable price. Remember, paying a small price to protect your home or business can save you a huge amount of hassle and expenses later. Sign-up for alarm monitoring today!

Hey there DIYers! As you probably know by now, we're huge fans of Z-Wave smart home devices. Nothing beats being able to control the devices in your home remotely and having them activate based on a schedule or with system events. This is one of the best perks of owning an alarm system.

Many newer alarm systems come with a built-in Z-Wave controller for operating Z-Wave devices. But what if you have an older Honeywell VISTA System that you are perfectly happy with? How would you add Z-Wave functionality to your system. Sure, you could always purchase a Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Keypad. But that add-on is expensive, and many users are absolutely content with using a normal touch-button keypad. Fortunately, there's another way, with the Honeywell VAM.

The Honeywell VAM, or VISTA Automation Module, is an advanced user interface device that allows a Honeywell VISTA System to work with Z-Wave smart home devices. This includes Z-Wave lights, locks, thermostats and more. But please note that the VAM is only a standard Z-Wave controller, not a Z-Wave Plus controller. Z-Wave Plus devices can still be used with the VAM, but they will only have the range of non-plus Z-Wave devices.

The devices can be controlled through a web browser by connecting with the VAM itself. But most users will operate the devices through Total Connect 2.0. This can also be done through a web browser, but it also is possible to do remotely using the Total Connect Mobile App on Android and iOS devices. Remember, the VISTA will need either an IP or cellular communicator, and the user will need a monitoring plan that includes access to Total Connect and remote Z-Wave control capabilities to do this.

Overall, using a VAM represents an ideal solution for VISTA users who want to use Z-Wave devices without paying several hundred for a Tuxedo Touch Keypad. The Honeywell VAM is available on the Alarm Grid site. Get one for your VISTA System and start using Z-Wave devices today!

If you don't already have a security system, you may be wondering "well why do I need one?" If your goal is to provide the best possible protection for your home, then having a security system is very important. The benefits of a home security system make the investment worthwhile.

An alarm system is the best way to know what happens in your home while you are away. A modern security system can send alerts right to your phone whenever something occurs in your house. This could include a door being open, someone walking into a particular room, or something being broken. This is possible using an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. All a user needs is a system, the right sensors, and an alarm monitoring plan. A user can also install security cameras that will integrate with their system and provide them with a live look at their property at any time.

Most people who sign-up for alarm monitoring have their systems connected with a central station. If an alarm even ever occurs, the alert will be sent to a 24/7 monitoring station. The station can then request emergency dispatch to be sent out to the home. This can provide great peace of mind for end users in knowing that even if they aren't able to respond to an alarm event, a trusted and qualified operator at a central station will on their behalf. Again, this can be very important for people who are often away from their homes. Keep in mind that if a robbery occurs while you're away and you don't have a security system, there is very little that can be done.

But alarm systems are for more than just security purposes. A user can also integrate smoke and heat detectors into their setup as well. If a fire ever occurs, they can receive automatic fire dispatch, assuming that their system is set up with a central station. And this can even save a user's life if a fire occurs in their building while they are sleeping. There are also other life-safety and environmental sensors that monitor a home for other conditions as well. Some examples of hazards that an alarm system can monitor for include flooding, unusually low or high temperatures, and an outbreak of lethal carbon monoxide gas.

An alarm system can also be useful if a user wants to get started with home automation. Many panels double as Z-Wave controllers for operating smart home devices. These can include lights, locks, thermostats and more. A user can control these devices from their security panel or remotely using an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. They can even have their devices respond automatically based on a set schedule or with predetermined system events. Not only is this very cool to show-off to others, it can also be extremely helpful for saving money on energy bills. So any user who wants to get the most out of the devices in their home can benefit significantly from an alarm system.

There are many reasons to get a security system and to sign-up for monitoring. There truly is no other way to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones. And an alarm system will provide a few other nice perks as well. All of this means that having a security system is very important for almost anyone. Alarm Grid can provide you top-quality monitoring services at a competitive price and no longterm contract. We feature the best customer support in the industry, and our central station partner Criticom is second-to-none. Protect your home with a brand-new security system and a monitoring plan from Alarm Grid today!

Hi DIYers! Are you ready for another Alarm Grid video recap? Our support technicians Joe, Jorge and Dylan have all been keeping busy making great new videos for our viewers. We've got some tremendous content this time around to help DIY users get the very most out of their security systems.

This is a particularly special video recap for our team, as we have just reached the 10,000 subscriber mark on YouTube. It's pretty incredible that 10,000 viewers love security systems enough to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to receive notifications about new videos. We would like to thank all of our YouTube Subscribers and monitored Alarm Grid customers for their continued support!

Security Cameras Compatible with LYNX Touch Security Systems

Joe discusses the security camera options available for use with a Honeywell LYNX Touch System. As long as the system is set up with Total Connect 2.0, any Total Connect Camera can be used. These cameras include both the legacy Honeywell IP Cameras and the newer HD Lyric Cameras. All cameras can be viewed and managed from the Total Connect 2.0 platform. But keep in mind that an alarm monitoring plan that includes video surveillance is needed to use these cameras.

Wholesale Home Alarm Monitoring w Alarm Grid

Dylan talks about wholesale alarm monitoring for home security systems. Wholesale monitoring refers to a situation where a person has multiple locations set up with a single monitoring account. This can be useful if a person has multiple residences, such as both a primary home and a summer home. By having multiple systems on the same account, a user can access all their systems from the same Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com account. These services have a locations tab for this specific purpose.

Changing the User Code on Partition 2 In a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System

Jorge goes through the process for changing a user code that has been set up with Partition Number 2 on a Honeywell VISTA Security System. Having multiple partitions on an alarm system allows the zones for one partition to remain armed while the zones on other partitions are disarmed. User codes that are designed to be used with Partition 2 exclusively are assigned code numbers 33 and up. Any code that is going to be used with Partition 2 should be assigned a user slot of 33 or higher.

Dual Path Monitoring on a Lyric

Dylan discusses how the Honeywell Lyric Controller can use a dual-path communication setup for alarm monitoring. This involves using WIFI as the primary communication path and cellular communication as the backup. This will provide the ultra-fast speeds of WIFI, along with the outstanding reliability of cellular. The system comes WIFI-ready with a built-in WIFI communicator. But a separate cellular radio will need to be added for cellular communication. We recommend using the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A Cellular communicator for this purpose.

Programming a 5816 Sensor

Jorge shows users how to program a Honeywell 5816 Door and Window Contact with various security panels. The Honeywell 5816 is actually Honeywell's best-selling security sensor of all-time. It is a relatively simple door and window contact that operates using a built-in reed switch and an included magnet. The sensor can also be used as a wireless transmitter for a single normally closed wired security device. The 5816 operates at 345 MHz, and it will learn-in with any compatible alarm system.

Difference Between Alpha-Numeric Programming Keypads and Fixed-English Keypads

Joe discusses the differences between Alphanumeric Keypads and Fixed-English Keypads. Both keypads can be used for performing basic panel functions, such as arming and disarming. But only an Alphanumeric Keypad should be used for deep level programming functions. This is because an Alphanumeric keypad will display actual English text and real programming information. A Fixed-English Keypad will only display numbers. If a user tries to perform programming functions on a Fixed-English Keypad, they will be operating blindly throughout the entire process, and they could easily mess up the panel settings.

Pairing the 2GIG SP2 Keypad with the 2GIG GC3

Joe shows users how to pair the 2GIG SP2 Keypad with the 2GIG GC3 Alarm System. The 2GIG SP2 is a wireless touchscreen keypad designed exclusively for use with the GC3. The keypad provides a great secondary access point for a GC3 System. Many users will install one of these keypads by their back door or their garage door so that they can conveniently arm and disarm their system from one of these locations. However, programming functions cannot be performed using the SP2, and they must be completed from the GC3 Panel, or from the more advanced SP1 Keypad.

Wiring a Trigger on a Lyric Alarm System

Dylan discusses how a trigger cannot be wired to a Honeywell Lyric Controller. The Lyric has two built-in hardwired inputs that can only support wired contacts. There is no voltage trigger available on the Lyric Controller. A trigger is an output that a system can activate under certain conditions. It can sometimes be used to activate a relay to power another device, such as a siren. Triggers are more commonly used with wired panels than wireless systems. If a user does want to use an external siren with the Lyric Controller, we usually recommend using the Honeywell SiXSIREN.

Hi DIYers! Today we're talking about Z-Wave mesh networks. A Z-Wave mesh network is essentially a collection of Z-Wave smart home devices that work together to create a stronger wireless connection amongst themselves. The more devices that are used, the stronger the mesh network will be.

Before understanding a Z-Wave mesh network, it's important to understand the basic functions of Z-Wave devices. A Z-Wave device is a wireless appliance that can be controlled remotely using an interactive service, such as Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. It can also be setup to activate automatically based on a set schedule or with predetermined system events on an alarm system. Some popular types of Z-Wave devices include lights, locks and thermostats.

As the name implies, a Z-Wave device will communicate using wireless Z-Wave technology. Z-Wave signals operate at 908.42 MHz, which prevents it from interfering with any higher-frequency WIFI signals and the lower-frequency used with most security sensors. Z-Wave devices have a range of about 328 feet between devices in open air. But this range can be greatly reduced because of the presence of walls, large metal objects and other obstacles. However, this is not the end-all range for Z-Wave.

In a mesh network, Z-Wave devices act as repeaters for one another. A Z-Wave device will send its communication signal to other Z-Wave devices, and these devices will send out the signal again to reach Z-Wave devices that are further away. This will continue until the signal reaches its ultimate destination, the Z-Wave hub, or controller.

Every time a Z-Wave device sends its signal to another Z-Wave device in the mesh network, it is referred to as a "hop". Up to four hops can be used with any given Z-Wave signal. By using hops, the communication range for a Z-Wave device can be greatly increased. The estimated maximum range away from the central hub for Z-Wave devices that are utilizing four distinct hops is up to 600 feet!

And of course, Z-Wave signals can be sent in multiple directions. So if you have a Z-Wave hub in the center, you can have signal hops going in opposite directions to have a complete Z-Wave mesh network that is up to 1,200 feet in diameter. That's almost a quarter of a mile! And since the signals are constantly being repeated off of different Z-Wave devices, the more devices you add, the stronger your mesh network will be.

But that's just for standard Z-Wave. There's a newer technology known as Z-Wave Plus that is very similar to traditional Z-Wave, but with a further range. A Z-Wave Plus device can communicate with another Z-Wave Plus device or a Z-Wave Plus controller from up to 550 feet away in open air. Just imagine how far your Z-Wave mesh network can extend with Z-Wave Plus! It's also worth mentioning that a Z-Wave Plus controller can support traditional Z-Wave devices as well. So you won't have to worry about backwards compatibility not being an issue.

A Z-Wave controller is designed to provide support for a maximum of 232 different Z-Wave smart home devices. Each time you add a new device, your Z-Wave network will become that much stronger. If a device goes down for any reason, the other Z-Wave devices can pick up the slack and ensure that signals are still reliably sent out across the network. So if you want the strongest and most reliable mesh network, simply add more Z-Wave devices to your setup.

Z-Wave devices of all kinds are available on the Alarm Grid website. Get some for your smart home automation setup now! Pretty soon you'll have a mesh network of unparalleled strength!

Hi DIYers! Did you know that you can control Z-Wave smart home devices right from your Android or iOS device by using Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com? In fact, this is how most users control their smart home devices, because it is super convenient. Let's take a closer look at this feature.

One of the biggest benefits of smart home devices is their ability to be controlled remotely. Whether you're across the street or across the globe, you can have Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com send a command to your system to operate your Z-Wave devices. This is possible both for individual Z-Wave devices, such as door locks, thermostats and lights, as well as entire scenes.

The process for controlling Z-Wave devices is very easy across both platforms, but the steps do differ slightly. If you are using Total Connect 2.0, simply click the "Automation" tab from the main screen. You will then be able to control any individual home automation devices, as well as any programmed scenes. Remember, Total Connect is used exclusively with Honeywell Systems.

If have a system from a different manufacturer, like 2GIG or Qolsys, then you most likely have access to the Alarm.com service. Once you login to your Alarm.com account, you should see menu from the main screen for controlling various scenes. You can also press the menu button at the top to control individual smart home devices by type. We definitely recommend setting up some smart scenes for easy access!

If you don't already have a monitoring plan that includes home automation control, now is a great time to get started. Please check out our monitoring page for more information. All of our Silver, Gold and Platinum level plans (full and self) include this functionality. We hope that you'll enjoy using home automation to make your life easier just as much as we do!

A new home security camera is always an exciting purchase. Now you can view exactly what occurs inside your house when you are away. You can even pull up your Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com account to view a live feed of your camera. But wait, where are you going to install the device?

Even if you have the best security camera on the market, it won't matter at all if it is installed in a poor location. And while most alarm cameras are easy to install, it can still be very inconvenient to have to break out the tools and remount a camera if you find that its current location isn't the best. Therefore, it's helpful to get a camera's mounting location right the first time. Following some basic tips can help you ensure that you choose the optimal location for your camera.

Start by asking yourself some basic questions. What type of camera is it? If it's an outdoor camera, you will obviously have more options as to where you can place it. How large is its viewing angle? A camera with a larger viewing angle will be able to record across a larger area. How many cameras do you have? If you have multiple camera, you can probably have some set up for specific areas. But if you only have one camera for monitoring, then it should be placed in a location that really counts.

In any case, there are a few general tips to keep in mind regardless of where exactly a security camera is installed. Placing a camera high up is always a good idea, as it will provide a better view of the area. The camera's positioning angle will also play a big role on its overall scope and use. It is also very important to make sure that there are no obstructions in the way of the camera. After all, a camera is no good if there's a large object right in front of it! Some users also find that they prefer to install their cameras in areas that are difficult to access, as it make it less likely that an intruder will destroy the camera. But remember, this may make it more difficult to make adjustments to the camera if needed.

For a single camera set up, placing the camera in location where it can get a good overview of the property is usually a good idea. For outdoor cameras, many homeowners will install one near their front door. Most burglars will attempt to enter a home right through the front door, so placing a camera in this area will surely capture them in the recording. Additionally, an intruder will often have to walk past the the camera to access the back or the side of the house, so you may still record some activity even if the front door is not their ultimate point of entry. Furthermore, a font door camera will allow you to monitor any suspicious activity that may occur in front of your property. Most users ultimately find that monitoring the front door is an absolute must for home video surveillance.

But when a user has the luxury of a multiple-camera setup, where should they place their other cameras? Some users will add a second camera in their backyard. That way, their first camera will keep tabs on the activity in front of their house, while their second camera will monitor the rear. Additional cameras can then monitor the sides of the home and any accessible windows. Some users may also install cameras to cover areas that aren't necessarily seen by the other cameras. In order to maximize your investment, try and make each camera count so that it is recording an area that isn't seen by any others. You may also want cameras to monitor pool areas, guest homes and detached garages if applicable. Finally, try and choose areas that a potential intruder will be forced to pass if they want to access other areas of the property.

But what about indoor cameras? There are certainly a few good places that come to mind. Having cameras monitor any main entrances is always smart, since they will be virtually guaranteed to capture anyone who enters the home. It is also wise to place cameras in large central areas that will see activity in many different areas of the home. Some users also place cameras in hallways, as intruders will probably need to pass through them in order to access other areas. If you have a home with multiple stories, it is usually a good idea to have a camera on each level for maximum coverage. And finally, if you have any particularly valuable items, such as a safe, you may want to have a camera monitoring that area directly.

Remember to check any camera after you have installed it to make sure that it is covering a useful area. You may still need to adjust its angle, or maybe its mounting location wasn't very effective after all. Make any adjustments or changes if needed. Pretty soon your home will be nicely monitored, and you and your family will enjoy great peace of mind with your new home security cameras!