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craigTX
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
 Posted - 07/01/2012 : 3:10:53 PM
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I'm purchasing a new home in the next few weeks. It currently has an elaborate vivint system installed including:
the 2Gig control panel
two vivint thermostats (one for each A/C system)
a vivint electronic deadbolt on the front door
an ip camera (assuming they leave that.)
and of course sensors on doors, windows, etc.
and possibly more I didn't find during my walk-throughs.
I am NOT willing to sign up for a $68.99 / month package for the next 4 years...
My question is, what features can I take advantage of without their monitoring?
I'd like to be able to monitor and control everything from my Android phone and/or internal / external computers.
Possibly add more z-wave stuff to the system.
I'm a geek, and have no issues with programming stuff, I run my own server, so getting into my network from outside my firewall isn't a problem.
Any ideas? Or do they lock it out forcing you into their contracts?
Thanks
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Edited title for clarity:
Also, Does anyone know of other monitoring options other than vivint. Do any other companies monitor that system? |
Edited by - craigTX on 07/01/2012 3:22:16 PM |
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stusviews
Advanced Member
USA
8517 Posts |
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craigTX
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2012 : 6:03:38 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by stusviews
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APX_Alarm_Security_Solutions
I appreciate the link. I've actually already ready that. It gives a good history on the company and general view of public opinion.
I personally would have never purchased a vivint security system (Not a fan of door-to-door sales), but now that I am getting a home with the equipment already installed, i'd really like to know ... what can I do with it?
Thanks,
Craig |
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stusviews
Advanced Member
USA
8517 Posts |
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craigTX
Starting Member
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2012 : 6:18:48 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by stusviews
Oops, wrong link. Try here: http://www.maximumpc.com/article/%5Bprimary-term%5D/vivint_home_automation_review
Scroll down for a list of compatible devices that you may be able to use with a different system.
Great info... The geek in me is excited to see what it all can do. Plus it looks like it would only be $49.99 / month because I would own the equipment.
Still I would like to know what I could do with the equipment without paying for any service. I see no reason why technically speaking I couldn't do all the automation without paying to go through a third party. But logically speaking, I fear that they have it all locked out unless you use their "service". |
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cord
Starting Member
2 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 09:27:07 AM
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You can actually do a lot with it. vivint may suck, but the hardware is top of the line.
Its 2gig technologies. I have a TS1 touchscreen, door sensors, window sensors, smoke detectors, and motion detectors.
I also have full install and programming access (no lockout), I can buy all my sensors online wholesale cost, and install them myself. I bought my TS1 new for $105, and self installed it.
If you have the 2gig go!control system, make sure you get the lastest firmware (v1.9.5) as this supports many new features including the new Verizon 3g cellular modules. There are tons of alarm.com monitoring companies who can monitor the 2gig panel for between $8-$25/month no contract.
Default installer code for vivint branded 2gig panel is 2203, be sure to default Q43/44 to (0). GSM and CDMA cellular communication modules can be bought almost everywhere online (same as sensors) including eBay. Cellular modules go for around $80 new.
Soon as my contract is up, I will be replacing my module and goimg to a different CS. Examples, geoalarm, discount-alarm.com, frontpoint security, alarm safe, alarm relay
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Edited by - cord on 01/02/2013 09:36:21 AM |
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cord
Starting Member
2 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2013 : 09:36:28 AM
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You can actually do a lot with it. vivint may suck, but the hardware is top of the line.
Its 2gig technologies. I have a TS1 touchscreen, door sensors, window sensors, smoke detectors, and motion detectors.
I also have full install and programming access (no lockout), I can buy all my sensors online wholesale cost, and install them myself. I bought my TS1 new for $105, and self installed it.
If you can a 2gig CNTR2 go!control system, make sure you get the last est firmware (v1.9.5) as this supports many new features including the new Verizon 3g cellular modules. There are tons of alarm.com monitoring companies who can monitor the 2gig panel for between $8-$25/month no contract.
Default installer code for vivint branded 2gig panel is 2203, be sure to default Q43/44 to (0). GSM and CD,a cellular communication modules can be bought almost everywhere online (same as sensors) including eBay. Cellular modules go for around $80 new.
Soon as my contract is up, I will be replacing my module and go to a different CS.
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Vivint system Without Vivint monitoring
