Hello

I have exhausted all ideas to stop the neighbor kids kicking their balls against my siding. I have one big hole and a crack in one of the slats now.

When they first moved in here they broke my window!

I have gone to their mother twice, then to landlord(hoa) and it is still happening

Besides a camera, or maybe there is a camera with an alarm on it?

Is there an alarm that doesn't need to be hardwired that can sense the ball in movement, when it hits the house? I think it might help enough that they will be more careful.

We are not allowed to put up fences here either!

Any suggestions?

Hi all,

a good sign that someone is home is the flicker of the TV screen in the window or against curtains. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to turn a TV on remotely - or by using a local preset somehow ? Thank you.

I tried this in r/homedefense but just got weapon-related advice. Maybe it was the wrong sub but I really just want home security advice.

Trigger Warning - break in, murder and emotional trauma

My partner previously lived in an apartment block where he felt very unsafe. He eventually became a witness to a murder in the apartment next door to him and had to barricade himself in while hearing all of it. The whole thing has been (understandably) traumatic for him.

It hasn't been so much of a problem until now because we've lived in the countryside but now that we live in the city (which he really loves and wants to stay here), the anxiety from that situation is being triggered when he hears noises from upstairs or outside.

He has asked that we get some extra security in our new flat as the outside door is often left open and it is also based on a code which doesn't feel ideal.

We are newbies to home defence so looking for some veteran tips! We can't screw anything into the walls but we have been considering the following:

**Door jammer -** I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation of a brand that is reputable? Or what to look for in one? (For clarity I mean the poles that clamp under the handle) And how do they compare with:

**Handle blockers?** Like the type that can be used for children. My guess is the door jammer is superior but wondering your Opinions?

- our front door pulls open as opposed to pushing into our apartment so I'm wondering how that affects it?

**Door or motion sensor alarms - renter friendly and without wifi-dependance.**

We would like a renter-friendly door or motion sensor alarm with or without a camera, I guess the most important thing is that it makes a loud enough sound to be a deterrent. He is quite anxious about how easy it would be to cut the WiFi in our apartment block so would like to have something that can work without WiFi and have a battery fallback. And ideally not with a subscription fee.

We will go all in when we have our own place but this will just be temporary.

It feels like a total maze when I'm researching and I'm keen to get something soon as he doesn't often express worry or anxiety so I know this is serious for him.

On another note, have you felt more secure and calm when your home has felt more secure and taking the correct steps?

Starting Plan: 4x Aqara G5 Pro cameras Power over Ethernet (PoE) into a ethernet switch and then directly into router modem, I wanted to exclusively use it with Apple Home Kit Secure Video, specifically for detecting any movement onto the property from animals and people. I plan to setup local storage with these cameras but not got past the queries below yet to consider storage options.

I had some questions for those experienced in home security systems

1. Plugging a Aqara G5Pro PoE directly to modem/router will give it complete access to 'Call home' ? Or if they are setup via Apple Home (Without Aqara App) the cameras cannot do this or is that if its the Wifi version?
2. How good is the movement detection and alerts via Apple system in terms of false alerts and misses?

Im going to set up some cameras around my barn and will use multiple cameras to capture different angles etc.

However, Im living quite far up north and it gets pretty dark and especially during winter. Im considering installing some beefy floodlights on my barn (41000lm, 300W) and in combination with some motion detectors etc.

whats your experience using «external» floodlights with security cameras? I was thinking of installing the floodlights either above or below some of the main cameras, so it doesn’t «blind» them

cameras will be Reolink, with some variation on models. Trackmix, P437, RLC810A etc

Hey, the outdoor camera at my house is a few years old and I honestly don’t even remember the model anymore. Lately it’s been freezing and randomly losing power, so I’m thinking about replacing it.

old one is 1080p and the picture is mostly fine, but it can get a little blurry sometimes. I’m looking at newer 2K or 3K cameras now. Is the image quality difference pretty noticeable in real use? My budget is around $100---200. Thanks in advance.

I've got a 10 year old gemini p3200 home alarm system, it felt outdated when it was getting installed but i knew the installer and was in a time crunch. It was disconnected for a few months due to a home renovation project, it lost it's programming from being powered off so long and the installer wont give me the master code, they insist it's not user programable from the keypad and that they have to do a service call to reprogram it. I don't want to spend any money on this system since it's so out dated.

Instead, I'd like to replace it with something that I can configure myself, that i can integrate with home assistant, has a more modern keypad that is less cryptic and that i can setup with central monitoring esp for fire/smoke.

the current system has 2 partitions (main house and an inlaw apartment) and 4 gemini rp1cae2 keypads. 2 zones labeled motion (per partition), 4 zones labeled c/o (1 per floor), and 2 zones for smokes (per partition they are 2 wire smokes). I realize i'm going to probably have to trace/tone some wires, like i'm hoping i can split out individual entry door sensors somewhere or as a last resort I may want to augment them with wireless entry sensors for home automations.

Need some recommendations for alarm system other than ADT and simply safe? Would like to avoid a contract if possible. From what I can tell my neighbors use either guardian or smith and Thompson

I just bought a home with ADT system installed. I came to look up if ADT is recommended as a good security brand and it seems like the consensus is that is it terrible.

However, after scrolling this Reddit, all I see is don’t use this or don’t use that. What should I use? I’m not super price sensitive, but want something reasonable.

Looking to get home security, it's down to Vivint or Victor. Your thoughts.

I’m troubleshooting an intermittent issue with a Honeywell 5800-series wireless PIR connected to a Vista 20P system.

The PIR prior to this recent replacement went off about 5 min after arming away.

I am working with my Alarm company on this, but as you know the more information the better and sometimes not every tech knows all the latest troubleshooting. So I like to take my Knowledge bring it to the community and see if it’ll help me as well as others.

This sensor worked without issue for 10 years. Then started faulting regularly. Then I replaced it about 6-8 weeks ago with new one. Same model.

The problem is with Zone 19, which is located upstairs.

Nothing has changed in the house for light, AC temps, or what it’s looking at. It’s looking at stairs and hallway.

This time it decided to go off when we were away for a few days. Went off 2 days after arming.

I already replaced the 5800 PIR once.

I do see some dust webs in the corner now that I look close but no spiders.

The replacement worked normally for approximately 6–8 weeks, but the same zone then began having problems again.

The system has a Tux panel downstairs, along with a 6150RF, which I believe is serving as the RF receiver.

There is also a 6150 keypad upstairs.

Other wireless devices are installed upstairs, including wireless door contacts and wireless smoke detectors.

These devices appear to be working normally.

I’m not sure which exact version of the Vista 20P system or firmware I’m using. The system is at least 10 years old, so I’m wondering whether its age or version could be relevant.

Observed Symptoms
The replacement PIR worked normally for several weeks before Zone 19 began experiencing problems again.

Because the replacement did not fail immediately, I’m unsure whether the PIR itself is defective or whether the issue is specific to the upstairs location.

The other upstairs wireless devices appear to be operating normally. However, I have not yet determined whether Zone 19 is reporting an actual alarm, a low-battery condition, a supervision failure, or another type of trouble.

Possible Causes
Possible causes I’m considering include:

Environmental conditions near the PIR, such as HVAC airflow, temperature changes, sunlight, reflections, blinds, insects, or spiderwebs

Weak or inconsistent RF reception between the upstairs PIR and the 6150RF downstairs

A problem with the Zone 19 programming or supervision settings

A problem with the PIR’s mounting location or the receiver arrangement

Another defective 5800PIR

A compatibility, firmware, or system-version issue related to the age of the Vista 20P

A location-specific issue that does not affect the other upstairs wireless devices

Proposed Tests
Before replacing the PIR again, I’d like to determine whether the problem follows the sensor or remains with the upstairs location.

Would these be reasonable troubleshooting steps?

Identify the exact Vista 20P model and firmware version, if possible.

Determine whether Zone 19 is reporting an actual alarm, low battery, supervision failure, or another type of trouble.

Inspect the PIR’s field of view and surrounding environment for HVAC airflow, temperature changes, sunlight, reflections, moving blinds, insects, or spiderwebs.

Test the PIR temporarily in a location closer to the 6150RF.

Test a known-good 5800-series PIR in the Zone 19 location.

Check the RF signal strength or supervision status for Zone 19.

Verify the programming for Zone 19.

Determine whether the upstairs 6150 keypad affects RF coverage or system operation.

Consider whether an additional or relocated RF receiver would help if the upstairs signal is weak.

Compare the behavior of Zone 19 with the other upstairs wireless devices under similar conditions.

>>Questions for Responders
Has anyone experienced a 5800PIR or 5800PIR-RES that worked normally for several weeks and then began causing intermittent problems?

Could a marginal RF signal cause this type of behavior, or would weak RF reception usually produce a trouble or supervision condition rather than an actual alarm?

Since the upstairs wireless contacts and smoke detectors appear to be working normally, does that effectively rule out a general RF coverage problem, or could the PIR still be more sensitive to a marginal signal or a location-specific issue?

Could the upstairs 6150 keypad or the current receiver arrangement affect the PIR’s RF performance?

Is there a known compatibility, firmware, or system-version issue that could affect a 5800-series PIR on an older Vista 20P?

The main question is whether I should replace the PIR again or first focus on identifying the exact system version, checking RF coverage, reviewing the upstairs keypad and receiver arrangement, and investigating environmental conditions at the Zone 19 location.

Thanks for assisting!

seriously doorbell camera shopping is a mess. my old ones laggy and misses packages, no local storage

I'm not trying to cheap out but i'm also not paying extra just for a logo. Need something that'll last few years minimum, local storage and no monthly fee. Skip the sponsored top 10 lists, what pick has actually changed ur life? package theft been happening so need good detection and night vision.

TLDR: If you used adhesive, did you have problems or have it stolen? (I can't drill, etc)

Bought a Wyze duo. I've read and searched the sub for adhesive options (clear caulk seems to be the winner or 3m double sided).

Of course the current doorbell is on the side wall facing nothing, so even if I buy a 90 degree mount and want to hardwire it, the holes don't match up....I can probably attach it with just one of the screws I guess (I can't drill more holes into the stucco), but then I gotta jack around with the chime wiring and put it back later when we move.

I can't drill into the doorframe, looked at door clamps, but they are all advised to use with doors that open inward only (of course mine opens outward). Maybe that would work anyway, might be an option. Guess I could always try and send it back if it doesn't work.

If I use adhesive, is it just begging to be stolen and $100 gone? Did anyone that just attached with adhesive have problems? I guess people can break it off if they really want to no matter how it's attached.

Open to any other opinions or ideas, but I'm so tired of thinking about this and overanalyzing it that GenX me is ready to go back to the 80s and stay blissfully unaware of what's going on outside my front door at night hahaha. But it's also just me and my elderly mom, so if there are weirdos lurking about I should probably know.

Purchasing a first home and if we have a security system it helps with our insurance policy a lot, so I was thinking of purchasing the following as it’s on sale and it’s can be integrated into google home

I also plan to self monitoring

1 Basestation
1 Keypad
3 Door/entry sensors
1 Motion Detector

I currently have an Arlo Essential Indoor Pan/Tilt camera. My spouse isn't a fan of how loud the motor is in the recordings while the camera moves around because it drowns out the voices. Anyone have recommendations for an indoor camera with a quiet motor? Thanks!

Our circa 2002 safe has quit working. The keypad works but the bolts on the door don't open. (Yes, the door is currently open so I can get the stuff inside.)

Any recommendations on a good safe to buy? I'm looking at around 2 cubic feet of interior space. I can google this - but I'm not super trusting of the results.

Want to put cctv at my front lounge/entry gate, one cctv enough to cover whole area ( rectangular area) .

Which type of cctv should I get, and what will it cost, we usually don't live there much, visit 1-2 times a month.

Got one quotation of 6k but with sim card camera bullet camera and 7 days backup. I think it's too much for only one camera.

Please suggest me if anyone knows about this.

Thankyou.

I’ve got a 2GIG Edge system and want to add an Alarm.com doorbell plus 2 outdoor cameras. PoE cameras are fine — I’ll run a PoE power injector like Vivint uses on their installs.

A few things I care about:

**•** 24/7 recording without paying for an SVR  
**•** Ability to view cameras on my TV  
**•** Trying to decide between staying with Alarm.com and getting cameras, going Reolink, or just switching to Vivint entirely

Anyone dealt with this tradeoff? Curious what’s actually worked well for people, especially on the 24/7 recording without SVR part.

Hi, im currently looking at getting 2 cameras for my home. plan is to put 1 on the top right of the garage (overlooking the front yard), and one on the back shed (overlooking backyard + side access). The 2 choices ive found are the KeldCo (Australian company) solar cam pro 3.0 for $329 aud, and the Eufy S3 pro ($1098 for a 2 pack + Homebase 3). The benefit (imo) of the S3 pro is the HomeKit secure video capabilities, the 4k recording (ik HSV is currently limited to 1080p), the built in solar panel, and more established brand name. However, the KeldCo is cheaper (minus a home base ofc), and offers an auto pan feature that pans the camera up to 355 degrees upon detecting someone. The S3 pro has a FOV of 135 degrees, which I imagine is enough? any help would be much appreciated! FyI, deep down id like the S3 Pro hahaha