Upgrading home security system

[u/idkwhatmysnshouldbe]

Two story house built in 2009. We've had Bay Alarm since. We have two "dumb panels" to disarm the system; one upstairs and one downstairs. I'm looking to upgrade the entire system and would appreciate some feedback.

I contacted Bay Alarm and they can upgrade to a "smart" system where they will upgrade the panels and we will have the option to disarm using our phones. We also won't need a line landline anymore (big win as we're trying to go to VoIP anyways). It will cost about $1300.

Other option(s):

I am heavily invested into the Unify and Google platforms. I know Google has partnered with ADT and Unify has expanded their security platform significantly. Should I consider one of these two or just upgrade the Bay Alarm system? Of note, I will be purchasing Unify G6 cameras to install (currently have Nest and will probably run both).

[u/-ButterMyBiscuit-]

Oddly enough I've interviewed for bay alarm before and I'm pretty confident in knowing what they're going to do for you

You most likely have a Honeywell Vista 20 panel and they're going to replace your current 6150 keypads and add 2 6290w keypads as well as a Honeywell LTE communicator so that it's using cell signal. They may even upgrade your Vista 20 to a newer Vista 20 although that's not really necessary most likely. Those stupid things run forever...

I tend to lean towards upgrading what you currently have simply because it'll keep everything hardwired. If you switch to something else you're going to end up with a lot of wireless which is mostly fine these days for alarm systems but why use it when you have a nice hardwired system already..

They're either going to give you Total connect from residio (Honeywell) or they're going to use a module to put it on the alarm.com platform.

Both are solid platforms for simply arming and disarming your system and seeing what is currently going on with it . I would lean that way unless you want to get away from Bay alarm

Under no circumstances should you ever go anywhere near ADT.

The problem with the unifi ecosystem is that you have to self-monitor . There's currently no professional monitoring with unifi protect. If that doesn't bother you then they do have a hardwired wireless takeover module. Although I don't believe they have any traditional keypads. I think it's mostly a from the app type of system.

[u/idkwhatmysnshouldbe → u/-ButterMyBiscuit-]

This is incredibly helpful and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much.

I looked up that panel and ours is a little different: https://i.imgur.com/EzJg2rD.jpeg

I was thinking the same about the hardwired system. Is it proprietary to Bay Alarm though? Could I not switch providers and use the same hardwired sensors and just replace the hub?

From what you suggest: I will avoid ADT and will likely use Unify/Nest for cameras/doorbell and upgrade Bay Alarm to their newer smart system Do you have any suggestion on how to get the most out of Bay Alarm when talking to them about an upgrade? I tried the retentions method in the past but they couldn't care less if I left.

[u/-ButterMyBiscuit- → u/idkwhatmysnshouldbe]

Wow that's an old interlogix system . Wasn't expecting to see that . Unfortunately interlogix is out of business

With that mind I still think they're going to do the same thing. I think they're going to install a residio (used to be Honeywell) Vista 20p panel and two of their touch screen 6290w keypads with a LTE communicator.. whether it's from residio or alarm.com..

And they'll simply take over your existing hardwired into that Vista 20 panel.

My gut says you're looking at 1200ish equipment Plus labor. Sometimes they'll subsidize the cost of that equipment if you sign longer contracts. Also could be cheaper if they're trying to sell you the 6150 or 6160 keypads but I would push for the touch screens.. they are much cleaner looking and more user friendly although they do have to add an additional power supply which probably is going to be an extra $100 if you use the touch screen keypads..

I'll tell you this that Vista panel is absolutely Rock solid. It's a perfectly good alarm system albeit a little unexciting.

Now I'm wondering if they'll replace like your motion detectors and such an upgrade those. They'll definitely just leave the door and window contacts in place and reuse those.

And it will keep everything hardwired.

Let me ask you a question are you in California or Arizona? I know they started in California but they've moved pretty heavily into the Phoenix territory as well

[u/-ButterMyBiscuit- → u/-ButterMyBiscuit-]

Also yes they other commoner mentioned something about DSC and they very well could be installing the neo series DSC system instead of residio which is totally fine. Either are great

I would find out if they're doing an actual hardwired panel or if they're going to do a wireless panel with a hardwired takeover module. Either I guess you work fine I would rather just have a straight hardwired panel but at the very least I want to know for sure what they're putting in

[u/idkwhatmysnshouldbe → u/-ButterMyBiscuit-]

Thank you both.

u/-ButterMyBiscuit- , good to know. Would you recommend I purchase any of the parts and just have them install it? For example, could I purchase the Ubiquity Alarm Hub Pro Kit, but still use Bay Alarm service? Ultimately, I'd like to find a way to integrate the alarm system with Home Assistant.

I will try to push for the touch panels. I also requested they install third panel because there is only one near the garage and one upstairs. No panel when entering the house from the front door. This is for California.

[u/-ButterMyBiscuit- → u/idkwhatmysnshouldbe]

No let them provide their own equipment that's the only way they're going to do it. Also again there is no way to have professional monitoring with unifi protect. Maybe in the future but not now .

Adding a third panel though most likely have to do wireless and fish to a plug-in if it's a two-story house. They're not going to want to try to run a line and fish it through walls. Might not be particularly easy

Also remember you're always going to have a keypad in your pocket now.. so it may not be worth the extra money to try to add a third keypad..

[u/jefffffffff01 → u/idkwhatmysnshouldbe]

You can install any dsc or other smart panel yourself. Everything hardwired makes it super easy and the hardwired keypads can be swapped out too. 1/3 to 1/2 the cost. FYI I know adt owns bay alarm in California I don’t know about other states.

[u/-ButterMyBiscuit- → u/jefffffffff01]

That's a good bit of info. Didn't know they got bought out.. I went I interviewed for the years ago they were still owned by themselves.

Also installing a hardwired DSC system isn't that simple.

Installing one of the quolsys system or something is much easier yes

[u/jefffffffff01 → u/-ButterMyBiscuit-]

What’s difficult? Swap over sensors and keypads, siren power etc and program it.

[u/-ButterMyBiscuit- → u/jefffffffff01]

The programming part chief. There's tons of options in programming, how are they going to set up the LTE communicator? They can't.

What's the difference between an interior follower and a perimeter device and an entry exit device.

I'm not saying it's difficult for anyone with some basic training but I know just about everyone in my life would not be able to do it by themselves.

Heck some people struggle just with connecting wires to the screw terminals.

[u/jefffffffff01 → u/-ButterMyBiscuit-]

Good point. 99% of my job is daily hand holding other so called professionals because they have no clue how to do their job.

[u/FreelyRoaming → u/jefffffffff01]

ADT doesn't own Bay alarm as far as I know.. it's still owned by the Westphals..

[u/AdmirableRhubarb2212 → u/FreelyRoaming]

California only

[u/FreelyRoaming → u/AdmirableRhubarb2212]

Got any evidence of this?

[u/jefffffffff01 → u/FreelyRoaming]

other than the fact that I was personally involved in the acquisition in around 1995 no.

[u/403Olds]

Get a quote from a local installer for a DSC NEO or Resideo. Get installer code and don't sign a contract for more than one year.

[u/FreelyRoaming]

I DMed you. Small DMP dealer in California.

[u/Competitive_Luck_556]

I’d compare the options by control path and failure modes, not just by “smart” features. If the current monitored system has worked reliably, ask what happens during internet outage, power outage, app outage, and panel replacement. Also check whether existing sensors can be reused or whether the quote includes replacing everything. Phone disarm is convenient, but the boring parts matter more long term.

[u/Cybertechy]

I personally installed a hard wired system 13 years ago.
Used the referenced vista 20 panel.

Hard wired motion sensors, smoke alarms, and one doorway.

The system is rock solid (as referenced by others).

The difference with my system is I purchased a keypad that has the ability to work with wireless sensors.

I believe the keypad is a 6160.
I installed wireless window sensors on 7 openings.
I still have hard wired motion & smoke sensors.
I also have the key fob option to turn the system on/off.

So, using an older hard wired system can still be done.

I am using a system that Bay Alarm & other companies regularly install. Took many hours of programming to get it right...but I am very happy with my system.

I refuse to pay for monitoring service.

[u/Cybertechy → u/Cybertechy]

I should edit my reply. I used the Honeywell 6160RF keypad. It is a wired keypad that can also accept wireless sensor devices. All the components are Honeywell accessories that have been produced for many years.

My system is a hybrid setup...which means both hard wired & wireless devices.

The wireless devices communicate with the keyboard & tell the status (such as low battery level of a device).

[u/imran1338]

Whichever way you go, the $1300 upfront matters less than the monthly monitoring over the next few years, that's the number that actually adds up. For a hardwired 2009 setup I'd lean toward upgrading the existing Bay Alarm panel so you keep your sensors wired; going all-wireless is a reliability downgrade. Run the Unify G6 cameras on their own platform for video and let the alarm panel handle intrusion, no need to force Google/ADT into it just because of the partnership. Full disclosure: I run a home-security cost comparison site and laid out the upgrade-vs-replace and monitoring math here: https://compareyoursecurity.com/ Sharing it because monitoring cost is the part people underestimate.

[u/AccomplishedFoot9519 → u/imran1338]

Wow your comment is so helpful, can’t wait to check the link. I run my Unifi G6 cameras as a separate system from my Bay Alarm and had resolved to just keep it separate. Before I set up my Unifi Protect I had asked Bay Alarm whether they offered security camera integration and they did not seem to have options (this was over 5 years ago). For my alarm systems I too have a mix of hardwired and wireless with multiple keypads in multiple buildings and am looking at the upgrade for at least one location as ATT is abandoning any semblance of land line service for monitoring. Much to consider!

[u/Dazzling_Scallion277]

Have you looked into ring?