Guys -

I installed an X-10 security system in my shop a while back and just realized that I had never posted my thoughts on it.

I paid just over $170 for the entire system and it is completely wireless. I bought three remotes for arming/disarming, 8 window and door sensors, 2 motion detectors, 2 remote alarm horns, 2 lamps switches - and it calls you when it is tripped. The wireless sensors are a snap to put in place and they have a good range for sensing the door/window trigger which will limit false trips - I even mounted on to the bay door and the wind will change the gap about 3/8" and it doesn't trip. The key fob remotes work through a 8" block wall and a steel entry door from about 200 feet away. I am rediculously impressed for the money!

The website is a bit loud and obnoxious, so be prepared - but it's worth the eye strain. An awesome price for a nice wireless system, in my opinion.

http://www.x10.com/security/wireless_systems.html

I would recommend this system to anyone. Very impressed. An excellent choice for a shop or a house.

BTW - I have NO AFFILIATION with X-10.

Scott

Having had two visits from "nighttime entrepreneurs" and losing a few thousand dollars worth of stuff I know the worth of a good alarm system. A few other security points are:
Keep the area around doors and windows unobscured by trees or bushes and well lit; the bad guys don't like to be easily visible while they are tearing the locks off or breaking windows.
Conversely; if possible conceal light switches inside or have a central control using X10 or something that cannot be overridden by local switches. One of the first things the bad guys do is turn on all the lights inside so they can see what there is to grab. Not being able to see and falling over things in the dark is a distinct handicap.
Keylock intermediate doors and any doors to the outside. After the lights the second thing they do is unlock any doors at the far end of the building so if someone comes in where they entered they can get out the back.

Oh, if your alarm does go off and you go to the building remember the advice I was given by a police person one time; "Sir I think you should stay out here while I go in; I am the one with the gun."

And you could get a stepper motor... hook it up to an IR sensor... throw some tracker software in and mount a remote fire controlled pistol to the unit.

Just imagine...

Alarm goes off.
Alarm system calls you and feeds the video to your phone/palm pilot...
Center crosshairs and press enter.
"nighttime entrepreneurs" are dispatched..
Equipment safe..
and the police don't expend alot of time and effort tracking folks down.

LOL!

As for the cop syaing "stay out here I am the one with a gun" LOL! I have seen and trained alot of police/sherriff and such. I believe I would bet one me.

The security force at a former place of employment would come out for qualification. I quickly realized that if I ever was being shot at by them I should stand perfectly still because I might accidentally run into one of thier rounds.

Later...

add some dogs or snakes and warnings that you have that type of deterrent.....

A strobe light operating at 7 hertz slaved to a motion detector WILL induce epiletic seizures in anyone.

In fact, link it up to a sound sstem puimping out bass at 7 hertz and they will lose control of their bowels and stomach at the same time hehe.

A strobe light operating at 7 hertz slaved to a motion detector WILL induce epiletic seizures in anyone.

In fact, link it up to a sound sstem puimping out bass at 7 hertz and they will lose control of their bowels and stomach at the same time hehe.

now that would be sight, you sick man

I've got cameras and motion detectors for the same purpose around the shop.

Interestingly enough I had a "nighttime entrepreneur" drop by just last night - when I confronted him he gave me some bull**** about being a carpet cleaning guy and gave me a flyer, then left. Keep in mind this is 9:00p, I saw his SUV pull up to my place, and he immediately left the neighborhood right after. Meth addict probably, by the look in his eyes.

Time to get me a shootin' iron....

I actually had the police set off my alarm one night.An officer was patrolling around our building and was checking back doors. Whoever was the last to leave that night closed but didn't bolt the back door. When the dilligent constable pulled on it guess what? I'm driving to the shop at 3 am. Better than someone else, but when the police department sent me a warning that they won't respond anymore if there are anymore false alarms..........

For windows try having laminated glass put in( it has two layers of glass with a thick goey polymer film in between. or just get your windows timted or a safety film put on. No thief is going to break into something that is not easy to break into..... Oj yeah and booby traps, like fake vid cams works good and also just keep a pychotic vibe goin( 9 out of 10 breakins are probably from some one you know and if they think your crazier than they are they might pick your neighbors house instead of yours...