Home Alarm System 4G Module Locked to Alarm.com

bargrin on 14/05/2022 - 13:25

Looking to get my folks home alarm security system upgraded from an old Hills 6000 landline system (currently deactivated with move to NBN).

Want them to get a 4G connection which I assumed they could connect themselves to monitor.

However, the upgrade systems they are being quoted all have lock in contracts to use dedicated apps like Alarm.com

In using the provider app they must pay provider agent (Chubb security) $20 a month for the app access.

Does anyone know if they can get the upgrade with the 4G module and then change to some other app that doesn't change $20 a month?

Sounds like most security businesses that will sell you a 4G monitored alarm will also lock you in to using their app only at high on going month amount?

Home & Garden Security System

Comments

  • avoidfullprice on 14/05/2022 - 13:57

    Is the $20/mth for the app, or subscription to the base (Chubb) services? How much does other base service charges you if you don't go on with Chubb?

    • bargrin on 15/05/2022 - 21:21

      I think Chubb and most other provider will only sell and fix the 4G module if you sign up to their dedicated app only.

  • cohiba on 14/05/2022 - 14:44

    I'm in same position and will watch this thread. Two options I've recognised are either installing https://konnected.io/ as a 4G interface which can send me SMS's, or upgrading my Bosch alarm to a version that supports either 4G SMS or email; both these are relatively expensive upfront options.

    • bargrin on 15/05/2022 - 21:23

      Yeah was looking at same Konnected but looks fidely and time consuming. If I had the time would look into it further

  • c64 on 14/05/2022 - 15:37
    +1

    how does the hills 6000 communicate over land line? maybe you could plug it into a VOIP device

    • pjetson on 14/05/2022 - 19:40

      Not sure about the Hills 6000 specifically, but back-to-base alarm systems used to send regular "chirps" over the POTS phone line when the line was not being used to signal that the alarm was active (and sometimes when the phone line was already in use). These chirps were received by equipment at the telephone exchange and sent on to the alarm company. That scheme won't work for VOIP.

  • bargrin on 15/05/2022 - 21:24

    I am guessing there must be providers that will setup a 4G module alone for you just got to find them.

    Be good to connected via an app but seems like they want to lock you in for high fee monthly payments, unless anyone found a cheaper option/provider?

  • bargrin on 20/05/2022 - 22:42

    Looks like all apps that offer to arm/disarm your home alarm via a 4G module will charge a monthly fee of between $20 to $40 a month and require you to sign up for 12 months.

  • c64 on 21/05/2022 - 10:51

    any decent 4g home alarm systems on aliexpress? they wouldn't be locked

    • bargrin on 22/05/2022 - 17:37

      Yeah I thought about this but wondered if you wanted to trust just any app for home security?

      That is, maybe it makes sense to pay ongoing fees to an app which needs maintenance and security patches.

      At least I am coming to the relisation to get such features (monitor/arm/disarm via 4G network) you going to need ongoing maintenance/ fees.

      Now just a matter of seeig if there are choices in best paid app.

      Or maybe look furhter into Konnected but need the extra time as it doesn't seem simple.

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