(Part 2) Top products from r/homedefense

This incosky security camera system would be cheaper but still in good quality, also in good customer reviews. It is the 1.3MP 960P 2000TVL waterproof (IP66) outdoor security camera. The 4 idle channels included in case you need more cameras (8 channels in total); plus 1080N resolution AHD DVR provides clear true color images.

Hi,

If you want a primer on current security camera technology, my guide to IP cameras may help. As you will find though, I am not one who recommends storing everything on the cloud.

For a doorbell, if you want a ready to use device, consider the Ring Doorbell. If you are happy to go the DIY home automation route, you can use a standard bell linked to a home automation gateway device which can then pretty much trigger any event/action you need. Eg. Play a sound through your home theatre or SONOS, take a picture from the security camera and email to your phone, send a push notification to your phone, automatically play a recorded greeting etc. An example of a gateway device is the Vera Plus.

In fact this is going to be my next project!

Daniel

Ok, I have a couple of suggestions.

First, what is your door made of, and how sturdy does the jamb look? I'll give you a hint: the jamb isn't sturdy enough. There are kits you can buy online to reinforce the door jamb (like the strikemaster pro 2). A good kit will have a steel bar that spans most of the jamb, hinge reinforcement, and a strike plate that goes around the deadbolt. The major advantage is that the door/hinge reinforcements have about a dozen 3" screws on these kits that go all the way into a stud, making it much more difficult to kick in. The door itself is much, much stronger than the jamb, which is usually very thin wood and not secured to much. Nothing will make the door impenetrable, but jamb reinforcement will help. At the least, an intruder may bail and break into someplace that's easier to enter. As for the door itself, you can consider replacing it with a steel door or a stronger wooden door. Odds are pretty good that it's plenty sturdy though - the real point of weakness is the jamb.

Your locks... That's another story. Ever hear of bumping? This is how easy it is to open most deadbolts with a $2 bump key that can be bought online or made at home. Unless your lock has an unusual key shape, it's probably susceptible to this "technique". There are locks on the market that make this more difficult or impossible if it's something you're worried about. Most thieves seem to prefer (based on what statistics I've seen) just kicking the damn thing in, but it's something to consider. But anybody who wants in badly enough is going to gain entry somehow. Once they're in, you want to make sure you know about it and hopefully they get scared off. On to alarm systems.

As for an alarm system, I cannot recommend the SkyLink system (based on the SC-100 control panel) enough. It's about $100 on Amazon. It's all wireless, control panel has battery backup, and it can be quickly and easily customized by adding extra sensors for door/window, motion, flood and vibration. You can attach extra keypads and sirens, program zones and alarm modes, and even attach an auto-dialer if you have a landline. It can't directly call 911, but you can have it send a recording to like 8 different numbers if the alarm is tripped. I had a simple set up in an apartment (control panel, extra keypad, door sensor, and extra siren) with it in about 15 minutes. I've since moved to a townhouse and expanded the system to about 10 sensors, 3 keypads, 3 sirens... It's cheap, reliable, and effective. While it doesn't give you the "cops are on the way" effect of a pro-monitored system, it gives you peace of mind that nobody is getting into your home while you're there without you knowing about it. Plus, any petty thief will hear the alarm run like hell (seriously, who puts an alarm in an apartment??). Effective range advertised is 100 yards, in actuality it's about 100 feet through walls, further if there's nothing blocking the signal.

There are lots of alarm options out there to look at, though... You can get an Ademco from many sites -- it's professional equipment and you'll need to know what you're doing to install it. This is the exact same equipment you'll get if you buy a monitored system (well, models vary but you know what I mean). You can get some wireless gadgets, but it's far more complicated and expensive than the skylink. There are also some smaller-scale systems to consider as well (which may be just fine if you're only securing two doors and aren't looking to expand the system) like this one by GE and this other one by skylink (does not include the master control panel, armed and disarmed by key fobs). Look around on Amazon, there's a pretty decent market for these types of alarms.

Sorry for the wall of text -- I've been researching door reinforcement recently, and no kidding, I love my skylink system.

Edit: added link for SC-100 system

Resolution is important, but so is the codec on the NVR. Ideally, you want one with h.265 support.

Here's a 8 channel one by Hikvision, a well known brand: https://www.amazon.com/HIKVISION-DS-7608NI-K2-8-Channel-Recorder-Embedded/dp/B078S56GY4

You will have to buy the hard drive(s) separately. I recommended WD Purple drives. They are purpose built for surveillance equipment. https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Surveillance-Hard-Disk-Drive/dp/B00IMPO5MO

As far as cameras go, most people go with Hikvision or Reolink. Here's a 2K Reolink bullet camera. Expect to pay significantly more if you really want 4K. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010LH48F4/

6 cameras with this setup would run you $749, and you would have 2 ports available for expansion.

I have a couple of these on a sliding glass door. They work pretty well and they are sensitive enough to trigger when you're opening the door. Problem is if my cat messes with them they can go off.

As for door opening something like this or this

Now granted I'm no guru when it comes to home defense. I live in a nice area where people can leave their bikes out over night unlocked and expect them to be there in the morning.

I have insurance so if I do get robbed I'm covered. I have valuables secured as best as I can since i'm renting. My concern is when my gf or I are home and someone tries to get in or something I want to be awake.

You probably need to take a step back and reconsider what you are hoping to accomplish, and re-calibrate your expectations.

If you simply want to see what kind of wildlife is tipping over your garbage bins, something like a game camera might do the job: http://www.amazon.com/Primos-Trail-Camera-Black-63051/dp/B017WAVIU6

With that said, if you really want a video surveillance system, the first step is determining the bare minimum number of cameras you need. You can always start out with a couple of cameras, and expand your system later.

A $200 budget can probably get you into a one or maybe a two-camera system, if you are resourceful and computer-savvy.

For example:

Camera ($90):
http://www.amazon.com/Hkivison-DS-2CD2335-I-replace-DS-2CD2332-I-security/dp/B0177U7ZK8

PoE injector ($40):
http://www.amazon.com/WS-POE-8-48v60w-Passive-Ethernet-Injector-Cameras/dp/B0086SQDMM

Blue Iris software ($59) or iSpy ($0)
http://blueirissoftware.com/
https://www.ispyconnect.com/

In addition to the above, you'll need an Ethernet switch, Ethernet cables, and a PC to run Blue Iris or iSpy.

There are other camera options out there - this is just one that I have some personal experience with and can recommend. But $70 - $90 is pretty much the low-end when it comes to decent outdoor IP security cameras with low-light capabilities.

There are so many to choose from. Hikvision is a good compromise between cost and quality. There are quite a couple of products out there that, although branded with other logos, have Hikvision hardware underneath. I have used Swann and Hikvision NVR and between the two I would recommend Hikvision.

I run various branded cams on my NVR and if you are not after fancy features like number plate recognition or item removal .... most of the are well supported.

I would start with an 8 port NVR device as you will inevitably want to add more once you stat and from my experience a 4 port is just not enough for us DIY types.

I would recommend something like below as a start.
Hik 8 PoE NVR

This will work for cams up to 6MP but will probably only allow you to record 4 x 5MP cams simultaneously. If you need more you will have to record at lower quality. You would also have to fit it with HDD’s

You also get NVR models with alarm inputs (digital) that you can combine for instance door sensors with you NVR for better reliability. Just some food for thought.

You get much better spec’d Hikvision NVR’s as well other brand but you have to start somewhere.

So as an update, these are the two options that I think we're going to go with. Well one of the two, any feedback on why the IP cam setup would be beneficial over the Analog?

Cameras: 4 Hikvision DS-2CD2142FWD-I 4MP WDR
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A6MYOOO/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

• Should we consider turrents as well? Or are Domes the preferred goto for a commercial, indoor setting?
  
  NVR: HIKVISION DS-7616NI-E2
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197X9L7S/ref=twister_B01DBLT7K8?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
  
• Considered the 8 port version as well, but I think we'll be running POE from a TPlink into the NVR, so the extra ports wouldnt matter.
  
  Switch: TP-LINK 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet PoE Desktop Switch with 4 PoE Ports (TL-SG1008P) -
  https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Gigabit-Ethernet-Desktop-TL-SG1008P/dp/B00BP0SSAS?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAISGKVAZL7VOI6HIA&tag=vueville.com-ce-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00BP0SSAS
  
  WD Purple 2TB Surveillance Hard Disk Drive
  https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Surveillance-Hard-Disk-Drive/dp/B00IMPO5MO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1478502241&sr=8-5&keywords=WD+purple+surveillance
  
• Owner is looking for 30 days of recording capability
  
  200ft Cat5e Outdoor Waterproof Ethernet Cable Direct Burial 200 ft.
  https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Waterproof-Ethernet-Direct-Burial/dp/B001B6FY4O?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAISGKVAZL7VOI6HIA&tag=vueville.com-ce-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B001B6FY4O
  
  Anything that i seem to be missing from this setup? I was thinking of a UPS as well for power trips and maybe an SD card. But not sure either is seems as necessary?
  
  Conversely, were also considering as mentined, a pure analog setup.
  Amcrest HD 720P 4CH Video Security System - Four 1280TVL
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZSPXR8E?th=1
  
  Is there a sizable benefit of going with the Hik IP cameras, vs the lesser costed CCTV system that Armcrest offers?

Several issues with that article but the main one is the Amazon links to the two cameras below their lists of features (itself a bit of a mess). First, both of the links are to the same product, the Arlo Pro. Second the link is to the add-on camera, which currently shows a price of $169.99. The add-on camera is useless by itself. The link should be to the Arlo Pro Security System with Siren, which is $227.00 with free shipping. The other link should be to the the Arlo VMS3130 Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Security System with 1 Wire-Free HD Camera, which is $149.00 with free shipping.

Why not just get the Hikvision NVR Link

Its the same price and you don't have to worry about any ONVIF issues. It also is a Plug and Play model so it supplies the POE for the cameras.

You will also need a HDD for storage. I use WD Purple Drives.

For work we use alot of DS-2CD2132F-I-2.8MM cameras. They do a good job for what they cost. I would be sure to update the firmware on your NVR and Cameras when you get them.

If you want space on the rear of the camera to make connections you want a CB110 for each camera. Though if they are going under the soffit you should be able to make the connections there.

The software you want to use with the NVR is [iVMS-4200] (http://overseas.hikvision.com/us/Tools_84.html) go to Client Software and download the newest version.

I'm not up on CA stun gun regulations, but here in Louisiana, my wife and I both have this stun gun from Academy Sports. It's nice that it doubles as a pretty decent flashlight as well as having some pretty mean prongs on the front that I wouldn't want to be hit with.

For the house, you could look into those stick on alarm systems which you can usually find at Lowe's or Home Depot.

You could look into self defense classes for her as well.

I'm running a similar setup with 3 3mp Dahua cams and 1 Foscam PTZ cam. Like others have stated Blue Iris can be CPU intensive however an i5 or i7 definitely isn't required. I'm running it with an old Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 with 6 gigs of RAM and a 3tb WD purple. Once I optimized my camera settings, my CPU idles at around 30% and peaks at 70% when all the cams are triggered at the same time. You can easily assemble a PC cable of running Blue Iris with those 3 cams for $300 or less.
For Example:

• CPU~$50
  
• MOBO $30
  
• 8GB Ram $35
  
• 2 TB NVR HD $83 You'd just need a cheap case and power supply and you'd be set, this is by no means an ideal setup but it works fine for me.

Have a look at this one. Just asking to connect your devices and your DVR via Internet with P2P technology, it features 4 HD Bullet Indoor/Outdoor Cameras & Super DVR. As a 1.3MP 960P 2000TVL waterproof (IP66) outdoor security camera, it gives you clear true color images.

I know this is an old post, but Looks like Nelly's has the same NVR for $90. I just bought it, but haven't set it up yet.

Eyesurv ION Series ESDV-NVRION-8 8 Channel 1080p Hi Def Mini NVR for IP Cameras - $90 + Shipping

I also just bought this 8POE + 1 switch off amazon prime:
Eagle Eye 9 Port 10/100 Switch (8 Port POE + 1 Uplink) SW09i - $80

How about this one? It is a 1.3MP 960P 2000TVL waterproof (IP66) outdoor security camera. With 1080N resolution AHD DVR to provideclear true color images. Its IR night vision LED provides B/W image during night; IR-cut filter blocks infrared waves while passing visible light for true color image and less heating. Now it is on big sale down to $175.99 on the store. Hope this could help you.

Those Dahua cameras are great options. Their prices are looking better and better, too. On the NVR equipment side, I found an 8-channel NVR for $90 here, and a PoE switch with 8 powered ports and one uplink port for $80 here.

Hi,

I would recommend a Hikvision NVR like this, and 3MP or 4MP Hikvision IP cameras to suit your installation locations. It is important to choose the camera type based on where you will install it - I like to use dome cameras for front porches (vandal-resistant), bullets for back yard etc (deterrent, flexibility of positioning).

I have written an in-depth guide on how to choose IP cameras here on my blog and these are my recommended IP cameras. I use Hikvision bullets and domes myself.

Daniel

So there is The Door Club, which would be effective for your needs, but depending on how much you're allowed to modify your apartment, something like a security bar might be more appropriate. If the security bar is what you're looking for, you may want to consider a heavy duty version called the Buddybar.

I use those cameras every now and then. They have DWDR which is Digital Wide Dynamic Range. Its still really good and the majority of the cameras that i install have this type of WDR. Ive imported chinese Hikvision and imported straight from alibaba so any place you get them is fine its more just about the price. You might get a dud one here and there but that happens to everyone, so any supplier is fine.

I usually prefer [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD2332-I-Turret-Network-Camera/dp/B00GYHEG0S/ref=sr_1_10?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1452922370&sr=1-10&keywords=hikvision+3mp) style of camera as the IR is focused on the center of the image and it wont reflect off the plastic shell.

The HikVision 3MP cameras are great and have wonderful reviews.

Yes, you will also want to get a PoE switch (or a power injector like this: http://www.amazon.com/WS-POE-8-48v60w-passive-Ethernet-Injector-cameras/dp/B0086SQDMM). This allows the camera to just use a single ethernet cable to provide power and data.

I'm not 100% sure if the Hikvision cameras come with a free DVR software, but a lot of people including myself run BlueIris as their Server. This allows you to use a PC as your DVR. I know there is a bunch of info on their website http://blueirissoftware.com/ and it only costs $49.99 for a full version. Cam-it.org has a lot of discussion on how to use / configure it.

Indoor 15x15 = wide-angle turret camera. Something like this , which is cheaper than what you listed in your post. Dahua also has some relatively inexpensive ones that I like. Panasonic has their 360-degree offerings you can also take a look at, but they're very pricey.

Driveway + backyard = bullet-style camera. Something like this. I don't know how cold it gets where you're at, but get something that can hack cold temps if it gets chilly.

If you're setting up PoE on an ONVIF-compatible system, you can take advantage of any ONVIF-capable camera (Dahua, Hik, Lorex, HDCam, etc.).

Blown away with the quality per dollar of this guy I just got :
Hikvision DS-2CD2432F-IW 3MP Indoor IR Wifi Cube Camera 2.8mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JWCV9CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_R0JoybZP6AK4M

My wife even said "it's cute" and the picture quality is amazing.

These Hikvision cube cameras are really nice. I have a few at home. 3MP (1440p) resolution, Wi-Fi, 12VDC or PoE powered, Two-way audio, nice IR, indoor only though. We're selling them for $109 on Amazon.

Am a Hikvsion fan, personally.

• If you want good audio, install a microphone, as most outdoor-rated cams have terrible audio. Most NVRs have at least one analog audio in.
  
  
• Hikvision indoor cube (DS-2CD2432F), OTOH, has great audio.
  
  
• http://www.cnet.com/products/august-doorbell-cam/
  
  
• http://www.cepro.com/article/doorbird_is_best_diy_pro_doorbell_camera_for_home_automation_integration
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Video-Doorbell/dp/B00N2ZDXW2/ref=pd_lpo_421_tr_t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6AFYZ2128T6J9T9K5QHF
  
  

I got the skylink long range motion kit here
http://www.amazon.com/Skylink-HA-434RTL-Motion-notified-surroundings/dp/B003CWK4JK

I'm testing the motion sensor which has a high /low sensitivity setting.
The low setting is what I'm using.

So far it's done well the range and sensitivity. It doesn't go off due to plants rustling in the wind creating shadows like my x-10 use to.

For about 4 days, I've had no false positives when set to monitor the front entrance to the house and has caught the mail man every time.

I ordered two more sensors and will use those to test the side entrances to the property.

The beep when triggered identifies which sensor is triggered. I'll have an audible indication of which entrance is being accessed.

Wish there was a way to customize the length of the notification and volume as it currently beeps for about 10 seconds to alert. A little shorter notification period would be better.

Price is about $40 for the base and one sensor. $19 per extra sensor.
The sensors take 9v batteries.

So far so good.

-I already have a Swann dvr cam system, but the motion detection settings are way too sensitive and goes off with wind / plant shadows, bugs in ir mode, and even dust on the lens. Even on the lowest detection settings. So this skylink proximity sensor is great for alerting me to utilities that come in through the gate / gardners / etc. since I have a dog that I don't want to get out due to careless visitors who don't lock the gate.

Motion detection with cameras tends to produce a lot of false positives. I don't know about Blue Iris that the other poster mentioned though, but maybe it is better at it.

But another thing to consider are just motion detectors. Have them aimed at your yard properly positioned/adjusted to ignore the passer-bys. They can simply trigger a chime, something along the lines of: http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-CWA2000-Wireless-Motion-System/dp/B002ISVJL6

Or more sophisticated system (like a full-blown alarm system) can send you email/text notifications in addition to chiming.

Get a Foscam. it records to the sd card, so you don't need a stand alone computer or dvr.

Also, get a driveway motion detector so you know when they are coming.. now you can close the garage on them and also get video evidence.

But the real problem is the father that needs to have some respect and change his ways. But perhaps they are not stealing it when you think they are,.. you're kid could have left the bike out front. That's why it's good to have a record of motion activated events.

I doubt the school would let you install it, but this seems like a cheap, sturdy way to secure that type of door.

Otherwise, there are these jammers that don't require permanent installation.

I think this is probably the best you're going to get:
http://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Smart-Home-Wire-Free-VMS3130-100NAS/dp/B00QH0Q8J4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449101483&sr=8-2&keywords=netgear+arlo

I would just use 3M strips to mount it if you can't drill depending on how heavy the camera is.

This is great.
http://www.amazon.com/GE-Personal-Security-Door-Alarm/dp/B0000YNR4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414077427&sr=8-1&keywords=door+stop+alarm

Checkout one of these guys here:https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Security-System-Wire-Free-Outdoor/dp/B00QH0Q8J4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1482645458&sr=8-3&keywords=100+wireless+security+camera

It connects to your wifi, sends motion alerts, and contains 7 days of free cloud storage. If you get a dog, just point the camera at your door about 2 1/2 feet up. Then you wont get motion detection on the dog, but you can get an alert when the door opens and even a picture of the persons face when opening your door.

I have this one, 10 bucks on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/GE-45117-Deluxe-Wireless-Alarm/dp/B0014A4JWU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1414035916&sr=8-4&keywords=door+alarm

It's pretty loud. Can be set to go off as soon as the door opens or set to go off 30 seconds after the door opens in away mode.

Would you recommend this one ?

How is Fortress Security Alarm compared to the SimpliSafe that you mentioned?

http://www.amazon.com/Fortress-Security-Store-Wireless-Outdoor/dp/B00A1D90Q6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449081862&sr=8-2&keywords=fortress+security

check this out, my co-worker seems to like it.

I do sec cam installation.

This is the default behavior on the Fortress security system:

http://www.amazon.com/Fortress-Security-Store-Wireless-Outdoor/dp/B00A1D90Q6/r

Uses a landline, so voice call only.

You can get several of these in key places to alert the guards to possible intrusions

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ISVJL6/?coliid=I36S8TOTVVGT9I&colid=ZVBZOUW3FH85&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Does your camera have infrared LEDs? You'd want to turn them off so that they don't create glare on the glass in front of the camera. I'd make sure it's possible to do that and still have the camera use the IR sensor instead of the day time sensor. I haven't tried this on my cameras, so I'm not sure if that's an option.

If your camera doesn't have IR LEDs, then I'm guessing it probably doesn't have an IR sensor either, so it wouldn't "see" the light given off by an IR LED.

You can indeed use external IR illuminators with cameras, but I've only done it by supplementing the existing IR on the camera, not using them instead of the camera's IR lights.

I use these IR lights to supplement the IR on my outdoor cameras.

These are simple, cheap, and reliable. I've got a few around our house. Had them for a few years and can't complain.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CWK4JK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_slcxub11VA8MK

This is not a outdoor rated camera, for outdoor use; you could use this: http://www.amazon.com/Foscam-FI8905W-Outdoor-Wireless-Nightvision/dp/B003YUEF0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1416090891&sr=1-1&keywords=outdoor+wifi+camera&pebp=1416090906535

Nope! My injector will do 8 ports, but it does have a maximum wattage rating. You likely wouldn't be able to run 8 cisco APs off of the injector I got. This is the exact injector I have: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0086SQDMM/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you get a Foscam IP camera it can email you on motion detection. So if your phone/tablet is set to make a sound when it receives an email that would work.


Here is a video showing how to set that up

Aside from a unit that is made more for interior doors: https://www.surveillance-video.com/security-e-931cs22rrcq.html/

Could also place tape over the PIR sensor window to limit it's visible area. Also could get a unit that has a very narrow width by design: http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-CWA2000-Wireless-Motion-System/dp/B002ISVJL6/ref=pd_bxgy_60_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=05CKY1E9WNH8DM4QNY01

What you want is a door stop alarm, they're good for travel too.
http://www.amazon.com/GE-Personal-Security-Door-Alarm/dp/B0000YNR4M

I must have been confused then. I see on another thread this item was recommended; what say you?

http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Port-Switch-Uplink-SW09i/dp/B00H58P8RU/ref=pd_cp_pc_2

Something like this might scare them away.

Something stupid like this may help you ID them:

http://www.amazon.com/GE-45117-Deluxe-Wireless-Alarm/dp/B0014A4JWU

To specify, I'm looking for something similar to this, but with an internal wifi card that can wake a PC and shoot out an email/SMS/phone call with relevant information to the sensor triggered.

you dumb: Foscam FI8905W Outdoor Wireless/Wired IP Camera with 4mm Lens (50 Viewing Angle) 100ft Nightvision - Silver

Just for reference, here is an example PoE injector. Not being limited to batter opens up options if you can run the wire: https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PoE150S-Injector-Adapter-compliant/dp/B001PS9E5I

I don’t have any camera recommendations for you. But I did have a really shitty night camera for awhile. I ended up setting up an external IR light to make up for it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G6K407Q

So that’s something to keep in mind if you are unhappy with whatever you get or want lighting from another source

I would suggest a motion sensor instead of a door sensor. If they come in the door, they'll set off a motion sensor, but if they come in a window or something, the door sensor is going to be worthless.

I've been using the following one for probably a year or so, and it works great, is dead simple, and has never failed or given me a false alarm. I keep the base unit in the bedroom and have 2 sensors on the first floor.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CWK4JK

I use Skylink. It works well. My only complaint is that the door sensors are big and bulky (I think this is standard for wireless systems), and I couldn't get them to work on all my doors. I think I am going to take the remaining ones down and just put up my motion sensors. I don't have it active when I am home except when I am sleeping. The goal is just to wake my ass up so I can get to my gun.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014A4JWU/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1466991186&sr=1&keywords=alarm
real cheap door alarm

https://www.amazon.com/Doberman-Security-SE-0106-4PK-Ultra-Slim-Window/dp/B010HWD65Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1466991209&sr=1-2&keywords=window+alarm

real cheap window alarms

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-265DCCSEN-Dual-Function-Security/dp/B0002YUX8I/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1466991241&sr=1-2&keywords=buddy+bar

cheap door bar

https://www.amazon.com/Buddybar-10311-Door-Jammer/dp/B002BQ4VBU/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1466991241&sr=1-1&keywords=buddy+bar

better door bar

https://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Gates-Door-Guardian-White/dp/B004RL1IMC/ref=sr_1_22?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1466991276&sr=1-22&keywords=door+lock

cheap extra door lock

https://www.amazon.com/SABRE-3---1-Pepper-Spray/dp/B0007VHXLG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1466991342&sr=1-1&keywords=sabre+large

spray

https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Security-Wireless-Detection-Android/dp/B019S3ULQM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466991363&sr=8-2&keywords=blink

relatively cheap cams

remember OP, rather be poor from spending money on all this shit than dead. layers count.