House Alarms with magicJack

mcz0119 · Post by **mcz0119** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 5:19 pm

I know the FAQs say that magicJack can't be used with house alarms but I want to know if anyone has been able to implement this 'feature'. This is the only thing that holds me back from getting it.

Thanks

Stewart · Post by **Stewart** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 5:35 pm

Although with most panels, it will work without doing anything special, I strongly recommend against it. For ~ $12/mo. in most areas, you can get a minimal landline (all calls measured). This will provide you with reliable access to 911, in addition to working with your alarm system. It's also a second line for incoming calls.

There are too many things that can go wrong if you use MJ for your alarm. The computer may crash for a variety of reasons, the MJ service may be down, something could go wrong with your router, modem, cable service, etc. In addition, power often fails in an emergency; you would need UPS protection for cable modem, router, and PC. Depending on where your equipment is located, it may be easy for an intruder to disable it before the entry delay elapses and the alarm is turned in.

That said, using a landline is not perfect, either. In many homes, the network interface or telephone cable entry is easily accessible from outside the house and an intruder can cut the wire before entering. The usual solution to this problem is cellular backup, though that is not cheap. If you do have cellular backup, you might decide that MJ + cellular is sufficient, and you can dispense with the landline.

monkeyboy · Post by **monkeyboy** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 10:22 pm

$12/mo ? really ?
In Upstate NY, the minimum landline bill is $28/mo, for practically nothing but a dialtone...

If I could get a landline for $12/mo, I probably would...

Stewart · Post by **Stewart** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:07 am

monkeyboy wrote:In Upstate NY, the minimum landline bill is $28/mo, for practically nothing but a dialtone...

Are you with Verizon? Ask about their least expensive "message rate" or "lifeline" service. Keep saying 'no' when they try to sell you something with unlimited local calling, or with some number of local minutes included.

VaHam · Post by **VaHam** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:04 am

Stewart wrote:Although with most panels, it will work without doing anything special, I strongly recommend against it. For ~ $12/mo. in most areas, you can get a minimal landline (all calls measured). This will provide you with reliable access to 911, in addition to working with your alarm system. It's also a second line for incoming calls.

There are too many things that can go wrong if you use MJ for your alarm. The computer may crash for a variety of reasons, the MJ service may be down, something could go wrong with your router, modem, cable service, etc. In addition, power often fails in an emergency; you would need UPS protection for cable modem, router, and PC. Depending on where your equipment is located, it may be easy for an intruder to disable it before the entry delay elapses and the alarm is turned in.

That said, using a landline is not perfect, either. In many homes, the network interface or telephone cable entry is easily accessible from outside the house and an intruder can cut the wire before entering. The usual solution to this problem is cellular backup, though that is not cheap. If you do have cellular backup, you might decide that MJ + cellular is sufficient, and you can dispense with the landline.

+1 on all that!

If you do already have cell service you may want to look into getting one of the Xlink-BTTN Bluetooth boxes, about $169, but they have fail over built in. That is if the POTS or MJ line plugged into them is down then they place the call thru your cell phone.

If you add one of the trixboxes you may also be able to save on cell bills to offset the cost of the device.

For power outage considerations just plug the Xlink into your computer's UPS.

stroths · Post by **stroths** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:23 pm

I would agree with a landline for the alarm. Do you really want to risk your home's security on a $20/year service?

My security system works fine with the Magicjack...3 large German Shepherds

MagicBob · Post by **MagicBob** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:00 pm

monkeyboy wrote:$12/mo ? really ?
In Upstate NY, the minimum landline bill is $28/mo, for practically nothing but a dialtone...

If I could get a landline for $12/mo, I probably would...

My landline residential flat rate is $11.07/month. BUT then there is the Surcharges and Other Fees - $5.16 and then there is the Government Fees and Taxes - $1.14 for a total of $17.39 for something I don't use.

I don't use the phone much and when I need to I use the cell phone, which I also don't use much.
If I could just get something for taking calls (with current number ported) then I would be fine, as my cell phone would handle any outgoing calls.

MajicJack would be perfect if they had a number in my area....the area code available is mine but 200 miles away and not local. I will continue to watch this Forum to see if they ever get this thing working so it would be a good idea for me.

Doobles · Post by **Doobles** » Sat May 03, 2008 1:23 am

But.. I have seen intruders do fancy things. Like use a cellular jamming device or cut the cellular coax cable or the actual antenna to defeat the cellular back up.. I guess NO alarm system is tamper proof.

I am not sure about using MJ for an alarm system. I guess in certain circumstances it can be done.. but the network and the service isn't very reliable for that type of use.

coke · Post by **coke** » Sat May 03, 2008 7:49 pm

I can explain how to do this if you want but it will have to be a different method than a post because I do not want to divulge information which could violate magicjack's TOS.

MagicBob · Post by **MagicBob** » Sun May 04, 2008 9:52 am

My alarm has a wireless internet connection.

Stewart · Post by **Stewart** » Sun May 04, 2008 10:14 am

MagicBob wrote:My alarm has a wireless internet connection.

What kind of wireless? If it's just Wi-Fi from your own router, that would seem to have most of the same problems as using VoIP. But if it's using EDGE, EVDO, etc., or a licensed service e.g. Clearwire, then it's probably quite reliable. Could you please post some details?

tada · Post by **tada** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 7:43 am

The reliability of VOIP, or better said lack thereof, is only one part of the equation when it comes to supporting alarm systems. The other part of the alarm system usage issue is the type of alarm system you're using.

Many alarm systems operate over what is called a "dry pair" --It certainly "looks" like a regular phone line/connection but looks can be very deceiving. A "Dry Pair" is basically an uncoiled connection (i.e. there are no coils on the system to shift voice frequency to stack multiple calls on a single line). The uncoiled connection can be used for carrying data in a number of different ways (i.e. even via *DSL), and some alarm systems *require* a dry pair to operate properly. In essence, the dry pair is used as a fixed data connection between the alarm and the alarm company which monitors it.

rbrumfield · Post by **rbrumfield** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:57 pm

Stewart wrote:
monkeyboy wrote:In Upstate NY, the minimum landline bill is $28/mo, for practically nothing but a dialtone...
Are you with Verizon? Ask about their least expensive "message rate" or "lifeline" service. Keep saying 'no' when they try to sell you something with unlimited local calling, or with some number of local minutes included.

In WV it is listed as the "Thrifty Caller" plan for $6.50/month. Along with all of the taxes and inside wire service plus what few measured calls I make a month, my landline bill is generally around $20/month. Even when I add on my DSL service plus Starz play, the bill is still less than $60/month. It was 57.16 for the December billing.

thinton2 · Post by **thinton2** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:39 am

I use a wireless alarm system as well and it works quite well for me. As was mentioned, no alarm system is tamper proof. The service that I use is https://nextalarm.com/index.jsp and they are very reliable. They also offer cellular backup if your internet service goes down and I receive many email updates of the system status which I check via my blackberry.

kumar · Post by **kumar** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 4:35 pm

I didn't take the time to read all the posts... but i HIGHLY RECCOMEND not using the MJ as your security system phone.... If you want security then just get a landline. Insurance comapanies give you some savings off insurance so that pays off for it. But IMO theres no security witht eh MJ...

Kumar

thinton2 · Post by **thinton2** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:32 pm

My wireless alarm system does not use a phone line at all and I had it in place long before the MJ. It is setup through my router and let me tell you, the response has been a heck of a lot more reliable than the service I had in the past with a landline. Can't blame it on the landline itself, but there are pros and cons to either method.

strndedinalska · Post by **strndedinalska** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 5:31 am

kumar wrote:I didn't take the time to read all the posts... but i HIGHLY RECCOMEND not using the MJ as your security system phone.... If you want security then just get a landline. Insurance comapanies give you some savings off insurance so that pays off for it. But IMO theres no security witht eh MJ...

Kumar

I glanced through and would suggest the same considerations I mentioned once before. First, if your computer is off, you're dead in the water. Second, if the power fails, you are dead in the water. If there's a fire, you're just plain screwed. Landlines usually come with a feature that tells the system when there is a cut in communication. The whole idea is if the prowler cuts the phone line, the alarm company calls the cops. It's a good policy and would become a mess with a Magic Jack if you forget to call the company every time you reboot your computer or if your Internet goes fishy.

Alarms are like tires on your car. You get what you pay for and considering what you have riding on your system, I'd definitely reconsider my choice. MagicJack will work, but it's designed more as a novelty to use for non-life threatening phone calls to family and friends than something as precious as your house, your "stuff," and your life.