Do It Yourself Home Security Systems

In today's electronic age it is becoming simple for the handyman to work with do it yourself home security systems. Home security equipment is now widely available from a variety of sources. Through the use of wireless technology, plug-and-play home security cameras and digital video recorders, a person can actually set up a do it yourself home security system in their home or business in less than an hour. Of course, more complex systems which can include multiple door and window sensors may take a bit longer.

But - before you run out thinking you know what you are doing and start buying stuff for a weekend do it yourself home security project, you actually need to survey your house and property to determine your real needs. Particularly with security cameras you want to make sure that the placement allows full coverage of critical areas. With door and window sensors you will want to insure you can cover the entire area. With devices such as cameras, the use of motion detectors can save space on your image storage device as well as reduce playback time following an incident.

Once you have determined where you believe cameras and other devices may be needed, visit the online sites of companies to determine the types of do it yourself home security devices that are available. You may find that by using wide-angle lenses you can reduce the number of cameras needed for close-up surveillance. Additionally, for faster identification of potential problems, longer lenses can be placed for views of areas further away from the building. Where possible it may be better to avoid using panning cameras since they could leave areas uncovered at times. And they also have more parts that can potentially fail.

For most people the best solution is probably to purchase an expandable diy home security system with the basics you want for your project. Additional components to expand the capabilities of any such security system must be easily available, so you should look for a system that uses established standards and can be connected to a variety of brands of additional equipment. Since it is unlikely that a kit home security system has exactly what you'll need for your home, be sure to get any additional pieces you may need.

Have Everything Handy Before You Start Your Project

When you think you are ready to begin your do it yourself home security project, double check that everything you need is on hand. There is nothing worse than being on the roof installing a camera and finding out you are short of cable connectors. You will have to climb back down the ladder, head to the store and, if it is open, buy what you need and then head back up the ladder. It is better to inventory your equipment and supplies at the beginning of the project than have to stop in the middle.

Make sure you have a checklist of exactly what needs to be installed, where, and in what order. If you decided on a wired system, better make sure you have extra wire and connectors. Be systematic and work through your checklist. Test each step as you finish before you check it off. If you are installing cameras, then, unless you have access to a battery operated television with which to view the images from the camera, you will need help lining up the cameras used for your do it yourself home security system. While you adjust the views from the cameras, have your helper watch the video screen to make sure the image received catches the area needed and that the images are in focus. Motion sensors may also require adjustment. Having every stray cat or squirrel triggering your motion sensors and turning on the outside lights gets old fast.

When you've completed your do it yourself home security system, make sure to run a series of tests on all the components before you congratulate yourself. Once you've verified that everything is working the way it should, you can relax with the assurance that your home security system is on the job protecting your family and your property.

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