Ditching ADT for Ring Security

After many years with ADT, I switched to Ring Security System with an indoor camera. On November 18, 2020, I called ADT to disconnect my service. I was tired of paying $24.95 per month for an obsolete system.

The straw that broke the camel's back was the following ADT incident. After remodeling my house, the upstairs window sensor started malfunctioning. I called ADT to ask for help repairing the window sensor (which prevented me from arming the ADT System), but the company offered to send someone for a fee of $160. 

I was floored by the high quoted cost and the ADT's unwillingness to cover the repair cost for a system I've been using for so many years! As a result, I decided to call local, independent ADT dealers to see if I could get a lower repair estimate. Unfortunately, the result was even worse. Though I contacted 3 separate ADT dealers, they failed to call me back! I decided this unprofessional attitude was unacceptable and switched to another security system.

After reading many positive reviews of the Ring Security System (and the Amazon Black Friday sale), I decided to try it, as it was inexpensive and had a reasonable $10/month monitoring fee. Before installing the Ring Security System, I followed a YouTube video to power down my ADT Security System. I was even able to remove the DSC Front Panel but discovered a large hole behind it (so I decided to keep it for now).

Installing the Ring system was relatively easy, but learning to use the Ring App on the iPhone took longer.

After plugging the Ring base into a power outlet, the iPhone Ring App enabled the rest of the devices and sensors. It was easy! The indoor camera was also relatively easy to install and configure.

I am also enjoying the new Amazon Echo Show 5 video speaker (offered for free on Amazon). It's nice to have a display in the kitchen.

I did have to figure out what type and brand of video doorbell to purchase next. I was deciding between the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, and Nest Hello Video Doorbell. After further reviews, I noticed that Amazon had a Black Friday promotion for the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus. Instead of $159.99, it was now $129.99 (if ordered using Alexa). I decided to call it!

Now that I received the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, I connected it to the Ring Security system but wasn't sure where to install it. I suggest mounting it in the location currently occupied by the NuTone IS-70 speaker. Kyle Switch Plates (in Livermore) sold various cover plates for NuTone speakers and ordered one.

I plan to install the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus on the new cover and try it out. The battery can last the 6 months that Ring is promising.

I also installed a Schlage Smart Connect Smart Lock BE469, which works with the Ring Security System and can be locked or unlocked with the phone. It replaced my Schlage lock, which was damaged by me (when I tried to replace the 9V internal battery).

I like verifying whether my Schlage lock is locked using the Ring Security system.