Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was a bit skeptical about this wireless system at first, but I figured for the price, why not give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised with how simple it is to install and set up. All the sensors are pre-registered with the control panel so it's pretty much plug and play. I required two additional sensors that had to be registered with the panel. But the instructions to do so are simple to follow and it only takes about a minute for each sensor. The key fobs and panic button are a nice touch too, eliminates going to the panel to arm/disarm the system, or even sound the siren if someone's confronting you when arriving home. The instructions to customize your system setting are pretty much straight forward as long as you follow them explicitly, a wrong key pressed and it won't accept the change. I did have an issue with the phone inter-phase at first, so I put in a call to tech support. To my surprise they called me back within a few hours. They were knowledgeable and very polite. It turned out it was my connection to my landline that was incorrect. Having the ability to have the system call your cell phone, or any number or numbers if the alarm is triggered is a nice feature. As is being able to call into the system to remotely arm, disarm, or enable the built in microphone to listen to what's going on in your home is an awesome feature. So far I have not had one false alarm or a problem arming or disarming the system. This system arms and disarms the same way as any alarm system you would get from an alarm company, but without the monthly service charge. My only suggestion would be to have it come with an siren that has an adjustable volume control. The 110db that it comes with is sufficient for a home, but it's a bit loud for a rental application. Even the optional 85db siren is too loud for a rental unit. My solution was to wrap the siren in an old bath towel. It's still loud enough to scare off intruders, but not drive the neighbors crazy. UPDATE: After using the system for a short time I have to downgrade my original 5 star rating to 3. I chose not to change my original review because in all fairness, it is a simple system to install and use and has some nice features. But there are a few things that Fortress has chosen NOT to tell you before you purchase and install this system. I still think this a good system for the DIY'ers out there but it has flaws. First is with the operation of the motion sensors during delayed entry. Although you can set a delay time for entry to allow you time to get to the panel and disarm the system, the motion sensors will sound immediately regardless. You can change their programming to a "delay zone" to work like your door sensors, but it then changes their programming in "home mode". Now in "home mode" they'll now sound the alarm with any motion, which defeats having a mode that allows you to arm the system and still move around inside. Second flaw is the entry delay itself, it's still enabled when in "home mode". Which means that when your home at night sleeping someone could open your door and no alarm would sound till the panel finished counting down the delay time, giving an intruder plenty of time to get to you or the alarm panel. I think I would like to see all entry sensors sound immediately upon opening of any window or door when in "home mode". Third is with the audible "delay countdown". You can't disable it. Upon entry the panel "beeps" every second it's counting down the entry delay time. You should have the option to disable the audible countdown, as it can and will alert an intruder to the panels location where he could easily disable the alarm completely. These flaws are not to say this is a bad system, but it could use some upgrades to it's software. UPDATE II: After contacting Fortress about these issues several times, they finally informed me that this a "starter" system and therefore not designed to accommodate these features. Then their very helpful customer service representative conveniently recommended I upgrade to one of their "Total Security" systems at an additional cost of $300-$400 that does utilize these features. After I already invested $100 plus additional sensors for this one!! After hearing this I have to downgrade my rating to 2 stars since it doesn't appear Fortress is interested in doing anything to try and resolve these issues, or acknowledge the the fact that they willingly withhold this information from the consumer. Maybe I would consider an upgrade if they would credit my total cost of this system toward the cost of an upgrade. Not likely.