I have a wired alarm system that used to dial out via a 56k modem (yes, it’s ancient but still works). However, I no longer have a phone line. I also use Google Home and Nest for lights and my thermostat, but I don’t want to pay for a subscription just to get notifications.
Is there an easy way to get notified if the alarm goes off? I’m not worried about video or other advanced features—just a basic notification system. Thanks!
Old alarm tech here. You could try using MagicJack. It’s a voice-over-IP phone line service that costs around $40–$50 a year and can port your old phone number. You’d configure your alarm system to call your cell phone through MagicJack when it’s triggered.
Without knowing the exact make and model of your alarm system, it’s hard to say. You might be able to simulate a phone line so the alarm thinks it’s dialing out, but interpreting the data it sends would require significant effort and technical know-how.
I was thinking of using something standalone, like a door sensor, and configuring the alarm output to trigger it. I don’t want to lose the functionality of my current system—I just need a way to know when it goes off without paying for a subscription or adding another monthly bill. I’ll provide more details about the system later.