Discussion
The short answer to the OP is yes there are many systems which do this.
I'm looking at the same kind of thing and am still learning.
Having looked at several systems, one weak link is the stability of the app to use with your phone. Some are so buggy that they make the systems, especially a security system, virtually useless.
The ismartalarm looks OK, Smartthings also looks interesting. I look forward to hearing what others findings are.
I'm looking at the same kind of thing and am still learning.
Having looked at several systems, one weak link is the stability of the app to use with your phone. Some are so buggy that they make the systems, especially a security system, virtually useless.
The ismartalarm looks OK, Smartthings also looks interesting. I look forward to hearing what others findings are.
I'm just about to buy a few components from this range to make my own self-monitored alarm system. http://store.wirelesstag.net/collections/all
Tie them in with rules to arm when the residents are away (we already have geofencing running on our phones with Tado) and app notifications, plus the possibility of triggering other devices and it'll hopefully be a pretty comprehensive setup.
Tie them in with rules to arm when the residents are away (we already have geofencing running on our phones with Tado) and app notifications, plus the possibility of triggering other devices and it'll hopefully be a pretty comprehensive setup.
I was recommended a Yale Easy Fit Smart alarm by my father in law when looking for something similar to you. I did a fair bit of research anyway but ended up plumping for one and I'm really happy with it.
It was easy to set up, all the sensors are wireless and it is also modular, so you can buy up to 12 (IIRC) additional sensors to your existing system at any time.
The app works well too.
http://www.yale.co.uk/en/yale/couk/ProductsDB/?groupId=4327
It was easy to set up, all the sensors are wireless and it is also modular, so you can buy up to 12 (IIRC) additional sensors to your existing system at any time.
The app works well too.
http://www.yale.co.uk/en/yale/couk/ProductsDB/?groupId=4327
eatontrifles said:
I'm just about to buy a few components from this range to make my own self-monitored alarm system. http://store.wirelesstag.net/collections/all
Tie them in with rules to arm when the residents are away (we already have geofencing running on our phones with Tado) and app notifications, plus the possibility of triggering other devices and it'll hopefully be a pretty comprehensive setup.
Wow, this looks very flexible and inexpensive too. Looking forward to hearing how you get on with this. IFTTT is also new to me and looks interesting. Tie them in with rules to arm when the residents are away (we already have geofencing running on our phones with Tado) and app notifications, plus the possibility of triggering other devices and it'll hopefully be a pretty comprehensive setup.
Shoegrip said:
Wow, this looks very flexible and inexpensive too. Looking forward to hearing how you get on with this. IFTTT is also new to me and looks interesting.
It's very flexible - lots of options and very configurable plus the ability to link with other devices is essential. I'm not new to IFTTT and use it for a few different things currently, but the makers of wirelesstags have their own alternative which comes with more configurations and ways of linking rules which you can't do on IFTTT.My plan is to have sensor tags on the entry points to my house plus a vulnerable kitchen window, with a PIR sensor in the kitchen-diner to confirm movement (this is the area accessed from the patio doors and kitchen). The chances of someone entering my house through the front door are slim as it's a solid wood door with 5-lever mortice and deadlocked Yale, so I'm going for the back as my most protected zone. There will also be a reed switch on the garage door.
The house sensors will be armed via IFTTT when the Tado goes into away mode and they'll send notifications natively plus SMS messages via IFTTT. There's also a way to link it to connected lights and switches to make the house do things and make noises to scare someone off.
All of the sensors have sounders built in although I suspect they won't be that loud - but it will give an indication that something has been triggered, however I'm in two minds as to whether that is a good thing or not.
I'm considering a way of triggering a siren inside as apparently thieves don't like that - unless they can find it and disable it that is.
All for less than £200.
In the second phase I'll be fitting a basic fixed internal CCTV camera, recording either to a NAS (which is backed up to Onedrive in case that gets nicked) or direct to a cloud service.
Shoegrip said:
So will that allow any means of live video monitoring or is that not important for you?
The CCTV camera will be able to be viewed remotely as well, yes. It's an additional layer of confirmation that something is happening and can be actioned (call friends, go home, call police etc etc. The recording is just backup evidence.I bought an ismarthome alarm yesterday. Pretty pleased with it. You can integrate this IFTTT that the last post said.
£85 amazon. Emails your phone straight away if alarm goes off, also allows you to get alerts if someone comes through the front door even if alarm isnt set. So far ive been pretty pleased. Will add another couple of pir sensors and maybe one for the shed. Also using this IFTTT I can set my phone so when i come down the road it disarms the alarm.
£85 amazon. Emails your phone straight away if alarm goes off, also allows you to get alerts if someone comes through the front door even if alarm isnt set. So far ive been pretty pleased. Will add another couple of pir sensors and maybe one for the shed. Also using this IFTTT I can set my phone so when i come down the road it disarms the alarm.
Are these things as good as traditional alarms? Main worry is that when an intruder gets into the house they can quickly and easily find and quiet the siren, as opposed to a traditional external wall mounted job with mains power and battery backup. Or find and switch off your router, killing all the fancy emergency lights, alarms and other deterrents.
Also, surely a dedicated security system shouldnot rely on the house wifi; even the wireless alarm systems use their own proprietary mesh network. Otherwise knocking out the house network (easily done in a number of ways, including simply cutting the phone line) disarms the alarm.
Also, surely a dedicated security system shouldnot rely on the house wifi; even the wireless alarm systems use their own proprietary mesh network. Otherwise knocking out the house network (easily done in a number of ways, including simply cutting the phone line) disarms the alarm.
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