"Smart" alarm options

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Dynamic

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#2897000 5-Apr-2022 07:23

rogercruse:

Dynamic: ... CHUANGO alarms are smart enough for me. App controlled. WiFi connected. 4G backup communication. RFID tag options and remote keyring tag and keypad options. SMS commands. Wireless sensors options include a smoke alarm and a glass break sensor ...

Certainly looks interesting. Other than improved commutation, what else does it offer?

My needs are simple, so I've not dug deeply into the options. I like the auto-set on a timer feature, and use this. I like that the app goes off like an alarm and the device can telephone or send a TXT message to different numbers when triggered. I think it has two-way voice communication (or lets you listen in) but have never used that. It was a very easy DIY installation.

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MikeAqua

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#2897230 5-Apr-2022 15:54

We have a Bosch system that I'm really happy with.

Multiple alarm profiles, so we can have parts of the house armed, when we're asleep or the whole lot alarmed when we're away.
Notifications to an app (needs LAN connection to internet). I'm not sure if it will do texts.
Garage door opener integrationO
App (pin secured) allows the alarm state and garage door state to be set and checked remotely. So when we are driving up the street, we can open the garage door and/or disarm the alarm.
Came with two remote fobs that allow arming (two profiles) disarming and door control

I don't know what it cost sorry. My partner was PM on that one.

Mike

mentor

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#2897247 5-Apr-2022 16:13

I have been using Paradox with PAI integration and Homebridge and it's been working flawlessly. Fully integrated into Apple eco system + can use key fobs. Configured everything via Babyware, partitions etc

The plus side I use my Paradox wired motion sensors and expose them in Homebridge to use for automations in Hubitat.

I can remote arm/disarm via my iphone/apple watch/siri - it's brilliant.

pipe60

127 posts

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#2897415 6-Apr-2022 08:38

neb:
pipe60:

I done a lot of the arrowhead alarms,easy to program etc,app is ok

I'm significantly underwhelmed by the Arrowhead alarms, the app is awful, the ability to send data to an external server is next to useless, the app and control panel don't talk to each other so you have to program everything in the entire system in twice, the app plays an alarm siren sound on your phone any time day or night the control panel loses connectivity which happens quite a bit, etc etc. It's probably fine if you just want a dumb alarm, but I'd avoid it if you want any kind of device or IoT integration, which is what I was after.

If you want more of a custom setup that's fine, most people just need an alarm that will just work for the next 20 years with a few battery changes and can be worked on by anyone.

Technofreak

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#2898683 8-Apr-2022 16:52

I'm looking at options for monitoring our Paradox alarm. Currently it is programmed to ring each of our phones in turn till either of us answer.

We'd like to be able to do a bit more than just get alerted to an alarm by a phone call. Things like being able to reset an alarm, view what sensor has triggered the alarm , arm and disarm the system remotely etc. We're also looking at the option of going naked on the internet front and doing away with the landline which is how the alarm currently communicates.

Our Paradox supplied options are the IP150 internet module, however the reviews on the Insight app are pretty damning. The other Paradox option is the PCS265 4G/3G/2G GSM Communicator.

What is the experience of Geekzoners with either of these two options? Does a static IP address resolve the issues people seem to have with the IP150? Assuming we can get a static address.

I'm also interested to know more about the likes of Homebridge. That sounds like a good option. How does the alarm interface/communicate with the likes of Homebridge?

At this stage I'm not really interested in other systems to replace the Paradox alarm. It works well, I just want to find a better way to communicate with it.

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ashtonaut

614 posts

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#2898685 8-Apr-2022 16:57

I’m happy to talk you through my setup (see earlier in this thread, and another Paradox thread on GZ if you search) if you’re interested. You do need to be prepared to fiddle with both hardware and software, but the result is seamless, integrated into iOS homekit, and hasn’t skipped a beat for me over 12+ months of use. DM me if you’re interested.

Technofreak

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#2898774 8-Apr-2022 20:45

ashtonaut: I’m happy to talk you through my setup (see earlier in this thread, and another Paradox thread on GZ if you search) if you’re interested. You do need to be prepared to fiddle with both hardware and software, but the result is seamless, integrated into iOS homekit, and hasn’t skipped a beat for me over 12+ months of use. DM me if you’re interested.

Thanks for the offer. I'll have a look on the other thread and will most likely be back in touch. I'm looking for Android integration but I suspect that'll be the same but different type of thing.

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