Home security options

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Home security options

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3919 posts

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#1708858 24-Jan-2017 16:31

Ok, response times are rubbish, but alarms are really useful if someone breaks into your house while you are there, possibly sleeping. I'd rather be alerted asap at time of entry, in preference to waking to find someone standing at the end of the bed.

And with IP cameras recording, at least you get a chance of providing police with an image to follow up on.

SomePostman

139 posts

Master Geek

#1708865 24-Jan-2017 16:37

Wow, what a range of thoughts I am getting. Thank you all.

I'm not prepared to put bars on every window/door, nor am I willing to give up technology in the hope of having nothing worth stealing lol (they stole my old 46" plasma!)

I think saying a burglar could get into any place if determined is probably true in a small minority of cases - if they're really that skilled/experienced/equipped then they certainly won't be bothering with my house. If you make your house a less attractive prospect (harder to get into, more likely to get caught) then you've done all you practically can.

I'm not interested in a monitoring company and the point of a camera is not for evidence, to me - it's a deterrent and to confirm whether it's a false alarm or not. The police will certainly pay attention and respond quickly if you can confirm there is a crime in progress.

Maybe a traditional unmonitored alarm would be easiest - but I certainly like the idea of being able to know when it is going off and being able to see what caused the activation.

jarledb

Webhead
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#1708867 24-Jan-2017 16:45

Automatic lights might be something to look into. If the burglar trips off flood lights when entering your property, they are probably going to leave quickly.

As for alarm system. I am partial to systems that alerts you and any good neighbour you might have. If I was a burglar, I would be more worried about pissed off neighbours than I would be of an employee of a security firm.. There are quite a few modern systems that will send you notifications when something happens.

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pedrogarcia

250 posts

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#1708976 24-Jan-2017 21:03

I use a Canary and I love it. No sub required for 12 hours of video recording. Also monitors home air quality. Really a great device. https://canary.is

MikeAqua

7769 posts

Uber Geek

#1709242 25-Jan-2017 10:47

A couple of Doberman's.

Mike

SomePostman

139 posts

Master Geek

#1710144 26-Jan-2017 16:01

As I see it, I've got a few options, each with pros and cons. The window bars and dobermans aren't really an option, but thank you all for your feedback.

Cleverloops
- Pros - moderately priced, online app, no ongoing subscription
- Cons - No audible alarm, no window/door sensors
Morepork
- Pros - no upfront cost (at least with current sale), audible alarm and door/window sensors
- Cons - ongoing cost that would cost more than cleverloops after year 2
Tranditional alarm system
- Pros - known entity
- Cons - will never know if it's activated (don't want monitored)
Other system - like importing a iSmartAlarm system or similar. I see at least a few kiwis have done this.

I like the idea of an audible alarm because at least if someone got into the house, they will know they have been detected and will get out ASAP. If they don't, then the police will be on their way (hopefully)

What way would you lean?

reven

3737 posts

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#1710176 26-Jan-2017 16:39

I would go with morepork, I did. In 2 years I may replace it who knows what google etc will bring out with home automation.

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Blanch

254 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1710191 26-Jan-2017 17:10

I recently added an Eyez-On Envisalink EVL-4EZR IP Security Interface Module to my 6 year old Traditional DSC alarm system and have full remote access and email alerts

reven

3737 posts

Uber Geek

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#1710257 26-Jan-2017 19:43

I got one of those modules. Bought it before I got a morepork. I should sell it on trademe...

Blanch

254 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1710258 26-Jan-2017 19:52

reven: I got one of those modules. Bought it before I got a morepork. I should sell it on trademe...

I'm still surprised how well it works :) $99.95 for a Morepork smart light bulb?

reven

3737 posts

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#1710278 26-Jan-2017 20:25

Z-Wave light bulbs were always expensive. They can be useful in some areas, but for my places a Z-Wave module or WeMo light switch is better IMO

Blanch

254 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1710285 26-Jan-2017 20:44

Yep, currently playing with Wemo light switches and Wemo makers.

plas

451 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1710407 27-Jan-2017 07:47

Blanch:

Yep, currently playing with Wemo light switches and Wemo makers.

Same, I installed 3 switches the other weekend and bought 2 of the wall sockets. They work well for $40, but my god is the Wemo app rubbish. Security on them is a bit of a worry as well so I'm going to stick them in their own network and deny internet access.

reven

3737 posts

Uber Geek

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#1710409 27-Jan-2017 07:52

OT this is what I use for the wemo devices.

https://sites.google.com/site/mppsuite/downloads/wemoserver-java

Just run the server jar on a linux VM. doesnt work with long press yet (wemo hasnt exposed that, they might have recently since you can now create rules with it) but has a nice double click feature. I use this to turn all the lights off upstairs/downstairs. Also use the double click on a wemo light switch to trigger a wemo maker (will be using this for my electric curtains when they are installed)

plas

451 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1710421 27-Jan-2017 08:16

reven:

OT this is what I use for the wemo devices.

https://sites.google.com/site/mppsuite/downloads/wemoserver-java

Just run the server jar on a linux VM. doesnt work with long press yet (wemo hasnt exposed that, they might have recently since you can now create rules with it) but has a nice double click feature. I use this to turn all the lights off upstairs/downstairs. Also use the double click on a wemo light switch to trigger a wemo maker (will be using this for my electric curtains when they are installed)

I've ended up using openhab2. Now this is going OT but where did you buy your electric curtains from ? I had a look on google and really didn't see many options for NZ.

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