Smart Home Security discussion

[destrekor]

I'm looking into some kind of home automation and security package. If it's two separate devices/services, so be it, but I am curious about getting something with live monitoring.

Simplisafe seems like a really practical option, and for a monitored service with dispatch, $15/month for the basic monitoring seems like a good deal.
There's no video though.

Would a combo like Simplisafe and a Canary or Piper NV be a good combo to have?

This would all be for a rental, btw, so there are certainly some limitations into what I can do. Simply mounting things are great, rewiring things, not so much.

-------------------
Perhaps this belongs in another forum, but frankly, I can't figure out how to fit it in any single forum topic.

So Mods, feel free to move this to another forum if you think it befits one more than any other, but it seems to me more apt for Off-Topic.

 

[Termie]

I use the MyFox system. More expensive but much more comprehensive. Will do everything your want, including video and monitoring (for a monthly fee).

Canary is cute but totally insufficient for real home security.

 

[destrekor]

Canary is cute but totally insufficient for real home security.

That's why I'd want a better first-line defense with live monitoring, but having video as evidence would definitely go a long way in the event it is needed.

 

[Termie]

Piper with the optional door sensors seems like a good alternative too, but I see nothing about live monitoring on their website.

 

[Kaido]

1. What do you want it to do?

2. What budget do you have in mind? (up-front & monthly)

 

[destrekor]

Piper with the optional door sensors seems like a good alternative too, but I see nothing about live monitoring on their website.

Yeah piper seems great in that it can integrate with home automation gear through Z-wave, so I'd get temporary recorded clips online and the ability to remotely control lights and whatnot.

I wouldn't mind a two-tier system. The main threat-deterrence that watches for entry sensors and motion, and contacts emergency dispatch. And then a video solution to have for records and a way to control home automation products.

I'm not sure that there is a true all-in-one package/service that offers live monitoring with third-party product support using zigbee or z-wave. Not that I've come across at least, but then again, I've just begun learning about the different options.

 

[destrekor]

1. What do you want it to do?

2. What budget do you have in mind? (up-front & monthly)

1. See above. Mostly I want a monitoring service that will reach out to authorities, and I also want home automation. Having it all in one package would be sweet, but I'll accept a mixed solution.

2. Not really set on a budget... I realize the products up front are not going to be cheap. Ideally I wouldn't want to pay much more than $500 for the whole setup, to include sensors and camera. If the camera is a separate package deal then I'd expect it to cost a little more.

But I don't want to pay more than $15/month. I really don't even want to pay more than $10/month. Frankly I don't want to pay any damn monthly fees but I realize for an actual monitoring service, I'd have to pay something.

 

[destrekor]

I use the MyFox system. More expensive but much more comprehensive. Will do everything your want, including video and monitoring (for a monthly fee).

Canary is cute but totally insufficient for real home security.

Oh, and you got me wondering about something: are you using the monitoring service?

Because you say the Canary is totally insufficient, but is that just because it in of itself is not expandable, or is it due entirely to the lack of a monitoring service?

The Piper is similar to the Canary, but it offers Z-wave automation and works with all kinds of sensors. Use a Z-wave smoke detector? It'll call the fire department if you set that up.
https://getpiper.com/

I initially just set out on this research effort to determine the best setup that would keep me in the loop when and where I want or need. But then I got to thinking about a monitoring service and I just don't know if it's worth NOT paying a monthly fee. I just think about extended trips away from home, and no cell service, I can't do a damn thing.

At least with something like the Simplisafe, you can pay for the service whenever you want, and change plans whenever. But I don't know how in the loop you can be when it's in free mode, whereas at least options like the Piper will always use notifications. In that regard, without paying for service, they are nearly identical, but the Piper will always use notifications while acting as a local alarm, whereas the Simplisafe without monthly service is only a local alarm, no notifications whatsoever as far as I know. And it doesn't include any automation whatsoever. A massive host of sensor types, but no automation.

I'd guess at least the Piper as an automation hub would also give me the peace of mind to possibly create schedules and stuff so I can work the lights to create the illusion I am home, even if I am, say, on a cruise with no cell service. Most other times I should have sufficient cell service to at least receive the notifications. I'd have to program local emergency numbers into my phone so I could reach out to the correct emergency personnel at a moments notice.

 

[Termie]

Piper's home automation integration is great, but you can use IFTTT with myfox. If piper doesn't have a monitoring service, I'd be hesitant to use it for a rental property.

I don't use live monitoring right now, as I'm home a lot, but myfox also has a no contract service.

 

[Ruptga]

Simplest solution: don't rent to anyone that doesn't have a dog.

 

[destrekor]

Simplest solution: don't rent to anyone that doesn't have a dog.

Sorry if I wasn't clear: this is for me.

 

[destrekor]

Piper's home automation integration is great, but you can use IFTTT with myfox. If piper doesn't have a monitoring service, is be hesitant to use it for a rental property.

I don't use live monitoring right now, as I'm home a lot, but myfox also has a no contract service.

I saw their monitoring was a little pricey.
But in regards to running without the service for most of the time, does it still offer personal alerts for self-monitoring? If I can get good automation and use it on it's own most of the time, and add the service for months where I will be away be it vacation or work, that could work out. I looked into myfox a little, but not a lot yet.

 

[Termie]

Oh, you just don't want to install a system and leave it behind. In that case, canary may be ok, especially if you don't have a lot of entry and exit doors. I just think it's insufficient for a home, as motion detection is not what you use when you're actually in the home, you use door sensors.

I'm surprised there isn't more competition in this market yet. You can count the number of options on one hand, and none offers every major feature:

Wink/smartthings integration
Motion detection
Security camera
Recording service
Live monitoring service
Door/window sensors

 

[destrekor]

Yeah after discovering Piper (at least the Piper nv) I don't think I could ever settle for the Canary. It does seem really nice for the limited functionality, especially the integrated emergency services calling option (for you to initiate).

 

[olds]

OP, do you have replacement insurance or just standard renters insurance?

 

[destrekor]

OP, do you have replacement insurance or just standard renters insurance?

I'll have just regular renters insurance. There is something else? Huh, never knew.

I'll be moving this summer from my current situation so some things aren't quite settled yet. But I had just standard renters insurance through State Farm last time I rented.

 

[boomhower]

I use Frontpoint Security. Wireless install with Z-Wave compatibility. I have been overly happy with it.

 

[destrekor]

I use Frontpoint Security. Wireless install with Z-Wave compatibility. I have been overly happy with it.

I sure hope so! Crikey, that is not a cheap service.

 

[John Connor]

The only advise I can give is to say make sure it calls out on a cell signal.

 

[destrekor]

So for a service like Smart Relay, what do y'all think about adding Cell Service to an alarm system, as opposed to only relying on IP?

IP monitoring you can get fairly cheap, but adding cell seems like it'll be another $12 or so a month. And about $10 or so for the basic IP monitoring, but I haven't been able to tell how much additional automation and remote access costs for Smart Relay, or the crash and smash protection.

There's something to be said for, I guess, going with a simpler system for security and having a separate self-monitored and controlled automation and video monitoring system could work out to be cheaper and more flexible.

:hmm:

 

[John Connor]

Someone could cut the cable and telephone lines... I'd either want a system that will trip like a bank if the line is cut or use cell.

 

[destrekor]

So cell-based monitoring along with remote control and home automation through Alarm Relay would cost $30/month, and Crash and Smash would be another $3, and video would be another $12, or $5 if you subscribe to the Total Connect 2.0 service through Honeywell.

So, yikes. I think basic monitoring (with cell) from Simplisafe is $15/month. But the remote access is in the $25/month package. Hrmm, the search continues.

 

[skulkingghost]

I've been using Livewatch with the Qolsys 2.0 panel since early February. Really digging it so far and the alarm.com integration is great.

 

[RossMAN]

I think the most comprehensive and cost effective solution will be separate home security & home automation solutions.

Here's an interesting blog I discovered today and made me think of this thread.

https://diysecurityguy.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/review-envisalink-evl-3/

 

[XavierMace]

Someone could cut the cable and telephone lines... I'd either want a system that will trip like a bank if the line is cut or use cell.

I would LOVE to see how often that happens on your average home robberies.