Smart Intruder Alarms

zinzan · 13-05-2021 08:47PM

That's exactly what I was concerned about, thanks for the clarification!
Glad to see it's manageable.

poker--addict · 17-05-2021 10:41PM

looks like that Spanish site is now dead.

Pete123456 · 18-05-2021 06:27AM

poker--addict wrote: »

looks like that Spanish site is now dead.

Is this the https://best-alarm-system-webshop.eu/en site? Seems to be working fine?

securitylover · 18-05-2021 09:53AM

Pete123456 wrote: »

Is this the site? Seems to be working fine?

No problems here, i received my order the next day :-)
And they have 20% extra discount now on their webshop.

Daveq · 14-06-2021 09:25PM

Daveq wrote: »

What SIM card are people using? I seen Vodafone mentioned earlier in the thread but I think I got on it too late and ended up on a new deal.

The T&C's say that a top up of €5 is only needed every 6months, which is grand but problem is that is just to keep the sim card active. They charge €1.99 a week for data, I got onto them and they said that's the best they have, I was hoping for a pay as you go per kb ðŸ˜Ÿ

Just to follow up on my post here in case anyone is in the same boat.

Hub 2+ turning off cellular data, (unless there is another option I can't see) seems to turn off the sim card altogether, SMS doesn't even work.

To use a Vodafone SIM, the best option seems to be to buy the €5 for 5gb (which is way more than needed) for 28days.

I've been looking up others and best option I've found is lyca mobile, I've one in the hub now for 6 weeks and it only costs me for data used compared to Vodafone. So far only set me back €0.80

brio09 · 16-06-2021 01:53PM

1) the posts on cheap SIM is interesting. I have a HKC system in the new house I'm moving into and the security guy I called over said 150 eur to install SIM and 100 eur per year for subscription. there is no wifi.

2) I feel so locked in - the security guy didn't even let me change the passcode on my own, said he needs to be there to enable change of passcode. the next day the system went bonkers, and i had to call him again. he also said nest etc. smart systems are not good because they are not "professional, are DIY" and they don't provide insurance cover.

Q for folks here - do you see any issues using smart systems? were you able to find anyone to install them? do they get covered by insurance e.g. can you check the box of "Monitoring security system" or "security system" if you have them?

peteb2 · 16-06-2021 02:03PM

brio09 wrote: »

Q for folks here - do you see any issues using smart systems? were you able to find anyone to install them? do they get covered by insurance e.g. can you check the box of "Monitoring security system" or "security system" if you have them?

Your problem with the insurance is that it has to meet certain standards. So its never a simple question of monitored system. It's caveated that its monitored by a body that isn't yourself and that its subject to standard EN50131. And that's where DIY systems fall down.

I work in insurance. And i have an alarm monitored by a company. But i dont ever claim any discount for it. Its a small discount when put against increased excess or in some cases no cover if the alarm isn't armed when you leave.

Daveq · 16-06-2021 07:30PM

I got Ajax and am happy with it. It's the same system that some monitoring companies use so it is a professional system. It's just installed by me so DIY that way, and monitored by me so as peteb2 says is unmonitored as far as insurance is concerned. When getting insurance I've told them I have no alarm. Can't remember the figure but the difference was small and wasn't worth getting professional install and monitoring.

17-06-2021 07:01AM

brio09 wrote: »

1) the posts on cheap SIM is interesting. I have a HKC system in the new house I'm moving into and the security guy I called over said 150 eur to install SIM and 100 eur per year for subscription. there is no wifi.

So shop around. I also have HKC and pay €5.49 per month for monitoring via the app. This works via wifi which is backed up by a world SIM (will connect to the strongest network available). HKC is a very solid system that lacks smart features.

2) I feel so locked in - the security guy didn't even let me change the passcode on my own, said he needs to be there to enable change of passcode. the next day the system went bonkers, and i had to call him again. he also said nest etc. smart systems are not good because they are not "professional, are DIY" and they don't provide insurance cover.

So shop around.... You are only "locked in" if you choose to be by deciding to stay with this installer.

Q for folks here - do you see any issues using smart systems? were you able to find anyone to install them? do they get covered by insurance e.g. can you check the box of "Monitoring security system" or "security system" if you have them?

It depends on the system. You could opt for the low end (example Yale), or high end (example CY Comfort) or something very good in between (example Ajax). Most installers have found solid systems that work for them. They are reluctant to change to smarter systems for a number of reasons. Some are just lazy / stuck in the past, some feel they are unreliable or have not been proven in the field for long enough. As others have pointed out a number of professional installers use Ajax.

The bar for EN50131 is set very low (as this standard is very outdated) so at the very least I would recommend only using systems that meet this standard (which Ajax does). Professional installers will only use systems that comply with this, which says a lot in terms of reliability.

TitianGerm · 17-06-2021 07:18AM

I actually got an add in Chrome for an Ajax system from HomeSecure yesterday. Anyone here have any experience with them or gotten a quote from them?

brio09 · 25-06-2021 10:58AM

2011 wrote: »

So shop around. I also have HKC and pay €5.49 per month for monitoring via the app. This works via wifi which is backed up by a world SIM (will connect to the strongest network available). HKC is a very solid system that lacks smart features.

It depends on the system. You could opt for the low end (example Yale), or high end (example CY Comfort) or something very good in between (example Ajax). Most installers have found solid systems that work for them. They are reluctant to change to smarter systems for a number of reasons. Some are just lazy / stuck in the past, some feel they are unreliable or have not been proven in the field for long enough. As others have pointed out a number of professional installers use Ajax.

The bar for EN50131 is set very low (as this standard is very outdated) so at the very least I would recommend only using systems that meet this standard (which Ajax does). Professional installers will only use systems that comply with this, which says a lot in terms of reliability.

thanks for the tips! i never knew there is so much to think about in security systems. i thought if i could one-time replace to nest type of smart system i'll be able to stop worrying about its quality, but nopes. i can already feel the inertia kicking in to keep what i have. it doesn't even work though so i might need to at least replace the battery or something and then stick to it.

20-07-2021 02:11PM

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/112465643#Comment_112465643

Yes it’s great until it runs out of credit. Then you are fcuked :(

machiavellianme · 24-07-2021 10:45AM

In case anyone is interested, I picked up the new Ajax Dual Curtain external perimeter detector recently. It works as expected, only triggering if large objects break multiple beams on either side of the device. It also warns for any kind of tampering.

A couple of things to watch though - it's a lot bulkier than expected, almost chunky, but looks great in a high quality white plastic finish. Doesn't look as slim as the photos. It needs to be up at high sensitivity for it to trigger on the side where my downpipe is. I had to set the beams forward by 3 degrees on that side too, to try avoid the downpipe. There's no option for anything else, just 3 degrees or nothing. Also, my wheelie bin had to find a new home as it blocked the lower beam and the device only triggers if multiple beams are broken instantaneously. Blocked beams don't count. The LEDs are only a novelty as far as I can see. They don't illuminate the beam and merely indicate the device is on, but there's an option to disable them.

All in all, I'm quite pleased with it and it is an extra line of security before some ne'er-do-well has a go at my windows. However, given it is really only suitable for the outermost points of a wall, I'll just stick to the one device, covering the entire rear of the premises because the price (€160) and the geometry of the front and sides of my house don't lend themselves to multiple devices.

mcgovern · 07-08-2021 06:07PM

An update on my replacement Ajax Doorprotect Plus. One of them is already broke in the same way again. It reports it is closed always, so if someone was to break in alarm wouldn't sound. That is my 3rd Doorprotect plus to break. No issues with any of the normal door protects so far.

09-08-2021 07:43AM

That is disappointing. Is there an inertia shock sensor option (that detects vibrations) or is it only a contact (that detects open or closed door)?

bk · 12-08-2021 02:14PM

Thanks @machiavellianme for the review of the Ajax Dual Curtain, it sounds really interesting and sounds like it could be the perfect addition for my home's security.

I live in an apartment, but ground floor with lots of ground to celing windows/french door in the living room and two big bedroom windows that are easily accessible from the buildings path. One of these sitting between the patio doors and bedroom windows sounds like it would cover them perfectly.

Where did you get it for €160 ?

This might be what it takes to motivate me to upgrade to an Ajax system :)

machiavellianme · 12-08-2021 08:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117743111#Comment_117743111

Megateh had it on offer a while back. Its a great addition to my setup. Almost like a triple line of defence with it then the Doorprotect+ on every opening external door and window with the Combi Protects for internal activation if the perimeter is ever breached.

13-08-2021 07:38AM

I see that Ajax also offer a “Doorprotect Plus”. This version of the Doorprotect also has a built in inertia shock sensor which further enhances security.

Daveq · 13-08-2021 07:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117746059#Comment_117746059

Plus a tilt sensor, so you could mount it on something like a velux.

slicedpanman · 31-08-2021 04:47PM

OK, I'm in need of a new house alarm... Current one died a watery death; kids, don't ask :(

The last one was a self install (about 8 years ago) and self monitored solution that worked well for us. It had a SIM card in there and we could arm/disarm remotely and got called when the alarm tripped. We've contact sensors in windows and outer doors as well as a few motion sensors downstairs. And a bell front and back

We're embedded in Google in this house and also have a few nest cams and the nest doorbell.

Any recommendations for what's a good smart alarm with Google support that I could install myself?

Thanks

01-09-2021 04:47PM

Most alarms can integrate with GH from an arming / disarming perspective by adding a Sonoff device to a zone that has been programmed as a “key switch”. However, this compromises security so is inadvisable. This is why most alarm installers refuse to do this.

Apart from that I’m not aware of any further GH integration is possible with intruder alarms.

Maybe other posters can advise if they know different.

Personally I like the sound of the Ajax system from a self install point of view. It has a nice balance between smart and security.

slicedpanman · 01-09-2021 08:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117834008#Comment_117834008

Thanks 2011... I'd read a bit of this thread and had been leaning towards the Ajax system alright

slicedpanman · 02-09-2021 10:04AM

Where are people buying the Ajax system from? Homesecure.ie? Or megateh?

Supercell · 02-09-2021 10:43AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117837159#Comment_117837159

Got mine from https://best-alarm-system-webshop.eu/en/ last year, using with a Things Mobile sim, very happy with solution ,love the fact i can arm remotely and disarm (very handy for neighbour to feed the gold fish when we were on holidays recently!).

What would i do differently - dont bother with the keypad or dongle - the keypad is fiddly, the dongle doesnt work reliably outside our house so kind of defeats the purpose for arming /disarming. The app is the way to go for that.

slicedpanman · 02-09-2021 07:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117837359#Comment_117837359

If you just rely on the phone app to arm and disarm would you be in trouble if your wi-fi router dies or you lose power?

Or is there a way to arm/disarm on the hub itself?

Supercell · 02-09-2021 07:36PM

WiFi router doesn't matter if you have a sim in there afaik, open to correction on that. Powercuts are very very rare though you have bigger fish to fry then in all likelihood.

You can authorize multiple phones if needed. Maybe have a back up fob if you want to be very cautious, they are pretty cheap.

Don't know if you can arm disarm at the hub, it's high up and out of reach for me so never considered that sorry.

WildCardDoW · 14-09-2021 01:26PM

Can anyone reccomend a wired sensor for doors and windows I can use with the multi transmitter?

Should I just go with slimline HKC Reed shock sensors on each opening? Seems a waste to not do that with the wires already there!

Then use Ajax sensors for anything I forgot to get wired!

brio09 · 20-09-2021 06:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117837159#Comment_117837159

i bought mine from home secure this month. they installed it well. their app is a mirror of ajax app, and they helped me create accounts for my wife and I on both apps. my hope is after the 3 year contract, I can continue using it on my own along with rest of my smart home integrations.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117834008#Comment_117834008

2011 - could you point me to instructions on how to do that? i searched for ways to integrate ajax with smartthings, google home, alexa, etc. but I couldn't find anything.

Currently, I have multiple smart home systems each of which change state to "away" when we leave home. ajax is NOT one of them, I need to remember to open it to disarm.

smartthings goes to away automatically
google home / nest does
tado does - although it reminds me to switch off heating since I'm on the free plan
philips hue does

I am guessing tasker could be used in some way to automate ajax disarming / arming on android, but it is just surprising that I cannot make an automation that

if I am at home
if there is no motion for X times - as per ajax + other sensors (each room has 1 sensor)
if the required doors and windows are closed as per ajax sensors
it is night time (defined by a mode or a switch or time)
arm "night mode"

similar some logic for arming for away.

bk · 21-09-2021 05:16PM

There is no such home automation integration for Ajax alarm system. It is the one area I feel it is weak in and something they need to add.

I believe their is a home assistant module that partly supports Ajax, but it only allows you to read the status of sensors, it doesn’t allow you to arm/disarm, etc.

Folks in the home security industry would argue this is for improved security of the system, that a burglar couldn’t easily disarm the system. However I feel it is increasingly out of step with where the industry is going. You should at least give the option (with lots of warnings) and allow people to decide for themselves.

Pete123456 · 21-09-2021 07:56PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117920831#Comment_117920831

I wonder is it something they’re holding for a future iteration of a hub or some sort of upgrade module that they can tout as an amazing new feature?

Smart Intruder Alarms

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