Home Automation

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Home automation is the residential extension of building automation.

It is automation of the home, housework or household activity.

Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security.

Warning: Working with electricity can result in injury, property damage, or even death if it is not done properly. Please keep this in mind while assisting others. If you are not sure about what you are doing, hire a licensed professional.

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Smart alarm for my elderly father (alien.top)

submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hello all!

I am looking for some advice on a smart alarm system for my father, who lives out in the middle of nowhere in the countryside. He is relatively social and goes out a lot, so the recent increase in robberies in the area has us jumpy!

I've already set him up on the TP-Link cameras, that he finds very easy to use, and which I have access to to see if there are any issues... But he really needs a very simple alarm system that I set up easily and that I can access. We did look at Verisure and whatnot, but they are extortionately expensive and I don't like the way they lock you in.

I have a Yale system at my house that I have been very disappointed with. I was looking at Ring, but I'm just not sure. Do you have any suggestions?

Also, if I am posting this in the wrong place, please do let me know!

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Fair question! Here's the list

Great signal; this is an old barn conversion house so the walls are very very thick and the house is far longer than it is high. It's always a challenge with the wifi, so I imagine an alarm would be no different.
Smart and accessible to me, so I can keep an eye on behalf of my father, who often has no phone signal when out and about.
Modular, so we can buy extra PIRs if needed
Damn loud - so the neighbours can hear!
Easy to fit for me/change batteries for my 80 year old father. Ideally a long battery life on sensors too.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

We have a Honeywell panel in my shop with wireless. I have an app on my phone that can check the system status, arm / disarm / bypass sensors and things like that. I get notified via the app when the alarm is set or unset as well as if it goes off or if there's any faults.

Wireless range is very good (alarm systems use a different technology than WiFi which can penetrate buildings a lot better). Can add lots of sensors either wired or wireless - we have multiple PIR sensors plus door switches and a panic button mounted under the front desk.

Sensor batteries have been lasting about 3 years. They take a CR123 lithium battery that's easy to change.

Ours was installed via a local alarm company.