Remote Home Monitoring

Is Smart Things an internet based system?

I would want at least a cellular backup system. Loose power for whatever reason and the internet is the first to go down for a while.

Bucky Badger wrote:

cmcdar wrote:
Samsung SmartCam from Amazon. I monitor them (2) with a "SmartCam" app FREE. You can set up or change settings on the cameras remotely. They have a setting for motion detection.

If motion is detected, video is recorded and saved to the internet and you are notified to your cell phone. (FREE !)

I went to my local police department and notified thme of my absence, prior to leaving for the winter. They gave me a number I could call, from out of town, to notify them of any unusual activity in my house.

The most important thing about this set up is that it allows neurotic me to check in on my house anytime.

Great peace of mind!

Can you access the sd card from your phone? As in, check what happened 6 hours or 4 days ago

I have one set up to monitor only. This way I can see what is going on in my driveway/back yard real time. (see if driveway is getting plowed)

The second camera I have set up in my house and set to be motion sensitive. I can look at what is going on 'real time'. If something sets off the motion sensor THEN it will record and upload the video to the internet (google)
for review. At the same time, I get a notice that motion was detected.

I tried the SimpliSafe system, and was not impressed. We wired each door and window downstairs, as well as a motion detector and a glass break detector.
The problem is that when a sensor shows that a window is open, it is almost impossible to figure out which window if you have more than a few. If someone is coming in to my house in the middle of the night, I would sure like to know exactly where, so I could "greet" him. Me and Mr. Glock, that is.
Plus, the control panel is not back lit, and the characters are so small that they are difficult to read if you need even mild reading glasses.
So I threw it out and got a "Z Wave" system, also very easy to install. Mine is made by Samsung,and goes by the name "Smartthings".
It is accessible with your smartphone, and can be turned on or off remotely. You can add all sorts of sensors, cameras, thermostats, etc.
Very easy to install, and numerous companies make the sensors and the overall Z Wave systems.

For $99 we use this FujikamWiFi camera. We've been using it for over a year now to keep an eye on the dogs when we're at work. It has panning, microphone and speaker, and motion-sensor recording options. There is no subscription fee.

Cons:
1. Not a theft-deterrent. Anyone can spot the camera and disconnect it (or steal it).
2. Uses WiFi. If your power or internet goes out; it goes out.

cmcdar wrote:
Samsung SmartCam from Amazon. I monitor them (2) with a "SmartCam" app FREE. You can set up or change settings on the cameras remotely. They have a setting for motion detection.

If motion is detected, video is recorded and saved to the internet and you are notified to your cell phone. (FREE !)

I went to my local police department and notified thme of my absence, prior to leaving for the winter. They gave me a number I could call, from out of town, to notify them of any unusual activity in my house.

The most important thing about this set up is that it allows neurotic me to check in on my house anytime.

Great peace of mind!

Can you access the sd card from your phone? As in, check what happened 6 hours or 4 days ago

.

Samsung SmartCam from Amazon. I monitor them (2) with a "SmartCam" app FREE. You can set up or change settings on the cameras remotely. They have a setting for motion detection.

If motion is detected, video is recorded and saved to the internet and you are notified to your cell phone. (FREE !)

I went to my local police department and notified thme of my absence, prior to leaving for the winter. They gave me a number I could call, from out of town, to notify them of any unusual activity in my house.

The most important thing about this set up is that it allows neurotic me to check in on my house anytime.

Great peace of mind!

We have Panasonic cameras that detect motion and send mails and pictures. These are accessible via smartphone or any browser and tilt / pan so we can look all around the house. Those run on the home landline network. No operations cost.

Backed up with a traditional security system that has a monitoring service. Monitors opening, motion, fire, etc. This uses a cellular data connection and has battery power so power outages or losing the utility cables does not compromise protection. There is a monthly fee for monitoring.

Foscam camera - thru internet - available on Amazon for about $60. I can watch as I choose on the phone or laptop, plus has motion detection setting that emails me ASAP with still photos of what triggered it. No recording fees, etc., other than my existing home network. For temperature monitoring, I have a $5 outside-style thermometer visible to the camera - so I can check to see if furnace is running OK. Neighbor has access to house if I call them. System has worked great for me for several years now. ST

http://www.swann.com/

It is not letting me post the link for some reason. There are plenty of turn key systems available. These systems come with easy to setup procedures and will let you monitor your cameras.