Af Carsten Sørensen, Alt om Data
Denne artikel er oprindeligt bragt på Alt om Data. Computerworld overtog i november 2022 Alt om Data. Du kan læse mere om overtagelsen her.
Safety is definitely a hot topic that is of interest to more and more people. The question is how we can make our homes as safe as possible without spending too much time and money on it.
Abus is generally involved in safety. In fact, a lot of people will probably find the Abus logo on their padlocks, if they take a closer look. But alarm systems are also part of the portfolio.
Their Abus Smartvest wireless alarm system is intended for private homes. Its basic version belongs to the least expensive solutions, but it can be expanded as needed, and it definitely has its advantages.
Safety, but which kind?
There are many ways to make your home more safe. Everything from having burglar proof windows to pretending you are home when you are not or being part of a neighbourhood watch group.
You can also resort to various types of electronic precautions. Such as intelligent light bulbs, automatic power outlets that can turn on and off the light and control when it is turned on.
You can also mount several surveillance cameras in your home to feel safe.
The next step on the scale is to install an actual alarm system. However, this can get quite expensive, and some may worry that it is difficult to install and use in everyday life.
Alarm systems are available in several categories. All the way at the top, you will find alarm systems with security guard service. However, this type of alarm is very expensive in the long term, as it includes a subscription arrangement. Furthermore, the security guard cannot prevent the burglary, unless the burglar is deterred by the security guard service. Instead, the security guard is to make sure that your home is safe after the burglary.
The Abus Smartvest alarm system does not belong to this class, it is an alarm system with a built-in siren of 90 dB. Furthermore, the user will receive push messages to an app, by e-mail and by text message regardless of where he or she is, with a description of the incident as well as which sensor that triggered the alarm.
Wireless and controlled with an app
The basic set consists of the alarm box, an included remote control, a motion sensor as well as a sensor for registering when windows or doors are opened.
The box is connected to the home’s router through a LAN port, and is then connected to the power supply. However, there is a battery backup in the shape of six AA batteries, which is intended to keep the system running for a few hours without any power supply from the electricity network.
The app is a major focal point. It can be downloaded from App Store as well as Google Play and provides access to all settings as well as the possibility of immediate information about the system and control of the system. The app has a double function, as it has a built-in panic button that starts the siren immediately, even if the system is inactive.
The app can also store speed dial to two phone numbers of helpers that you can call to check your home, once the damage is done.
A remote control is also included, but the app provides access to so many extra possibilities that it is preferable in most cases.
Setup and administration of the system is also rather easy. You have to gain some experience, but then it is a piece of cake. You cannot complain about the user-friendliness.
Can be expanded as needed
The box is given a name with no more than 15 characters, you choose a password between 8 and 16 characters, which can include special characters, and then you are basically ready.
The units included in the basic set are pre-configured with the box, so you do not have to do much there.
Additional units have to be configured first. This includes a smoke/heat alarm, an external siren with a sound level of 100 dB with red LED and a power outlet that can be used to time on/off functions. It also works as an extender and extends the wireless signal.