The Quick Guide To DIY Home Security Systems

The Morepork system from Spark was heavily advertised, bringing this new type of DIY home security to everyone’s attention. Many people were interested in the idea of video monitoring that you could control from an app on your phone. There are clear benefits in being able to see what’s happening on your front porch or in your home. With the Video Doorbell, you can even talk to people at your front door. And you can do all this from your mobile phone, no matter where you are.

Morepork includes secure data storage for replay and review of video footage, plus easy DIY installation. It also comes with a free starter pack worth $498, which gives you a control panel, three door/window sensors, an image sensor and a video camera.

The downside for many Kiwi families, however, is the $39.95 a month subscription and being locked into a 12-month contract.

After Morepork, the market became flooded with a wide range of DIY security options that don’t lock you into a contract. They also come with cheaper monthly plans or no plan cost at all. You simply buy the equipment you need, but that means more of an upfront cost.

Choices range from simple internet security cameras that alert your phone when motion is detected, to integrated home security kits with all kinds of optional sensors, cameras, alarms, microphones and speakers. However you need to keep in mind that wireless systems may require a WiFi extender if you need to position components a long way from your router

The challenge now is deciding which system is best for you and your home, so here’s a quick overview of three popular security system kits to get you started.

Nest is a Google company. In New Zealand, the optional components of their straightforward smart security system include an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, and a combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector. The Nest system doesn’t include an audible alarm. It notifies your mobile phone, so you can see what’s happening live and talk or shout via the camera if you want to. They sell other components in the USA but not in New Zealand yet.

The outdoor camera has 1080p video and two-way communication, which means you can listen and talk to someone through the camera from your phone. It’s also waterproof and has a wide 130° viewing angle. You can pick one up for around $300. There’s also a Nest IQ camera for around $540, which has much higher resolution and additional features, such as automatically zooming in on a person in high resolution, following them around and showing them via a picture-in-picture format.

The main drawback for many people may be that Nest cameras are not battery powered, so you might need an electrician to hardwire your outdoor cameras through the ceiling cavity. The plus side is there are no batteries to recharge.

The Arlo Pro system has a lot going for it. It’s wireless and battery powered, so DIY connection is a breeze. The cameras are weatherproof, allowing you to put them where you like. They also have night vision and 1080p video. At the time of writing, you get free cloud storage for up to seven days of your latest HD security video recordings; instead of being continuous, are triggered by both movement and sound. And there’s a 100 decibel alarm to chase away any intruders.

The system has quite a big central box that you connect to your internet router with an ethernet cable. This may not be ideal if your router is in a very visible location. The main downside for some people will be the upfront cost. They come in two, three and four camera packages. A full Arlo Pro system with four cameras will set you back around $1600, while the higher resolution 4K Arlo Ultra model offers a three camera system for around the same price.