Build a cheap smart alarm system yourself – that’s how it works

Alarm systems drive away uninvited guests and make you feel good when nobody is at home. A permanently installed professional alarm system for a single-family home costs up to 8,000 euros. Many models require a subscription for which you pay 20 euros or more per month. Smart alarm solutions are significantly cheaper and free of subscription requirements. Modern homemade home security systems are based on a networked surveillance camera and sensors. They do not require a fixed installation and are easy to put into operation yourself.

IP camera with hub protects the home

With the

Aqara Camera Hub G3

the manufacturer Aqara offers an exciting, high-resolution surveillance camera. It contains everything families need to set up an alarm system. The IP camera with built-in hub, connected via fast WLAN, is characterized by intelligent detection and good value for money. It improves the security of homes and rental apartments and does not require complicated cable routing or difficult settings. The setup (unpack, set up, connect USB-C cable for power, install app) is done quickly. Due to its compact dimensions, the G3 can hardly be spotted on site.

Aqara’s real-time monitoring system is modular and expandable. The heart of the alarm system is the Camera Hub G3. The camera detects when unauthorized persons enter and sends an alert notification to your smartphone. At the same time, a siren puts the invaders to flight before more damage is done.

Control and monitor the system in the Aqara app on your smartphone. Is anyone at home? Are the kids in bed? Did you really close the windows? With the app, you can look into your living space around the clock and make sure everything is in order.

Face and gesture recognition with local AI

The pan and tilt interior camera is equipped with a motor for effective surveillance. It is best to set up the device within sight of the entrance door. This allows the camera module with its 2,304 × 1,296 pixels video resolution to record family members and visitors at an early stage. The lens rotates 340 degrees and also keeps patio doors and windows in view. This is what all-round security without blind spots should look like.

The G3 camera is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize people, pets and even hand gestures. The camera identifies faces and pets in seconds. This means that the alarm system can protect your property despite people in the rooms or a four-legged friend. For training you feed the system with a few photos of the family – and also of domestic help or neighbors watering the flowers. Good for privacy: The face data is processed locally on the device and not uploaded to the network.

Set up individual notifications based on facial recognition. For example, the camera can inform you when the children are coming home – and sound the alarm if you are in the company of strangers. The gestures are a convenient thing to turn on the light or adjust the music volume. Point your fingers into the camera and the system will carry out the action you have stored.

Another AI function recognizes unusual noises that can indicate a dangerous situation. You will then receive a message on your mobile phone. Use the built-in microphone and speaker to listen into the room or speak to bystanders. So you can let the offspring know if you’re going home later and calm down dogs or cats.

Controls lights, shutters and home theater

With the integrated ZigBee hub, you can expand the system cost-effectively according to your ideas, even beyond security. Integrate up to 128 wireless sensors and actuators from Aqara, for example the door/window contact, the vibration sensor or the P1 motion detector. The shock sensor registers vibrations caused by attempted break-ins, the infrared motion detector detects movements by monitoring changes in the thermal radiation of objects. The Aqara water leak sensor reacts to contact with water through leaking hoses on dishwashers or washing machines, defective aquariums or broken pipes. Thanks to the quick learning of accessories, the personal alarm solution grows with your needs or after a move.

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You can set up the P1 motion detector from Aqara without any specialist knowledge or previous knowledge.

© Aqara

The Aqara system also supports smart home components such as radio-controlled sockets, which allow you to, for example, turn on a lamp when motion is detected in the room and turn it off again when the room is unoccupied. Add more Aqara devices to make your do-it-yourself system fit for home automation tasks. Combine networked lights and speakers or let the Camera Hub G3 control shutters, awnings and blinds. These are just a few examples of the many options for building an automated home based on Aqara that leaves nothing to be desired. The Camera Hub G3 also has an infrared transmitter that can teach TV remote controls, for example, in order to control other devices.

Home automation via Alexa, Google and Homekit

Smart living from the front door to the heating: With Aqara, you benefit from extensive compatibility with popular language assistants and automation products. These include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (Google Home), Siri via Apple HomeKit and IFTTT. Control everyday processes on demand or define scenes. For example, you can open the shutters every morning at 7:15 a.m. and switch on the light in the hallway and bathroom. The same applies here: There are no monthly costs for the Camera Hub G3 and the Aqara accessories.

Find out more about the Aqara Camera Hub G3 now!