SimpliSafe & Blue Iris (A Match made in Heaven)

Tiger_Claw

Tiger_Claw

Getting the hang of it
Aug 23, 2014
151
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If anyone inside this forum can't get enough of Blue Iris, then also consider installing a SimpliSafe Home alarm/monitoring system as an additional fix (Smiles).

The SimpliSafe home alarm system is absolutely AMAZING. I've been using it for just over one year now. I'm running 33 alarm devices, (2) 150 Disciple exterior sirens and an iOS app as well. Monthly pricing is fixed and not dependent on how many devices you install. No BS contracts and the best monthly service only cost $25 bones.

Do yourself a favor, check out this system. It really is the BI equivalent in simplicity, cost and effectiveness.

http://simplisafe.com/

Tiger
 
The prices I like, but cellular coverage is terrible where I live so the monitoring plans probably wouldn't even work. Can you connect the system to your LAN at all?
 
Hi bp2008,

That's one thing about cellular networks that sucks.:mad-new:

mycoma's post seems to have indicated that SimpliSafe does provide such a connection. Have you tried calling and/or emailing SS? It would interesting to understand if they use the same base station to achieve this. If "indeed" they offer this and you go with SS or a competitor, do your best to protect your exterior cables from intruders.

My cables are pretty high and would require a ladder or access onto my roof to reach them. Running your cables through metal conduit is probably your 2nd best way to protect them as long as you mount the conduit just underneath your roofs eve. Keep the cable entry point into the house as high as possible.

It's always been my belief to make things more awkward/difficult for any cocksucker looking for an easy ride.:cool:

Tiger
 
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I am a Simplisafe customer. I use the cellular interface card, tmobile I believe. One day I lost the signal and called Simplisafe and they said they could send me a grand stream device to connect my wired internet connection to the alarm. I believe they also have a Verizon cellular card. I ended up moving the cellular unit around and received the signal again so I never had to use the LAN connection. They are really good about sending replacement cellular modules, replacement parts etc. I give them an overall thumbs up and would reccomend to friends and family! I wish they could have integrated video cameras in there system, maybe a future enhancement?
 
mycoma said:
I am a Simplisafe customer. I use the cellular interface card, tmobile I believe. One day I lost the signal and called Simplisafe and they said they could send me a grand stream device to connect my wired internet connection to the alarm. I believe they also have a Verizon cellular card. I ended up moving the cellular unit around and received the signal again so I never had to use the LAN connection. They are really good about sending replacement cellular modules, replacement parts etc. I give them an overall thumbs up and would reccomend to friends and family! I wish they could have integrated video cameras in there system, maybe a future enhancement?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info mycoma :).

It's really cool that they offer options such as those you mentioned above. It's been awhile since I've spoke to anyone at SS, but the last time I did, SS mentioned that Glass Break detectors as well as video was something they were considering. Not too long after that conversations they added GB detectors. Perhaps a video options will soon follow :rolleyes:.

Tiger
 
The 150 db Siren's are seriously loud. I added two to my home and now the entire block knows my house is alarmed (LOL).

TC
 
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http://www.wired.com/2014/07/hacking-home-alarms

I don't trust wireless for security. Lots of copper here, harder to jam the signal.

Simplisafe does detect the jamming, but with a cell phone jammer, would who would know? I would recommend getting the Ethernet interface with it and make sure your internet connection is secure (dsl, cable, etc) and not easy to cut.
 
CamFan said:
http://www.wired.com/2014/07/hacking-home-alarms

I don't trust wireless for security. Lots of copper here, harder to jam the signal.

Simplisafe does detect the jamming, but with a cell phone jammer, would who would know? I would recommend getting the Ethernet interface with it and make sure your internet connection is secure (dsl, cable, etc) and not easy to cut.
Click to expand...

It's all to easy for a would be burglar to also locate both phone/cable wires leading into most homes. You can try to hide these wires and/or make them harder to gain access to, but in most cases it only delays the inevitable wire snip.

I'm pretty confidant that the vast majority of burglars know how to cut wires, but don't have the smarts to defeat a good cellular based wireless system, not to mention the expensive devices needed. It's a trial and error approach for the burglar. I like those odds.

This is why its important to established two lines of defense and utilize two different forms of technology.

Never place all your eggs in one basket. SimpliSafe is one of the best (IMHO) and can't be taken out by cutting wires or killing the power.

The bottom-line is this...

Tech savvy people (including myself) often over-think systems. Most anything can be defeated if you advertise what's in place. Here is a tip for readers... DONT ADVERTISE. Put generic signs up if you must.

Also install audible sirens to your home system. Mount them outside and high enough to require a ladder or roof access to reach them.

When you install your camera system be sure to install enough cameras where each camera has view of the next closes camera. If done properly it would be challenging for a thief to disable all your cameras without 1st being detected by another camera.

Also consider adding an external and standalone siren/horn/bell to your arsenal. Connect this device to your power and turn it on/off via a smart switch like a WeMo device and use their phone application. This gives you the control/option of activating this alarm manually if you detect suspicious activity on your cameras.

TC
 
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Good points. Simplisafe's 2 day battery life on power outage is really nice feature. A cheap UPS could easily add to that.

Certainly, I understand all my attack surfaces here. No wires here to snip without me knowing about it. Can't say the same thing for some dude in a vehicle parked down the street, monitoring my RF with a SDR. How likely will that happen? Probably very slim. But I'm paranoid like that, and wires help me sleep at night.
 
Tiger_Claw said:
It's all to easy for a would be burglar to also locate both phone/cable wires leading into most homes. You can try to hide these wires and/or make them harder to gain access to, but in most cases it only delays the inevitable wire snip.

I'm pretty confidant that the vast majority of burglars know how to cut wires, but don't have the smarts to defeat a good cellular based wireless system, not to mention the expensive devices needed. It's a trial and error approach for the burglar. I like those odds.

This is why its important to established two lines of defense and utilize two different forms of technology.

Never place all your eggs in one basket. SimpliSafe is one of the best (IMHO) and can't be taken out by cutting wires or killing the power.

The bottom-line is this...

Tech savvy people (including myself) often over-think systems. Most anything can be defeated if you advertise what's in place. Here is a tip for readers... DONT ADVERTISE. Put generic signs up if you must.

Also install audible sirens to your home system. Mount them outside and high enough to require a ladder or roof access to reach them.

When you install your camera system be sure to install enough cameras where each camera has view of the next closes camera. If done properly it would be challenging for a thief to disable all your cameras without 1st being detected by another camera.

Also consider adding an external and standalone siren/horn/bell to your arsenal. Connect this device to your power and turn it on/off via a smart switch like a WeMo device and use their phone application. This gives you the control/option of activating this alarm manually if you detect suspicious activity on your cameras.

TC
Click to expand...

SimpliSafe is definitely not one of the best systems out there. SimpliSafe is good for a DIYer who wants a very basic security system. Personally, I would never trust SimpliSafe to protect my property. The system itself is very basic and has little room for customization, on top of that, they only have a small variety of sensors that will work with the system. For example, they don't offer Dual Tech motion detectors, Heat detectors, 135 or 195 degree (heat detectors should be placed in the garage, kitchen, attic,boiler room etc. Smoke detectors SHOULD NOT be placed in any of those locations). They only offer a motion detector that is pet immune up to 50lbs. They don't offer one that is immune to larger pets or one designed for higher security where pets won't be present. On top of this, there has been a discovery that the communication from the keypad to the base station is NOT encrypted and therefore can be intercepted by an intruder using a special tool. The intruder can use this tool to intercept the information needed to disarm your system before breaking into your house.

Personally, I prefer the Honeywell Vista line of security systems. The vista line can use both hardwired and wireless sensors, Honeywell also has a huge selection of wireless sensors that can be paired with their system. This system can also communicate with the central station using a phone line (if you still have one), IP communications and/or GSM. This system is also compatible with interactive services, text/email notification, remote arms and disarms, smart phone apps etc.
 
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I'm with Smiticans on this one. Here is my issue with Simplisafe, you can only use their equipment. Their gear doesn't work with anyone else which makes it totally useless. It's a sole proprietary system.
 
blake said:
I'm with Smiticans on this one. Here is my issue with Simplisafe, you can only use their equipment. Their gear doesn't work with anyone else which makes it totally useless. It's a sole proprietary system.
Click to expand...

I agree. The more I think about it, the more I dislike proprietary systems. Especially ones that become crippled if the manufacturer decides to stop offering service. Look at Revolv, google decided to shut it down and folks had a lifetime of free service.

Stick with open systems or ones that follow a standard. And try to avoid the use of devices with an OTP (one time programmable) IC that can never be updated.
 
Personally, as an installer and even for myself I use 2GIG or Honeywell Vista 20P hybrid. Either one is a great system with endless possibilities. With 2GIG, lets say there is a previous wireless or hardwired system in the residence or building. All I have to do is purchase a translator and I am good to go using existing contacts, motions and whatever else! Try that with Simplisafe. Not gonna happen.
 
blake said:
I'm with Smiticans on this one. Here is my issue with Simplisafe, you can only use their equipment. Their gear doesn't work with anyone else which makes it totally useless. It's a sole proprietary system.
Click to expand...

I still hold my ground on the awesomeness of SimpliSafe.

Yes, their equipment is proprietary, but it’s very affordable,easy to install and works great. Even better is their online alarm configuration tool. Very easy to understand, navigate and setup all your devices.

It’s been two years now since I installed my system and I’m now running in excess of over 40 devices. In that time not one failed. Even better is the battery life for each device. If memory serves me correctly all devices except the siren and keypad are rated at 3 years with good lithium batteries installed.

Its simplicity at its finest with hardware that is solid, a good mobile app and an excellent monitoring service.

If there are any concerns regarding the communication between the keypad and base station that’s easy to avoid. Simply use your mobile app to disarm and eliminate the entry delay as well. This is what I do, but not because of a highly debatable signal hack.

I suppose if Tom Cruise from Mission impossible were present I would be hosed. Thankfully most burglars would rather toss a rock through awindow or break down a door.

Let’s not lose site of the importance of surveillance cameras and using them as your first line of defense before the break-in even occurs.

From my perspective my home alarm (SimpliSafe) is my last line of defense. Strategically placed cameras around the perimeter are my primary. This is why I created this thread. To share with others two system’s (SimpliSafe & Blue Iris) and to also offer a 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] line of defense. An alarm bell connected to a smart switch that you can activate manually (via a mobile device).

This is where Blue Iris really shines. The mobile app is amazing and the camera configuration options are far and above most standard NVR apps.

Not too long ago I had the opportunity to put my system to the test. I received alerts from BI on my phone while I was away. I quickly checked the video and discovered a highly suspicious individual standing on my front porch and peering into my kitchen through the window. I immediately opened up my smart switch app (WeMo) and activated my (manual) alarm bell.

To great success the device worked flawlessly and on further review of my cameras via BI the individual was recorded running away from my house.

I’ll never know if he was planning on breaking into my home, but even if he did, the sirens connected to the home alarm would have scared the crap out of him.

I guess the moral of this story is this…

I considered myself an average individual that appreciates being able to relay on systems I can easily afford and install without a PHD in technology. If I can do it, then so can many others.

What’s important is being aware and using a system or system(s) you’re comfortable with.

SimpliSafe has grown in popularity and will soon be releasing a new system. I don’t have any details accept that camera’s will become part of it.

Be safe and be aware.


Tiger
 
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smiticans said:
SimpliSafe is definitely not one of the best systems out there... On top of this, there has been a discovery that the communication from the keypad to the base station is NOT encrypted and therefore can be intercepted by an intruder using a special tool. The intruder can use this tool to intercept the information needed to disarm your system before breaking into your house.
Click to expand...
Most alarms don't encrypt their wireless communication.

DSC's Neo uses 128 bit encryption for all devices
Elk uses encryption without too many specifics other than FHSS
The honeywell lyric is their first product to fully encrypt all communication, but all the sensors use the horribly congested 2.4ghz wifi band.
the encryption on their other products for wireless keypads/fobs products is more like the rolling code your car alarm uses.

Also, most alarms don't encrypt their keybus (if they did it would be much harder to use things like EyezOn). Even high end commercial systems. So if somebody could attach something to the keybus in advance they could capture a few user codes easily. As only ADT could, I've actually seen keypad wiring run outside a building once (they must have been a cable installer in a past life). This was unusual, I mean usually ADT just wraps the security wires around 120v wires enough times to generate false alarms (somewhere I've got a photo of an 'adt inductor').
 
tangent said:
Most alarms don't encrypt their wireless communication.

DSC's Neo uses 128 bit encryption for all devices
Elk uses encryption without too many specifics other than FHSS
The honeywell lyric is their first product to fully encrypt all communication, but all the sensors use the horribly congested 2.4ghz wifi band.
the encryption on their other products for wireless keypads/fobs products is more like the rolling code your car alarm uses.

Also, most alarms don't encrypt their keybus (if they did it would be much harder to use things like EyezOn). Even high end commercial systems. So if somebody could attach something to the keybus in advance they could capture a few user codes easily. As only ADT could, I've actually seen keypad wiring run outside a building once (they must have been a cable installer in a past life). This was unusual, I mean usually ADT just wraps the security wires around 120v wires enough times to generate false alarms (somewhere I've got a photo of an 'adt inductor').
Click to expand...

Yeah, the sensors may not be encrypted, but those alarms don't transmit your personal pass code over the air unencrypted. That's the issue I have with the system.

On top of that, the system is too basic when it comes to functionality and sensor choices. Simplisafe could never meet my needs for Burglary/Fire detection (no heat detectors 135 or 194 degree, no Dual tech motion detectors, no shock detectors, and the list could go on).

Simplisafe is good if you're looking for a very basic intrusion system, otherwise, I would recommend Honeywell due to the variety of systems and large selection of sensors.

ADT would be one of the last companies I let touch my alarm.
 
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