It's easy to make your home manageable and smart, if you are good at electronics and know how to assemble a full-fledged “ecosystem” from individual components. But it is much easier to buy a basic set, and then expand it by adding sensors and control modules where they are really needed. If you have chosen this way of organizing your home, our review will help you decide on the choice of the initial set of smart-house.
Control of lighting and electrical appliances
Vstarcam E27AR-TZ1V - remote control home without a controller
A small set of camera, motion sensor, a pair of door sensors and a light bulb with an additional "smart" socket is fully controlled through the application in the smartphone.
There is no controlling hub (center) as such in the bundle - its functions are performed by a “talking” video camera with a built-in infrared port. With it, you can send a signal to home appliances as with a regular home remote control.
Pros:
- All devices are wireless, so the installation of the system does not take much time and does not require to beat the grooves in the walls.
- The complete camera can rotate 350 degrees, deviate by 97 ° and take a panoramic shot.
- When sensors are triggered, the device sends an instant photo of the room to an email.
- Support flash cards up to 128 GB for video recording.
- The light bulb from the basic kit can be configured to glow in any color.
- A smart socket allows remote control of devices that do not support smart technology.
- Corporate application works correctly on all smartphones, including the Windows shell.
Minuses:
- The cost of the starting set is 12 thousand rubles.
- There is no remote control - it can only be controlled from a smartphone (although there is a coveted keychain in the security systems of the same manufacturer).
- Notifications about sensor triggering come only if the corresponding application is open on the phone.
NooLite Mini Kit - the easiest set for the first dating
The kit for controlling three electrical appliances to choose from can work either from radio remote controls with touch screens (2 pieces go in the kit) or through a mobile application.
Its main purpose is to control the operation of lighting devices, but the device can also be connected to climate control equipment, pumps, water heaters and multimedia systems.
Pros:
- All components in the set are already synchronized with each other - it remains only to connect the power units to the necessary devices.
- There is a dimming function (change the brightness) of the light bulbs.
- Already laid down in the memory of the device script a complete disconnection of the associated electrical appliances.
- Work on weekly timers is provided.
- Good radio signal range - up to 50 m.
- The hub supports system expansion to 32 channels.
- Simple installation of remotes on any surface without breaking the walls - they are simply glued to the double-sided tape in the chosen place.
Minuses:
- The starter kit is heavily trimmed - it contains only control components (consoles, central gateway and three 300 W power units). That is, initially it is able to work only with three lamps.
- With such restrictions, the price of the basic set of 14-15 thousand rubles seems too high.
Safety and security
Ajax Starter Kit Plus - a powerful security system for smart home
Large set for the protection of an apartment or a country house is available in two colors - black and white. This is already quite functional set, almost not requiring additional expansion.
The Starter Kit + includes 3 motion sensors, the same door sensors that react to opening, and a pair of remote controls in the form of key fobs.
Pros:
- Wireless sensors that do not require any complex installation.
- Easy connection of new components via QR-code - up to hundreds of peripheral devices and sensors can be tied to the controller.
- There is access to the external security console and two-way communication between the host and the system.
- The operating range of the complete hub in open space reaches 2 km (inside the building it can communicate with sensors through 3-4 floors).
- The built-in tamper will not allow interfering with the controller, even if the attacker opens his body.
- Backup channel for mobile communication in case of Internet disconnection, and an additional battery that supports system operation without power supply for up to 7 hours.
- Adjustable motion sensors have three degrees of sensitivity - in case there are animals in the house.
- Both window sensors and motion sensors simultaneously monitor the temperature in their “area of responsibility”.
- The keyfob has an alarm button for calling the guard, and the range of the remote itself reaches 1 km.
- 20 thousand for a complete set that does not need additional extensions is not so expensive.
Minuses:
- The kit works only as a security, but comes without a video camera - it will have to be purchased separately.
- You can manage a hub only through a mobile application or a special cloud service Ajax, which is not always convenient (although it increases the overall reliability of the system).
Vcare Dual Network - a thoughtful kit for a large family
The security kit for the owners of the house and their property can not only transmit the alarm signal to the smartphone, but also has some “self-defense” skills (in the extended version).
In addition, the system allows you to monitor the operation of electrical appliances, monitor the indoor climate and even help frail family members in difficult situations.
Pros:
- All basic sensors are wireless, and new ones are easy to add to the system by simply reading their QR codes by a smartphone.
- If the connection via Wi-Fi is gone, the hub sends messages to the phone via the GSM mobile network or even calls the owners to any of the 3 numbers recorded.
- The control application provides two-way communication with the smart home and is compatible with iOS and Android.
- In the extended set is pepper spray, which is activated remotely from the phone (the camera will show the location of the robber in real time).
- Even in the basic set there is a remote on a cord with a SOS-button and a beacon - this is important for those who have aged relatives left unattended at home.
- Complete cameras work through cloud services and broadcast the image online. At the same time, they can be set to write to a flash card (permanent, when sensors are triggered, or according to a schedule).
- Almost unlimited expansion options - the system supports up to 99 motion sensors, 12 fire sensors, gas pollution and leaks, 20 remote controls and 16 emergency call buttons.
- The low cost of the basic set - from 10 to 20 thousand rubles.
Minuses:
- All the sensors in the kit go one by one, which means that it will have to be seriously expanded in order to be able to control the whole house.
EZVIZ BS-113A - basic security system with siren
This kit can not be called full-fledged; rather, it is a question of a “probe” for a small apartment.
Only one motion sensor, a door sensor, a light-and-sound siren and a remote control are attached to the central controller — you don’t go too far with this set. But if you want, you can seriously expand it by adding 3 dozen more wireless devices.
Pros:
- Communication between system components is maintained at a distance of up to 80 m.
- Sensors can operate from an autonomous source from one to two years.
- Alert about the critical reduction of the battery charge is automatically sent to the phone holder.
- The motion sensor does not respond to the presence of pets and small children weighing up to 25 kg.
- There is a siren in the set - it has to be purchased separately for most security systems of a smart home.
- Three options for sound alerts - from the operation of the howler and the squeak of the controller to absolute silence with sending a signal to the master phone.
- The system works even at a temperature of -10 .. + 55 (60) ° С and air humidity up to 90%.
- The presence of the alarm button on the complete key chain.
Minuses:
- There is no backup link.
- Siren and hub work only from the network.
Multifunctional kits
Fibaro Starter Kit - universal kit with functional sensors
This starter kit has all the basic functions for creating a smart home in which it will be convenient and safe to live.
In addition to the traditional controller and window sensors, the kit includes a motion sensor, smoke, water leaks and even one “smart” adapter socket. Of course, it is desirable to expand such a system, but in the basic configuration it is also very useful.
Pros:
- The fire detector reacts not only to smoke, but also to a sharp increase in temperature.
- An economical socket turns off the power when the power consumption limit is exceeded. It can work with devices up to 2.5 kW and show the level of load, changing the shade of the backlight.
- The motion sensor is additionally able to measure the temperature in the room and even the light, which greatly expands the possibilities of its use.
- The leakage sensor is just as functional - it measures the temperature, and it notifies of problems with pipes both through the application and with a well-heard siren.
- Smart software for creating your own scripts - with visualization of individual rooms and setting alerts for each sensor.
- Ability to send notifications to several phone numbers or send them to an electronic mailbox.
Minuses:
- For the kit will have to pay at least 46 thousand rubles.
- Push notifications are sometimes delayed.
Xiaomi Smart Home Suite - an inexpensive “brain” for a smart home
A small kit from Xiaomi was originally aimed at security work. This includes a central hub, one motion sensor and a pair of sensors for windows and doors, plus a multi-button.
Its functionality can be significantly expanded, because the Chinese giant produces 4 dozen different electrical appliances (kettles, light bulbs, air conditioners, etc.), freely connected to the controller and forming an internal ecosystem.
Pros:
- Wireless sensors, communicating with the hub over Wi-Fi.
- Minimum power consumption of components, allowing them to work up to two years without changing batteries.
- A multi-function button that recognizes 1 and 2 clicks - you can assign specific actions to them with attached devices.
- Wide view of IR motion sensor, covering a sector of 170 °.
- A large number of connected systems - electrical and lighting, home appliances, televisions, burglar alarms, etc.
- All components of the main set are already “tied” to each other.
- Very low cost - 4000 rubles.
Minuses:
- The hub will have to be plugged in via an adapter due to a non-standard plug.
- The lack of a camera in the basic package - without it, you can only receive alerts on your smartphone, but you will not see what is happening at home.
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