Long story short, these two guys came to my house to clean my heating ducts and started to make really weird jokes about how they could rob me of my stuff and then resell it back to me. I didn't like that at all.
So I came to 鶹 to see what sort of solutions existed in this day and age, before I considered getting a professional home security system that you pay for every month etc. Yes, that option is by far the best if you want 100% peace of mind.
That said, I wanted to give this product a try and here's what I have to say about it:
PROS = everything is relatively small so it doesn't take up a bunch of space. The piece that connects to your router is the size of a smoke detector and can be set up on a wall, or leave it on the floor like I did, next to the router. I plug it in with the cable rather than WIFI, it's that much more reliable that way. It comes with 4 detectors, which is exactly how many I needed (2 windows and 2 doors).
Once you're set up, you have to go into the app and click a few times to get to the alarm scenario you want to activate once you've left your home. Sometimes the app takes a few more seconds to launch and find your scenario.
I absolutely love that I can see the situation anywhere I am, you can see in the app the status of each detector. I also love that I was able to get notifications sent to my smart watch (it sends an email if something is going on)!
CONS
Set up is wonky and rather unintuitive. Others have said so too. I spent more time than I wanted to on the software setup. IMPORTANT: don't do what I did, scan each detector BEFORE you stick it to the spot!! I installed a detector (after having to modify the door frame because it didn't fit naturaly) and then I had to scan it to include it in the software and I couldn't get my damn phone to see the QR code properly - and once you stick it to the door or wall it's over!!
Also important: even though it has really good sticking glue some of the detectors eventually fall off. I tried hot glue and what not, nothing seems to work. I resorted to ugly black electric tape and so far this is the only thing keeping the detectors in place, for the ones that come off. It depends on the surface, and you should probably up your chances of success by cleaning the surface before sticking them on, which I did not do.
I bought the siren alarm to go with it, the sound is alright but not scary alarming loud.
Am I happy so far? YES! I can see what's going on when I'm away, I get prompt warnings if something is happening, and once the set up is figured out you're good to go.
| Manufacturer | YoSmart |
|---|---|
| Part Number | YS1603-UC+YS7704-UC*4 |
| Product Dimensions | 22.86 x 12.7 x 5.08 cm; 440 g |
| Batteries | 8 AAA batteries required. |
| Item model number | YS1603-UC+YS7704-UC*4 |
| Colour | White |
| Style | 4 Door Sensors with Hub |
| Material | Plastic |
| Pattern | Home Starter Kit |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Horsepower | 0.4 hp |
| Installation Method | wireless DIY |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Usage | Indoor, home, business |
| Included Components | hub, 4 Door/Window Sensors |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Average Battery Life | 5 years |
| Warranty Description | 365 days |
| Item Weight | 440 g |
