Just What You Need: The DIY Scout Alarm Wireless Security System Review

How would you like to design your own home security system?

From the color, components and even the level of security, Scout Alarm lets you decide exactly how you want your security system to be.

Things you need to know about Scout Alarm:

• It’s a Do-It-Yourself system. You can install the system on your own, without the need to pay for installation fees or letting a stranger inside your home to set your security.
• It has no strict equipment packages which means you can buy only what you need to effectively secure your home.
• You have three color options to choose from for your devices- arctic, midnight and wood.
• It’s one of the first few security systems that are compatible with Amazon Echo.
• You can create your own recipes through its IFTTT channel.

For the fun part, Scout system uses Zigbee as its home automation protocol. While the system keeps your home safe, it also allows you to control your smart devices even when you’re at work. You can even set your system to know when you’re coming home so it can make everything comfortable for you before you arrive.

The basic Scout package includes:

1. Scout Hub
Cost: $129

• It is the brain of your system which communicates to the app all the information your sensors pick up.
• It needs to be connected to your internet router.
• In case your internet fails, the system can work on its 3G cellular chip. However, to activate this feature, you need to be subscribed to any of its monitoring plans.
• It also has a built-in battery for power backup.
• The hub’s siren is marked at 106 decibels. It’s as loud as your lawn mower.

2. Door Panel
Cost: $69

• You simply need to mount it on your doors or windows. No drilling required.
• It monitors the entry and exit points of your home.
• Similar to the main hub, the door panel also has a built-in siren.
• Each panel includes an RFID sticker and two key fobs.
  • The RFID sticker works as your secret key. You can stick it on any object you prefer.
  • The key fobs are small, rounded rectangular device which you can conveniently attach to a keychain with your other keys. It can be used for multiple door panels at home.
  • You can use either the sticker or the key fob in arming or disarming your system in case you forgot your smart phone.

3. Access Sensors
Cost: $29

• It provides specific security not only to your windows but also to valuables such as the safe or your cabinets.
• It has an easy setup. You just push and stick the sensors.
• They can be activated with even just a small partition in your windows and doors.

4. Motion sensor
Cost: $49

• The sensor is smart enough to know the difference between your dog and a burglar.
• It works through the use of passive infrared technology to detect movements within 20 feet in a 90-degree angle.
• Sensors work in a series. In setting them up, you must place the first sensor within a 100-meter area from the base and work your way outward.
• Its batteries are expected to last for 6 to 12 months. Be sure to have a spare set available by that time.

Scout’s mobile application, which is both Android and iOS compatible, works as the central control panel of your system. Through it, you can set how your security system can notify you. You should take note, however, that this feature is internet dependent. If the internet connection is down, you wouldn’t be able to receive any notifications. You can register to Scout’s monitoring plans to make sure you don’t experience such inconveniences.

Other features of the app:

• You can customize your security’s response to ignore an alert, call the police or even turn your lights on to ward off intruders.
• It provides a log of events so you can keep track of the incidents that triggered your alarm.
• It has four modes- away, home, sleep and vacation.

Getting started with Scout Alarm and these basic security devices will cost you around $300. If you have a bigger house, you may need to purchase more sensors and panels for better security. This also means paying a higher price. After selecting the security devices you need for your home, you can go through its monitoring plans. The plans are available on monthly terms but you’ll be able to save as much as 10% if you sign up for a yearly payment term. You can change your service plans anytime you want.

To help you decide, here’s a quick rundown of your options:

Always On

Price: $9.99 per month
$107 if you pay for one year of service

• With an extra $9.99 a month, you get extra peace of mind knowing that your system can still function in the event that your internet or even your power fails.
• It allows your system to use its 3G wireless connection so that notifications can still reach you even if your internet is down.
• In cases of electrical outages, it has batteries for backup power.
• It can notify you through message and email alerts as well as push.

Always On +

Price: $19.99 per month
$215 if you pay for one year of service

• For an additional payment fee, you’ll get professional monitoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• You get immediately notified whenever your alarm is triggered.
• If you fail to respond to a notification after a certain period of time, the monitoring stations, which are all UL Certified, can take action for you.
• It can directly call and dispatch local authorities to make sure you’re safe.

The best deal on this security system is that there is no monthly contract or even an annual fee other than when you subscribe to professional monitoring. As a DIY system, it also has a movable setup. This makes it a perfect fit for you if you live in an apartment or you frequently transfer places.

UPDATE as of January 17, 2016

Some of Scout’s previous free features will now be available to new customers as paid services. This change has been announced and started taking effect late December of 2015.

List of paid features:

• Email, phone call and text notifications
• Push notifications through the app
• Access to the web dashboard and the app
• 24/7 professional monitoring
• Cellular backup
• Police dispatch service
• IFTTT, Nest and Echo integration
• Cellular backup

These features can only be unlocked if you subscribe to any of its monitoring plans. The change will not affect you if you are already subscribed to them.

THE CHECKLIST:
✓ There is no long term contract.
✓ Products can be purchased separately.
✓ It’s a DIY system
✓ You can get a 10% discount if you pay for one year of service.
✓ It has 3G chip and battery for backup
✓ The motion sensors are immune to pets.
✓ There is no panic mode in the app.
✓ The system uses Zigbee for home automation.
✓ If you are new to Scout, you may need to subscribe to its monitoring plans to experience its features.