Summer vacation plans are likely in the works, with the end of school rapidly approaching. Security of the home often is an issue for potential vacationers.
There certainly are ways to keep a home secure, but most are costly. Many home security systems require monthly fees, which can add up quickly.
where it’s @
The Skylink SK-200 Alarm System Starter Kit requires an Internet router with an Ethernet port available and an iOS (Apple) or Android smartphone. The product retails for $149.99 More information is available at skylinkhome.com.
Skylink offers a way to set up a security system without having to pay monthly monitoring fees. The SK-200 Alarm System Starter Kit comes with the basics upon which a full security system can be built.
The kit includes a motion sensor, two window/door sensors, a key-fob remote and an Internet hub. It also includes a power cord and Ethernet cable for the hub. The hub requires a spare port on the back of an Internet router to function.
The Skylink system works by communicating with a smartphone to arm, disarm and monitor the system. The hub can handle up to 100 sensors, lights and cameras.
The system requires the Skylinknet app, which is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play for Android. Skylink has another app (with a pink icon) for other products, but it will not work with this system, and it's the one that pops up if you just search for "Skylink." You need the "net" on the end to get to the proper app, which has a blue icon.
Setup of the system isn't readily obvious, so the manual is required. Frankly, the manual could be more informative. For example, it really doesn't explain the four numbered buttons on the hub. It turns out that they can be used to create an eight-number password to arm or disarm the system.
The setup generally is done using the Skylinknet app. Sensors and devices are added to the system through the app, which basically waits for the device to send out a signal, captures it and sets it up with the hub. Once you figure out how to set up the sensors, it's very easy to do it. I had the entire system set up within 20 minutes. The hardest part was figuring out the best place to mount the sensors. They can be mounted with included screws or double-sided mounting tape.
The system also includes a key fob. This fob can be used to remotely communicate with the hub and arm or disarm it. It also has a panic button that will sound the alarm if pressed for five seconds.
The system is loaded with features. It can be set up with a delay that allows time to get in and out of the house before the system sounds the alarm. The hub has a battery backup, so it will continue to function even if the power is cut (though it won't communicate with the smartphone since the router likely won't be working). The motion sensor has a ball eye that provides a wide angle of coverage. Each activation sends a push notification to the smartphone, and each one is saved to an event log that can be reviewed on the smartphone. Each sensor can be programmed to send notifications with every activation or only if the alarm system is going off.
The app allows access to most of these features. The app also allows quick access to arm or disarm the system, even while away from home. A quick touch arms or disarms the system. The app also can be used to set off the panic alarm. So if someone enters the home, even if the system isn't armed, a push notification can be sent. If that person isn't expected, the panic alarm can be set off to alert the neighbors immediately.
The app also provides a quick visual of each sensor and device attached to the system, and it allows each one to be set up or have their settings changed at any time.
Oddly, the only issue I had with the system was trying to log on through another Wi-Fi system from the one on which the hub is set up. It worked fine over the phone's cellular LTE system, but it wouldn't log me onto the Skylink system over a secured Wi-Fi system off location. Once I turned off my phone's Wi-Fi signal, it worked like a charm. I'm not sure if the issue is with the Skylink system or because the Wi-Fi signal I was using was heavily fortified. Unfortunately, all the app would say was "Error!", so it was of no help.
Believe me, the alarm will alert the neighbors, unless they live far away. It's a very loud alarm, and it can be set to sound for a short or long period of time. The hub also will chirp whenever a door or window sensor is activated, much like those commercial home alarm systems.
Though the basic system doesn't include cameras, Skylink offers them. They can be viewed through the app, and photos and video with sound can be recorded from them.
The Skylink system is pretty impressive. It has worked well during my testing, and aside from a few hiccups with the manual, the system was easy to install, setup and change.
It may be just the thing to make that summer vacation even more relaxing.
Melissa L. Jones can be reached via email at mljones72@me.com.
SundayMonday Business on 03/30/2015