First Alert Wireless Peephole

How about this for a modern take on the everlasting security product, the common peephole.

Except that this also doubles as a wirelss cctv device.

Introducing the First Alert Digital Wireless Security System with Dual Function Photo Frame. No more bulky security monitors on your desk. Now you can view your favorite digital photos and monitor your home or business using the same LCD Photo Frame. Setup is a breeze because you don’t have to lay any cables. Just plug it in and you’re ready to go. Utilizing Advanced Digital Wireless Technology you can mount the security camera within 500 ft** of the photo frame without any interference from other wireless devices. The system is expandable up to 4 cameras.

Classic styling and modern convenience combined in this 7" digital picture frame and an indoor / outdoor color digital wireless camera. Pictures are sharp and vibrant thanks to the 480 x 234 pixel LCD panel. Photos can be viewed in an automatic slide show or one at a time with the use of the built-in control buttons or the supplied remote control. Slideshows can be enhanced with music. Video clips can be shown as well. The PH559 digital picture frame offers a classic design with its real wood frame, perfectly suitable for any home or office.

The Digital Wireless signal is the latest in wireless technology featuring frequency hopping transmission which enables a clearer picture, point to point secure signal, superior sound quality, longer transmission range through walls and floors (500 ft** range) with no static, and is totally Wi-Fi and wireless friendly. Utilizing Digital Wireless cameras allows the user to cut their setup time in half while increasing the camera distances from the DVR. First Alerts Digital Wireless Cameras have a range up to 500 ft**.

You can easily switch from photo frame mode to security camera mode with the touch of a button on the photo frame or included remote control. In addition the signal is completely secure and cannot be monitored by others, unlike traditional analog wireless devices. In addition, the camera is equipped with Night Vision up to 30 ft and can be mounted either inside or outside. With the ability to expand the system up to 4 cameras the PH559 is the sleekest and most versatile security system on the market.

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Wireless Peronal Luggage Alarm

This wireless set comes with both a transmitter that you can attach to your luggage or purse as well as a wireless receiver. If the wireless receiver and transmitter get more than 5 meters away, the receiver will automatically being to beep to draw your attention, and all you have to do is push the alarm button and the transmitter will emit a loud alarm to tell you where it is or who has it. This set also features a useful anti pick pocket function, sending off a loud alarm if someone is unzipping your bag, as well as a vibration function letting you know if someone is tampering with your belongings. A great low priced, multi-functioning travelers accessory.



Manufacturer Specifications:

• Wireless Alarm Transmitter + Wireless Alarm Receiver
• Three Selectable Function Modes
• Anti-Lost/ Pick Pocket Mode: Any Time Wireless Transmitter is 3~5 Meters from Wireless Receiver, Receiver will Beep.
• Vibration Mode: If Mode is selected, when the Wireless Transmitter is Vibrated, Transmitter Will Alarm and Receiver Will Beep
• Magnetic Mode: If Mode is selected, when Magnet Attached To Wireless Transmitter and A Zipper are Separated, Transmitter Will Alarm and Receiver Will Beep
• One Touch Button for Any Time Alarm/ Finding Items
• One Touch Buttons for Functions On/Off
• Remote Control Distance: Aprox 7~9 Meters
• Alarm Sound Output: 90dB
• Power Source: Transmitter- x2 CR2032 Batteries, Receiver- x1 CR2032 Battery
• Dimension: Transmitter- 60x35x20mm, Receiver-50x32x19mm (LxWxD)
• Manufacturer Ref.: Z4EFGDZMXY97

Other Features:

• Easy Use Keychain Design

Accessories:

• Manual
• Magnet Sensor
• Magnet

SALTO - Wireless Access Control

Last year we wrote about SALTO access control systems. We update this information with some of their latest introductions.

Imagine being able to control all the doors in a building from one central location with just the click of a mouse. Imagine being able to monitor your access network, delete key cards and download audit trail information all in real-time.

Imagine being able to do all of this without wires. SALTO was the first company to develop electronic access control without the need for expensive hard wiring with their SALTO Virtual Network data on card technology.

Now, in response to market needs, they’re introducing the SALTO real-time battery powered wireless system.




SALTO wireless system is an on-line real-time battery powered access control system that uses radio frequency technology to communicate in real-time with the central computer.

The wireless electronic escutcheons

Huge range of solutions for almost any kind of door compatible with European, Scandinavian, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or Australian mortise locks. For panic bar doors, glass door
locks and even narrow profile doors.

The SALTO escutcheons are compatible with Mifare, Mifare plus, DESfire, DESfire EV1, Picopass, iClass and Skidata and NFC.So you can use existing RFID cards, reducing start up costs, and minimizing system commissioning issues.

The SALTO escutcheon is intelligent and takes the decision to grant or deny access based on the users rights. The answer is immediate with no communication needed with the server or controllers, avoiding possible network problems and no emergency master key needed.

In case of network failure, access is granted through SALTO Virtual Network technology without compromising security or the user’s access rights.

System Benefits

• The SALTO wireless system combines the efficiency of both on-line and off-line applications in a single system.
• Real-time communication with state-of-the-art SALTO stand alone battery powered escutcheons simplifies security management and provides unrivalled levels of access control flexibility.
• It uses AES128 bits encrypted radio frequency communication based on IEEE 802.15.4 at 2,4Ghz to transfer information from escutcheons to the PC through strategically located gateways or repeaters.
• The wireless system is so efficient that battery power consumption is close to that of our standard battery powered electronic escutcheons.
• Real time audit trail: View door access in real time without having to visit the door.
• Real time door control: view door status in real time.
• Real time battery control: Monitor battery maintenance by viewing the lock battery status in real time.
• Key management: Resolved in real time as the locks receive cancelled key updates as soon as they are generated.
• Any number of doors can be equipped with the SALTO wireless system at much lower cost than a conventional wired access control solution.
• Gateways and repeaters act as antennas, collecting and sending information from the PC to the stand alone wireless locks. One gateway can manage several repeaters and electronic escutcheons, minimizing infrastructure costs and maximizing flexibility.
• The SALTO wireless system is compatible with most common RFID technologies including Mifare/DESfire, Inside Picopass, Legic and HID iClass. This makes integration easy and in most cases you can continue using your existing cards for all your applications.

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Battery Operated Lock Products Found Wanting - Are You Aware Of The Pitfalls?

There are many and varied brands of wireless digital door locks currently in the wider market. Many of these products we have discussed in this website and picture here. Many of the pictured products here operate on small batteries, either AA, AAA, 9V or even watch cell batteries. The market is quite vast with many of the leading manufacturers in the world also producing a wireless battery powered product to corner some market share too.

 I think it is somewhat interesting, having traveled abroad recently, that not as many European countries appear to share the fascination for wireless battery powered locks, quite like the USA.

I remember traveling to Canada a few years ago and noticed very few instances of wireless digital locks installed on residences and buildings there too.

So, this begs the question as to why there appears to be a consumer fascination for these electronic gadgets, especially in the largest market in the world, the USA.

 Having recently returned from abroad, I noticed that hardwired digital lock systems and access control products appear to be more favored there. Hardwired products offer significant longevity and advantages to wireless battery operation, but essentially there is never, ever a need to have to replace batteries. Replacing batteries, while an inconvenience, is a hidden ongoing cost, rarely considered by consumers.

 There are also a great many and varied commercial products in the wireless genre that continue to come to market, offering increased access control and some also include audit trails, among other desired traits. These products too require constant and never ending battery replacement to ensure correct and continuing operations. Often there will be a maintenance manager or janitor employed in a building responsible for replacing batteries and keeping every thing working normally. And when a product fails, it is often because lax maintenance is responsible. Batteries are not replaced timely enough and staff find themselves locked out, through no fault of their own.

 Some upmarket commercial access control products of the wireless variety are very good quality and offer some advantages to mechanical keyed systems, but they too require constant battery replacements to ensure continued operations.

There are some very interesting and quite good looking products that are quite functional on offer across the world. many also use remote fobs to lock or unlock and, of course, these remote fobs require batteries replaced too. The hidden costs are not discussed by manufacturers or retailers and many consumers are in the dark about the longterm disadvantages of having to constantly replace batteries.

 We have been selling the wireless battery operated electric strike, here for a few years now, but this product is not immune either to the continuing need to replace batteries.

We are also the North American distributor for the fabulous Meroni line of lock products and even their digital battery operated product requires continual battery replacement for continued operation,

 The issues listed above about battery life are not the only problems plaguing the wireless lock industry. Many brands also use motor driven deadbolts that require the door and frame to be in perfect alignment so the bolt can enter the strike and frame. If there is door movement or weathering, frames can move and impede the natural locking/unlocking of your product. Other use issues occur due to poorly installed doors. Most doors found in America today, on residential homes and even some commercial dwellings are built from wooden doors and frames, often installed using short screws in the hinges to attach to the frame.

 The IBC (International Building Code) accepted and gazetted by many American localities, demand that the height of the operating door handle be 36" from the floor. When the original building code was written by the Army Corp Of Engineers in 1949, the average height of an American Adult was 5'6" tall, while today the average height (male/female) is 5'10" tall.

 Understanding a persons height is important because the average door is about 6'8" tall in North America. In many other countries, people install their locks significantly higher. The reason is simple. The lower the handle, the likelihood of you pushing down on the handle is higher and that continued downward pressure contributes to door sagging. The half inch screws in your hinges cannot take the weight of the door combined with constant pushing down on the handle, so the door drops. You often see this by the rubbing of the upper portion of your door on the frame and a wider gap at the top on the lock side than the gap on the hinge side. Also, sometimes your door will drag on the floor.

 I do a fair amount of commercial locksmith and door repair work and often see these electronic battery operated locks in the field. I often ask my customers as to their happiness with the products. Many, who have been using them for quite some time, have realized that the chore of constantly replacing batteries is becoming far too common and often and they make the choice to remove batteries altogether, preferring to go back to the mechanical, maintenance free key lock system.

 So what do i recommend?

I'm glad you asked.
I always ask the customer why they want a digital door lock in the first place.
Most simply desire the convenience of not having to carry a key and that they cannot be locked out if they have a combination.
I then ask how often they have had to replace batteries.
The most common answer I get is, "once every 2-3 months, sometimes more".

 When I press a little bit further, the clients who might have had them for longer, often indicate that after the fourth time replacing the batteries, they simply go back to using the mechanical key.

This indicates to me that many customers are now using their you beaut $250+ wireless battery operated door lock identically to when they simply had a mechanical key. Many keyed door locks cost significantly less than $250+, so that is a clear indication (to me) that they are not receiving the value for their money.

 With WiFi and Bluetooth and NFC components being included in many later models of battery operated door locks, there is more requirement for power to be able to use the products. Why would you rely on batteries constantly to power these power hungry products? Batteries can only last so long, no? And often they will fail when you least expect them or require them.

As to my recommendations on products that can offer the best of both worlds, you might consider the Kaba Powerplex digital door  lock that uses an electro-mechanical power module embedded within, that when the handle is turned, the unit powers up enough juice to enter your combination. No need to ever replace batteries yet still the convenience of electronic combination entry.
Certainly not cheap. Quality products cost more of course, but the Kaba Powerplex delivers where other products fail.

In the next week I will be repairing a customers back door mechanical door lock. They initially requested another electronic deadbolt for the convenience of not having to carry a key. (my service call that day to them was to unlock another digital door lock that wasnt operating. It was of course a flat battery) I recommended that they install a mechanical key box like the Supra brand wall mounted heavy duty mechanical digital key box to the cement wall outside their home and place their operating key inside. That way they can maintain the original lock on the door and still enjoy the convenience of not having to carry their key, for the paltry cost of about $35 plus installation.

The choice is yours. I'd be interested to hear your comments in the box below. Comments are subject to moderation.

Wireless Access Control

Wireless Access Control products have been around for a few years now but the quality has left some to be desired. OSI Security Devices Inc. have been providing leading educational institutions across the world, superior products for quite some time. Perhaps not as well known as the larger companies, OSI have produced this incredible new product that offers many of the same advantages of a hard wired system but in a stand alone wireless access control format.

Enter the OM250 (pictured here).

System Features

Maximum General Users: 250 unique user codes (All Users can be extended to change access level of lock)
Maximum Submasters: 5 unique restrictable submasters
Access Levels: Unlocked, Code Required, and Lockout.
Antitamper: Temporary disables keypad for period of 10 seconds if 3 invalid codes are entered. Prevents hackers from "guessing" codes.
Audit: retains activity of the last 250 events, including entries, scheduled actions, antitamper mode, daylight savings setting, and user attempts.
Time schedule: Set eight events per day for each of the seven days the week. Plus, 32 holiday schedules with 2 varying holiday schedules.
Autocode: Allows programming of all 250 codes instantly!!
Battery Life: 5 years/50,000 entries. Lithium Power-Pak

The new wireless package consists of:

WAMS Software Features:

• Uses standard Microsoft Windows XP Professional (non server) version
• Runs Microsoft Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to the Portal Gateway
• SQL Database engine
• Supports Web Browser / Services
• Software Development Kit (SDK) for OEM applications available
• Supports virtually unlimited number of card holders (Disk size needs to be optimized) with a maximum of 65,000 card holders resident at any wireless reader at one time
• Multiple level password control
• 144 User defined Time Zones with 6 time intervals per Time Zone (Time Zones can cross midnight)
• 32 User-defined Holiday periods
• Unique Access levels per cardholder
• ADA compatibility
• Supports remote readers in multiple time zones
• Provides support for variable card formats and technologies to be built into the application
• Diagnostics built in for Portal Gateway signal strength, preventive maintenance, and Wireless Reader and firmware support

Portal Gateway Availabe Features:

• Secure Socket Layer communications between the Portal Gateway and host
• AES 128 Bit Encryption to the wireless readers
• Up to 300 foot communication range (reader to gateway)
• Gateway to Gateway communication for range extension
• Metal key lock cabinet with tamper switch
• 1 non-dedicated I/O port for OEM applications
• Ethernet 10/100 BaseT
• 1 USB port
• Tamper Alarm
• AC Power fail detect
• Standby power and charger for a 12 VDC 4.5 AMP battery
• Low Battery Alarm signal to host
• Low charge rate signal to the host
• Fire Alarm or Weather Alert Shutdown to Reader

Available Reader Features:

• 4 AA Battery or external power operation
• Flash memory (memory retained if power is lost)
• Keypad ID codes from 4 -10 digits
• Keypad PINs from 3-6 digits
• Card or Keypad ID plus Keypad PIN capable with the following card technologies:
  • Magnetic Stripe HI Coercivity Tracks 2 or 3
  • Proximity HID 125 KHz cards in any format
  • MIFARE 15693, ISO 14443 A
  • CAC Contact Smart Card
  • FIPS 201 DESfire contact-less smart card
• Up to 65,000 IDs per reader depending on configuration
• 144 Time Zones (Time Zones can roll past midnight)
• 32 User defined vacation periods
• An access level assignment for every cardholder
• ADA compliant
• Dynamic Memory for IDs vs Transactions
• A full audit trail stored locally and transmitted to the nearest non-dedicated Portal Gateway
• 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum technology
• AES 128-Bit Encryption with multi-redundant portal Gateway support

Through membership in ALOA, I recently obtained the factory certification from OSI at a course they ran during ALOA Charlotte 2007.

Wireless Peephole/Video Intercom System - Answer The Door Without Answering The Door

Pictured above is the base station for a product aimed at the wireless video intercom market. A very popular search term that leads interested readers to this site, is "Wireless Peephole". 

A wireless peephole is a product that enables an entry point to have the ability to identify a visitor remotely.

KRACK - Dangerous WiFi Security Flaw Discovered. And It Affects ALL WiFi Devices

Breaking News - The above video made by a CNN reporter, explains a recently surfaced issue with WiFi.

WiFi is almost synonymous with anything Internet related today, in the the modern age of the Internet Of Things.

Almost every household in much of the civilized world has access to or uses some version of wireless computer connections, in everything from cellphones to laptop computers to desktop computers to wireless security systems including but not limited to door locks, alarm systems, lighting controls, thermostats or even your door bell.

We are also not immune to surfacing issues with wireless products and within this blog, we have also touted certain products that may use WiFi to assist in access control or security.

While we have reduced our penchant for recommending wireless security products in the last couple of years, we still will recommend some products and mostly those that are not WiFi connected.
We recently became aware of a security flaw in Bluetooth products too, which we wrote about last month.

We continue to sing the praises of mechanical security products, like physical door lock systems, often recommended and installed by professional locksmith technicians.

Products like our Bilock - Extreme Security Restricted Key Systems, that are 100% Bump Proof and virtually pick proof. They use unique color coded heads to easily identify different keys. Lock systems can be master-keyed easily and still offer premium quality security, when many competing brands actually reduce perceived security of your locks through master-keying. It is quite well known throughout the wider industry, as well as hobby groups, training institutions etc. that master-keyed lock cylinders actually reduce an access points security by using multiple pin stacks in cylinder chambers.

Bilock, does not. There is only one pin per chamber and no top pins. This makes bumping, physically impossible and picking virtually impossible.

There are other brands of mechanical lock and key systems that do offer comparative security, like Abloy Classic, Protec, Protec II and a few other non pin tumbler type systems too.

With the current day desire by many consumers to incorporate access control products into their lives, intending to reduce the need to hand out a key to their children, partners, residents and visitors, the increase in sales of wireless, battery powered lock products, alarm panels, remote controls continues to increase annually.

In another video, over at Fortune magazine, it explains that some software manufacturers have developed patches for current products already in the wider market......






But, even though we should feel somewhat thankful that the providers of our Internet products are proactive with their responses to these new found security issues,

What about the thousands of other products already out there that are vulnerable to this KRACK WiFi security flaw?

Sometimes, I think many of these security flaws are deliberately released, after consumers have already invested in the latest and greatest, you beaut gadget. In a rather crude attempt to get consumers to spend more money again to protect themselves.

As a locksmith, concerned with offering my customers premium quality products that actually provide long term protection, I continue to write articles explaining the reasoning behind mechanical physical security products, that STOP any chance of wireless security loopholes.
Many products that I and my fellow locksmiths continue to offer and rely on, are designed to protect you for the longer term, are significantly more competitively priced, designed to last considerably longer, while minimizing maintenance for the homeowner, resident or tenant of a dwelling.

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Electronic Locks - Wireless Or Wired Are Not A Very Green Oriented Product

 It seems that wireless or wired electronic locks are all the rage today in this rapidly progressing tech-electronic age we are in. Products like the Lockwood 001T, pictured here use a battery pack to offer keyless access control options.

But in recent years, many discussions continue to be held about green, ecological alternatives that cause no drain on power or grid electricity supplies.

Many customers seem to be considering the use of wireless battery powered products or even hard wired lock systems to add so called "convenience" to their lives.

While it is understandable that some systems can add convenience and access control to our homes and offices, the available products are not really "green" alternatives.

 The August Lock, came out a little while back, offering the ability to have a keyless/smartphone connected access control solution.

The product is very intelligently designed and may offer concerned customers the alternative they are seeking, however it is worth remembering that batteries require replacing every so often. What happens when your smartphone battery has run out? What happens when the products battery pack loses power?
How do you operate the product without a mechanical "keyed" back up?

The increasing evidence of smartphone theft and the quantity of known hacks, presents problems that many consumers may not have considered.

 At least Kwikset, are including their mechanical "keyed" cylinder in many of their Bluetooth and wireless battery powered products, even though the Kwikset Smartkey product has a poor track record of quality and is too easily compromised.

The Kwikset Kevo product was released last October. It is a Bluetooth, battery powered deadbolt that can be operated by a connected Bluetooth device (smartphone). It also comes with the Kwikset Smartkey cylinder, enabling a mechanical backup solution, even though there are many published records of the Smartkey problems, in the news.

Certainly there are many and varied options for wireless, keypad controlled, keyless solutions, but the quality of manufacture still leaves much to be desired in terms of quality and sustainability.

Many manufacturers continue to bring out ever increasing product options to whet the appetites of consumers.

But not too many are including the necessary mechanical keyed component as a backup.

I realise that many customers are impressed with the ability to grant access to certain people and then change that access on the fly, but the use of electronic products is not a "green" consideration, is it?

Wireless Voice Alarm System

Voice Alert System-6 is a new annunciator system featuring wireless PIR sensors transmitters and a remote receiver/speaker base unit. Users record their own alert messages and are then notified with their own voice message when activity in a monitored area is detected. Key applications include:
• Wireless Driveway Alarm
• Residential and Small Business Security
• Child Monitoring and Pool Safety
• Home Automation

System-6 allows a maximum of six user recorded messages. Each message is specific to one zone. For instance, zone one could be for a driveway alarm -“Car coming up the driveway” while zone two could be for a sensor monitoring the back yard- “Alert! Child by the pool!” Perhaps a third sensor guards a side entrance against intruders. However, when this PIR detects movement, the base unit plays “Intruder on patio” and triggers a floodlight using one of four relays included on the base unit. System-6 can monitor all three zones simultaneously and still have three additional zones available when needed. Users can alter their messages and place the wireless sensors wherever they wish.

Voice Alert System-6 sets up in minutes and can be completely customized to fit their individual needs. The wireless PIRs feature: all weather protection, adjustable mounting and sensitivity, and can send a signal 300 feet through walls and up to 1000 feet in open space.

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Blink - Wireless Peep Hole Camera Systems Agrees To Be Acquired By Amazon

Breaking News: Blink, the wireless, battery powered peephole camera system manufacturer announced on Friday that they have agreed to be acquired by Amazon.

There are many players today in the peephole market, some of whom you may be familiar with like Ring or Brinno and Blink have just been acquired by Amazon in an attempt to further their recent product and service offering called Amazon Key.

Wireless peepholes are quite the rage today because many dwellers desire to know whom is actually at their door, whether they are home or not.

With the Internet Of Things (IOT) constantly evolving to make our lives more technological and easier, smart home technology is still in it's infancy. Many competing products, vying for our dollars, are coming to market. Many smart home products, including wireless battery powered deadbolts, entrance sets, door bells etc are a common method for people to get their feet wet with the latest smart home technology.

Amazon announced their Amazon Key program 2 months ago, to enable Amazon product deliveries to your residence or office, even when your abode is unattended. This service by Amazon is an ambitious attempt to thwart the increasing crime known as "porch theft" or "porch piracy". See this New York Times article from December 19th.


Personally, while I understand the desire of some to constantly be visually aware of "goings on" at home, especially at your entry, I am bewildered that many customers of this technology would allow their properties to be viewed over the web, through cloud services. Combine that with the recent announcement about the KRACK wifi virus that we wrote about here about 2 months ago and perhaps this is another recipe for disaster in the making.

I believe consumers should protect their privacy more and perhaps think about storing their security camera pictures on their home server or hard drives, rather than a web based system.

I'm sure opinions vary and would like to know your feelings on this matter.
Feel free to comment in the space below (and include a link to your website if you desire - REMEMBER all comments are subject to moderation)

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Wireless Computer Padlock

You can protect your private data in your computer by plugging in this USB Wireless Security Lock. It changes into Lock Mode when user is 2 meters away from computer. And computer will resume when user is within the effective range.

Features:

USB interface

Reliable radio frequency wireless technology

2 meters effective range

Password is required to unlock the computer if transmitter is not available

One transmitter can be shared with several computers

Size: 69x19x10mm

Extended Cable Length: 1m

Weight: 20g

Specifications:

One unique "Security Code" in the Transmitter; the computer will recognizes the code automatically

Operating Frequency: 315 or 434 MHz

Transmitter Power Supply: DC3V

Transmitter uses 3V/CR2032 battery (included)

Battery Usage: approximately 2000 hours

Support Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP

Package Contents:

USB Wireless Security Lock

Transmitter with strap

Driver CD (3-inch type)

USB extended cable

3V (CR2032) battery

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PTZ WiFi CCTV Camera

I recently installed some of these CCTV cameras to a small business intent on securely monitoring their property.

Surprisingly inexpensive and made from very good quality components, the abilities of this wondrous gizmo are astonishing considering it retails for a little less than $100.

It comes with purposely built software allowing for up to 9 cameras to be viewed on your computer. Each camera maintains it's own IP address, enabling you to use Direct DNS systems to view the content (what it sees) over the internet.

It has a limited zoom capability but the pan and tilt functions are superb. It has an ethernet port allowing for wired connections too, apart from WiFi. Sometimes WiFi signals can be interrupted by brick walls and significant cabling and wiring built into the infrastructure of buildings. This is why they have included the ethernet port, to allow for hard wired access too.

I am experimenting with PoE (power over ethernet) devices too, which will allow for installing quasi-wireless systems using the existing electricity supply in dwellings. Effectively, PoE might just be the answer to our prayers for enabling wireless control of computer peripherals without necessarily using a wireless router.

I must say, I'm fairly impressed by this product and so far my customer seems to be reasonably happy too.

Solar Security Camera

True Wireless Security
A Solar Security Camera so advanced it never needs batteries or wires. Yet so uncomplicated a child could set it up and use it. You've gone with out a security camera for long enough. It's powered by the sun so you will always have security.

This one is truley wireless! Imagine this camera watching your pool, front yard, back yard, side yard or anywhere outdoors you wish. Since it's solar powered you can even take it with you on your boat or RV and back home again.

Simply set the camera in a desired location where sunlight is present, plug the receiver into an existing television set or monitor and begin watching full color images with sound. Now that's what we call user friendly.

Because this solar security camera is completely wireless and uses it's own renewable power source you can place it virtually anywhere contact with sunlight is made.

A powerful 2.4GHz transmitter allows it to send a constant signal from a football field away (300 ft.). No one will ever suspect that you are able to "watch" places where there is no power available.

Infrared motion sensor even triggers an audible alarm on the base station when movement is detected by the camera. Doesn't even require a separate monitor.

Just plug it into any existing television set. You can even plug it into your VCR and have it only record when infra red sensor is triggered by movement.

Completely Weatherproof Solar Security Camera

That means it can take a constant beating from the sun's rays, rain, snow or anything Mother Nature throws at it. Now you have the power to secure any part of your property. Make a parking lot more secure for your employees. Monitor a campsite or boat dock. Worried about thieves coming into your backyard or wild animals climbing into your trash? Now you'll be able to nab any perpetrator on the ultimate candid camera.

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Kuna - Smart Security Camera And Wireless Peephole

The Kuna is a sensational new product recently released to the mass market that can become your video peephole, a product that fills a wide and unfulfilled market segment.

We have posted about wireless peepholes and closed circuit camera systems in the past and received some interesting feedback about these products, but once in a while along comes a product that singularly changes the perspective. And does so for a realistic entry price.

The Kuna system offers distinctive styling while appealing to both the nouveau and rustic styled home owner.

This intelligent product combines the benefits of real time security with convenience, in our wired/wireless lifestyle.

Simply replace your current outdoor light with the easy to install Kuna. Connect to your wifi and app and that's it. Because the unit is hardwired to our residence (in place of the current light fixture), no batteries are required. Low voltage application means no electrician is required to complete the install. It is a real DIY product.

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Wireless Remote-Controlled Pan/Tilt Camera System

The Wireless Remote-Controlled Pan And Tilt Surveillance Camera.
This is the remote-controlled surveillance camera that pans and tilts at a touch of a button for a range of motion unavailable in lesser cameras, and it sends crystal clear images and audio to an LCD on the handheld remote, allowing real-time monitoring from up to 330' away. Unlike cameras rooted in a fixed position, this one pans 210 and tilts 63 for an optimal field-of-view. The remote's 2.5" thin film transistor LCD has a 480 x 234 resolution, and infrared LEDs in the camera allow nighttime observation up to 16' from the camera lens. The 2.4 GHz wireless signal operates on three different channels, minimizing interference, and the device includes an AV cable for connecting to a television. Includes earphones and AC adapters for camera and receiver. Receiver requires 4 AAA batteries. Camera: 5" H x 4 1/3" D x 4" W. (9 oz.) Receiver: 6" H x 2 2/3" W x 1" D. (6 oz.)

$249.95 Limited time only.

Door And Window Sensor - Not An Alarm

An interesting product that has merits in this IoT era is the Mirabella Door and Window Sensor.

This small but powerful product is specifically designed to inform when the link is broken. Unlike an alarm sensor, that triggers a siren and/or communications to an alarm monitoring company, this sensor is designed to communicate through your homes WiFi system to inform you that the door or window has been opened.

The obvious advantages of this are simple. Know immediately when your children arrive home. know immediately when a door or window is opened, when it typically shouldnt.

Simple. wireless security that is cost efficient and noiseless.

Locks and deadbolts keep your doors and windows secure, alarms are designed to inform that a condition is occurring and make a loud noise. Alarms do not protect, just inform. Sensors do the same thing without the inconvenience of an alarm or paying a monthly alarm monitoring contract.

The Mirabella Sensor is wireless, local, noiseless and connected, to keep you aware of conditions without the pain of false alarms, monthly monitoring fees, police attendance invoices for false alarms etc.

Wireless electronic security at a fraction of the cost of alarm systems (that effectively do the same thing - except cost a lot more)

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Network Security

Arguably the biggest advancement in CCTV security in the last 25 years is the wide scale advancement of Network Security (aka Wireless CCTV)

Wireless PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) cameras have been surfacing in the marketplace with more vigour recently due to the market demanding increased functions for decreased infrastructure costs.

Aving News Network, one of the global leaders in security industry reporting, recently interviewed Anders Laurin, Vice President of AXIS, one of the top 10 network security firms in Sweden.

The future of CCTV in many parts of the world is changing. Consumers are demanding more user friendly equipment, wireless access to that equipment and having it software driven rather than hardware driven.

Using Solar Power In Security Applications

The use of solar power as an alternate power source is getting a lot of attention these days, and rightfully so. Its ability to provide electricity in remote locations where running cable would be overly expensive makes solar power a feasible alternate power source – especially for CCTV and other surveillance applications.

I spend a lot of time educating our customers on the details of solar. Let’s discuss some of the key points to remember when considering a solar system.

First, let’s cover some basic math to use as a guideline and familiarize you with how current draw works.

(Current draw x 24 hours) / Peak hours of sunlight = Amperage required

Current draw – The amount of electricity required to provide power to an object. Current draw is measured in milliamps (mA) or amps (A).

In solar powered systems, every milliamp of current conserved saves money. It is important to think about the total current draw of an application and minimize draw where possible – especially with CCTV applications. For example, consider using a super low light camera instead of an IR bullet camera or consider using a fixed camera instead of a PTZ camera.

Peak hours of sunlight –People are often mistaken about the actual amount of sunlight they have during the day. Depending on the location in the hemisphere and the time of year, most people only receive between 3 and 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. This is why solar power is so popular in Arizona, Texas, Florida and other southern states.

Goji - Crowdfunded Wireless Smartphone Controlled Deadbolt Fails To Launch

I'm not sure if you have seen or know about the Goji Smart lock that was being crowdfunded via multiple separate crowdfunding sites in the last couple of years, but a report out a couple of days ago indicates that this particular product has failed to launch.

The Smart Lock market has been evolving for a number of years now and according to sources, is expected to rise from the current fledgling $8 Billion market to $120 Billion by 2025.

There are a number of entrants that have evolved in recent years and we have written about a few of them. Products like the August Smartlock, the Lockitron and others. We have found that many of these "new breed" of stand alone wireless smart locks are being developed by entrepeneurs who lack industry knowledge, experience and longevity.

The large industry players like Assa-Abloy, Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, Master and others who have been in the security product manufacturing industry for a great many years, are also firmly entrenched in the Smart Lock market. But the difference between these industry stalwarts and the current breed of new entrepeneurs has much to do with their successes developed over many years of R&D, interaction with their customers and tried and proven manufacturing practises that continue to produce the high-quality requested by the consumer driven market.

Goji, obviously was seen to have merit and raised about $800,000.00 through multiple crowdfunding sites including Indiegogo and Fundable.

This news is not surprising really. there are many entrants to the smart lock market that appear to not have done their due diligence and market feasibility studies prior to launch. Goji had developed a promising looking product that operated with Android and iOS operating systems, but I suggest that the actual integration of these sophisticated smart phone operating systems proved too much for the Goji team to master.

Goji CEO Gabriel Bestard-Ribas is quoted in a letter written earlier this week,

Kwikset Announces Web Enabled Deadbolts

Breaking News!

Kwikset announces availability of Smartcode with Home Connect technology, remote access control products at

Cedia 2009, Atlanta.

According to the release, "these one-of-a-kind keyless entry electronic locks, developed for interoperability with home automation and security systems, can communicate wirelessly with other devices in the home and deliver a variety of access control options for the utmost in residential security."

Hot on the heels of Ingersoll Rand's Schlage Z-Link technolgy, but using the new Smartkey Bump Proof technology, this announcement signals a major game changer in the residential security products market.

According to the press release, "the lock will allow you to check door lock status, automatically allow you to arm or disarm your security system" (if connected) "and initiate customized scenes upon entry and exit. The lock offers true remote locking and unlocking features due to it's motorized deadbolt, allowing homeowners to monitor and control their locks, using either a Web-enabled device or their home automation system."

"Lock The Door From Virtually Anywhere"

Installation is simple as the new product replaces virtually any existing deadbolt application, uses AA batteries, making it completely wireless and eliminating the need for hardwiring. The lock even has the ability to receive automatic software updates and all wireless communication between devices remains secure using 128 bit encryption.

The primary difference between this new product and other competing brands, is the first time useability to actually operate the motorized deadbolt remotely using a cell phone, web-enabled mobile device, web-connected computer or a security system panel.

I believe this product will signal a significant shift in the dynamics of the home security market.

It will become fundamentally important for physical security products and services providers to update their education and skills, to offer consumers the best possible advantages.

Stay tuned for the imminent release of locations to purchase.