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Man what a weekend. For the last 6 months I've been working may ass off just trying to stay ahead of the game. I'm overworked and underpaid (who isn't these days) and it starting to take its toll. I'm making mistakes I would have never made before. Like last night. I fell asleep early and the dog woke me up to go out. I took her out and in my dazed way back in neglected to lock the door.
I feel like a world class jackass but not for long. I'm looking for a security system. I need something advanced and am hoping among all the techies here there's some experience and advice on where to start looking for the best system.
Things I know I want/need are sensors for all windows, motion detectors, automatic light control, some fixed cameras, some 360 degree cameras. Oh and of course I will need an android app to interact and control the system.
In my case this was my own fault for not locking my door but it really hit home how unsecure my house really is. I have barely a line of defense and its time to get with the program. Even if I had locked the door there were still a number of unsecured entry points into my home.
So does anyone have any experience with home security? Do you have any suggestions on where to start? Have you come across any systems in tech blogs and such that look promising?
I'm beginning to research into all this as we speak but this is unfamiliar territory for me. I'm a tech Guy like you but home security has never been an interest till now. If you have anything to offer as far as what to get, what to do, and what not to do it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I've never tried an Android-based home security system, but I don't see why not. For example, you could install a Schlage LiNK™ system. There's also Alarm.com and ElkDroid. I suppose other home automation tools might be useful.
But, um... are you planning to take your Nook Color with you while you walk the dog? These apps require network access; if you plan to stray more than ~20m from your house, you'd probably need a portable access point. Of course, it's not a problem if you plan to monitor your home while you're at the office (with network access).
Good luck!
Thanks for the reply and links to look into. You made a good point about not having network access to my Nook on a dog walk. I guess in that situation I would use my android phone instead. But while at home since my nook is my go to device I would use it. I don't think the system needs to be android based but I would like an app that would let me monitor the security cameras, turn on and off lights, and be notified of opened doors and windows.
The system needs to be a hardwired system and if possible also be capable of wireless. Maybe I'm going to have to pick one or the other but I haven't figured that out yet. I'm probably going to start out small and cover the most important aspects first so the system would also need to be expandable.
I began searching the net yesterday for information regarding home security. Theres alot! Hopefully as I research and begin making my choices in equipment and monitoring I will update this thread to maybe help others. What ever I choose Android will be a part of the system.
Best security system you can get on a budget is a Foscam camera.
luke121 said:
Best security system you can get on a budget is a Foscam camera.
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Do you mind sending me a pm about foscam? My restaurant just got broken into and I'm looking for an economic and proficient way to watch or protect.
Thank you in advance!
Sent from my unrooted Galaxy Tab.
I was robbed last night
I know the feeling well. I've been broken into twice. As a result, I called Brinks and had a system installed. But I kept forgetting to set the alarm and it was costing me $35.00 a month. So I began looking for other alternatives. In the search, I discovered all kinds of DIY things I could do to safeguard my house. So I ended up with a self defense website. You can install door and window alarms, surveillance systems, ect. There is actually a barking dog alarm that really works. A local woman had one and was able to scare an intruder off. I'm sure she thinks it was worth every penny she paid for it.
I was robbed also, about 4 years ago.
They made off with a new 24" iMac, WiFi printer, Gateway laptop, my old ass 8 year old PC with a 15" CRT monitor that I used to run Mandrake and other flavors of Linux on. They also managed to locate my backup hard drive in the kitchen.
I have worked as freelance Web Development & Design for years and lost a ton of work, clients respect and reliability.
I now have two remote backup hard drives (my moms house and my friend) with automation scripts that run nightly.
I use Dropbox on my two Android™ phones + my Nook + my desktop PC + my clients PCs.
As for home security: I no longer advertise on my vehicle, nor promote myself on the streets, I carry the minimum amount of cash, only carry one credit card, don't wear any jewelry, and talk to my children about the dangers of strangers, open the front door, etc.
Plus we have the peace of mind having electronic home security, motion sensors, door + window sensors, etc.
The geek in me wants to install a few webcams throughout the house, front yard, back, etc. and have access to view them via https via one of my websites.
But that'll have to wait.
I have 2 Panasonic Network Cameras with audio. You can monitor the cams on your Android phone with an app. There is a way to set it up for motion detection too.
Thanks for the replies. I'm still searching for the best system to meet my needs. We did check into ADT but I'd hate to pay the 35 dollars a month bill when we have the tech today that would make proffesional monitoring a waste. They do provide the equipment and install which is nice though.
Isn't there some kind of security enthusiast sites like a maximum PC or Tg daily. A site that could get me better informed of my options?
IFLATLINEI said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm still searching for the best system to meet my needs. We did check into ADT but I'd hate to pay the 35 dollars a month bill when we have the tech today that would make proffesional monitoring a waste. They do provide the equipment and install which is nice though.
Isn't there some kind of security enthusiast sites like a maximum PC or Tg daily. A site that could get me better informed of my options?
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Click to collapse
The best security I know is, no one can steal your stuff if its all on fire.
For a real serious system that is also open to DIY, I'd strongly recommend the Elk Products M1G Gold system.
A great site to learn more is from http://www.cocoontech.com
Can do extensive home automation as well if that's your wish.
Awesome! Thank you.
I just got a SGS3 and I'm keeping my SGS for now. Any thoughts on some cool or useful things I could do with it now that I have my SGS3? I'm willing to try almost anything but I haven't thought of anything that I can't just do with my SGS3. I'll probably try put Jellybean on the SGS before I try it on the SGS3.
One idea is maybe use it for a webcam. I don't have a webcam right now so is there I way I can use the rear camera as a PC webcam?
Throw out some ideas. Keep in mind I don't have a data plan or voice plan for it anymore but wifi is an option still.
Thanks!
#1RAGE said:
I just got a SGS3 and I'm keeping my SGS for now. Any thoughts on some cool or useful things I could do with it now that I have my SGS3? I'm willing to try almost anything but I haven't thought of anything that I can't just do with my SGS3. I'll probably try put Jellybean on the SGS before I try it on the SGS3.
One idea is maybe use it for a webcam. I don't have a webcam right now so is there I way I can use the rear camera as a PC webcam?
Throw out some ideas. Keep in mind I don't have a data plan or voice plan for it anymore but wifi is an option still.
Thanks!
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I read someone who strapped it to the remote control car they race for pov driving experience!
slaphead20 said:
I read someone who strapped it to the remote control car they race for pov driving experience!
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I was thinking about something like that but I already have a GoPro camera for stuff like that.
Car GPS; or
Get 32GB/64GB SD card and make it an awesome portable music player
Load it up with customized ICS or JB.
Lend it to a less fortunate friend or family member who is stuck with Blackberry or iPhone.
nyloncrack said:
Load it up with customized ICS or JB.
Lend it to a less fortunate friend or family member who is stuck with Blackberry or iPhone.
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Click to collapse
:good: It's not that old! Lending it to someone else would be great!
Tried & failed!
nyloncrack said:
Load it up with customized ICS or JB.
Lend it to a less fortunate friend or family member who is stuck with Blackberry or iPhone.
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Click to collapse
I tried to give it, but there were no takers!!!
Oct-Al said:
I tried to give it, but there were no takers!!!
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Me me me!
There's definately an app out there that Leta you use your old android phone as a CCTV webcam which you watch from a browser. Used it to find out who was eating my cereal when I was living at uni
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Oct-Al said:
I tried to give it, but there were no takers!!!
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By all means, send it my way.
I really do have unfortunate peeps I know who have BB or iphone. Unfortunate in that they aren't on Android.
What an amazing story it would make of international benevolence and sharing. Ok, maybe that's a little over the top.
But, I did live in Dorset for 14 months. May that sway you..
And if you ever visit Canada, you'd have a place to stay...
And I'll pay the shipping.
You can also use it as a NAS (if you load it whith a usb host enabled kernel) or torrent client.
I saw read somewhere that someone modded the camera to be a nightvision one (hardware mode) you could try that?
Sent from my GT-I9000 running remICS-UX using XDA premium
You can also have a look over there!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1773050
Clean flash and donate to a local charity of your choice
Why don't you donate it to a hardworking dev? I'm sure they could do something useful with the second phone.
The good first gen single core phones are starting to go off plan and turn up second hand. I picked up a Galaxy S Epic Sprint (the one with slider keyboard) last week at my favorite pawnshop for $60 mint, to mess with and use as a mini tablet. Apparently either the prior owner didn't deactivate it, or with Sprint (no sim card) once activated the phone works fine on wifi. First did factory reset, then rooted, now everything including GPS seems to work (other than the phone and cel data of course, at some point I'll install a Google Voice solution).
I'm using it as a middle of the night reader with a screen dimmer app. My wife has been bothered by the bigger screen lighting of the NC, so something smaller helps. Its a pretty good ereader/podcast player for this purpose. Lots of reader/news apps seem optimized for its WVGA screen, some have night mode. And I put a couple of games on it for the kids to use in the car instead of giving them my real phone.
Now I need to figure out something to do with the slider keyboard. Thinking maybe a remote keyboard app for the PC, anybody recommend an android app that will convert a slider keyboard to a remote computer keyboard through a network?
Hi,
Make a crach test movie
Regards,
I'd say put it away somewhere safe in case something happens to the S3 and you need a backup phone. That's what I'm planning to do with mine. My Galaxy S will be a backup and would be the one I would take on long hikes cause I won't be too bothered if I drop it, although I've kept it in mint condition.
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app
Slaphead20 and skills have good suggestions.
Otherwise, I'd always planned that whenever I upgrade, I'd likely keep it for its amazing audio quality from its Wolfson DAC and Voodoo Sound; it's hands down the best portable music player I've owned. Plus, there was a good article on Lifehacker a ways back about people keeping older smartphones and iPod Touches with Skype on it to use as a 'house phone'.
sent from a telephonic device
You could send it to me lol I need a testing device but I'd say use for holidays and you don't want to risk the s3
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
I was just watching the Google IO Keynote live stream (I know, everyone's ideal way to spend a nice afternoon), and I saw this company that was getting featured by Android called Ekata Systems who launched their app Tapestry at the show. It seems to be a synchronized slideshow between JB devices with some snazzy twists that I've never seen any app do. It works best when you're trying it with a friend/family member so there are at least two devices (phone and/or tablet) to highlight the features though. You can check out the interview here, and the app here.
Talk about bleeding edge...only available on Jelly Bean. It uses this new feature called WiFi Direct that creates a local P2P network between 1:N clients. I'm playing with it with my co-workers and it is pretty sweet.
Interesting! I can see how it would be good for other things, like presentations for businesses and in learning environments.
Funny you mention that because that was exactly the first thing I thought about, which is showing a corporate presentation, or teachers using it to share learning material with students. I'm sure with some tweaks it can easily be made to address those use cases.
Couldn't wait to try this out, seems like an excellent idea for showing photos on my phone without transferring (I have been experimenting with file explorers and ftp/smb serviers)
Ideal opportunity came this evening when my (stock) Nexus S received an OTA update to JB.
Unfortunately, although Tapestry installed, I couldn't get past the white screen with logo on. hmrph.
Side note: Nexus S upgraded to JB but existing ICS flash/bbc iplayer etc still works.
xenon1024 said:
Couldn't wait to try this out, seems like an excellent idea for showing photos on my phone without transferring (I have been experimenting with file explorers and ftp/smb serviers)
Ideal opportunity came this evening when my (stock) Nexus S received an OTA update to JB.
Unfortunately, although Tapestry installed, I couldn't get past the white screen with logo on. hmrph.
Side note: Nexus S upgraded to JB but existing ICS flash/bbc iplayer etc still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Nexus S w/ JB support WiFi Direct?
After investigation, no
I hadn't realised Wi-Fi direct was a hardware requirement, as opposed to a software thingy. The app page is not clear on that, and dev's website is non-existent as far as I can see.
sigh
xenon1024 said:
After investigation, no
I hadn't realised Wi-Fi direct was a hardware requirement, as opposed to a software thingy. The app page is not clear on that, and dev's website is non-existent as far as I can see.
sigh
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I dug around a little bit, and I think the WiFi chip in Nexus S *can* support WiFi Direct, but the firmware/drivers have not yet included support for it. AFAIK WiFi Direct support is mostly a driver/firmware update. Sorry buddy. Another hook for the man to extract more $$$ from us to upgrade to new devices.
Yeah it seems that way. I've been checking out the xda Nexus S forums too.
Can't really afford to upgrade phone after forking out for N7. I was hoping they would complement each other very well, which is why I didn't buy galaxy nexus. They do work very well together as nifty phone and muscly tablet, both with JB.
It does. I have one. Root and ROM it. I will try this right now. I'll report back. I'll try with my SGSII as well as it does have it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
So I was watching All About Android podcast on TWiT.tv, and guess who they were featuring on this week's episode?!
to ba fair WiFi Direct was already available since ICS but not used it.... until now:
if you want to connect from android device to android device for transmitting media, check this one:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.budius.WiFiShoot
different from tapstry (that is a presentation app) WiFi Shoot is a direct share app, and works with ICS.
this was developed by yours truly, and I developed it exactly because I noticed there was nothing out there for WiFi Direct
I tested it between Nexus 7, Galaxy Nexus, Asus TF300 and Galaxy SII (stock ICS) and all worked fine.
The most problematic of those were the Galaxy Nexus that not always want to connect, but between N7-GalaxySII was flawless.
At the moment the app just works for photo and video but I'll be expanding more, if you guys fancy helping spreading the word about it, I'm really looking forward to see the downloads explode on it.
Budius said:
to ba fair WiFi Direct was already available since ICS but not used it.... until now:
if you want to connect from android device to android device for transmitting media, check this one:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.budius.WiFiShoot
different from tapstry (that is a presentation app) WiFi Shoot is a direct share app, and works with ICS.
this was developed by yours truly, and I developed it exactly because I noticed there was nothing out there for WiFi Direct
I tested it between Nexus 7, Galaxy Nexus, Asus TF300 and Galaxy SII (stock ICS) and all worked fine.
The most problematic of those were the Galaxy Nexus that not always want to connect, but between N7-GalaxySII was flawless.
At the moment the app just works for photo and video but I'll be expanding more, if you guys fancy helping spreading the word about it, I'm really looking forward to see the downloads explode on it.
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Click to collapse
You are awesome! I was really upset that I couldn't use WiFi direct to transfer stuff between my N7 and my evo lte, even though they would connect together. I just downloaded your app and can't wait to see the progress you make as it gets updated!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
deltawye said:
You are awesome! I was really upset that I couldn't use WiFi direct to transfer stuff between my N7 and my evo lte, even though they would connect together. I just downloaded your app and can't wait to see the progress you make as it gets updated!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Thanks.
I'm really looking forward to have it iron out the bugs and have more than 500.000 downloads... hehehe =]
Looks cool. I'll give it a shot with the N7 and the Evo 3D and let you know.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
If anyone is interested in benchmarks, I just gave a try here using a standard TV episode file (170mb).
From network drive (samba) to Galaxy Nexus via AntTek Explorer: 3m:17s (slow, uh?)
From netword drive to my Winwdos PC: 45seconds (better)
From the Galaxy Nexus to a Galaxy SII: 16 seconds (WOW... FAST)
if anyone fancy doing the same kind of test and sharing the result, just to compare and say that I'm not lying because I'm the developer, it would be pretty cool.
WiFi Shoot not working between 2 N7 devices
I will be writing a WiFi Direct app in the near future so I am trying to understand the technologyby using the WiFi Shoot and the WiFi Direct Demo applications but I'm seeing the following behavior.
If I have no WiFi connections to an WiFi Access Point both applications will perform as expected.
If I have an active connection to a WiFi Access Point both applications will bet to the point where an "Invitation to connect" is issued from one device to the other but once "Accept" is selected the status on both devices stays "Available" and no connection is ever made.
I thought WiFi Direct on the Nexus 7 was supposed to work when connected via an Access Point to the outside world...
---------- Post added at 06:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:28 AM ----------
I'm trying to use WiFi Shoot between 2 Nexus 7 devices while connection to the internet via an Access point but it does work. I get the application started on both devices an I see the devices listed on the connect screen. I select a device on one screen and I see the "Invitation to connect" on the other screen but after I select "Accept" nothing happens. Both devices status stays available and no connection is formed. If I turn the connection off to the access point the application works.
Any ideas?
Hi guys,
is anyone with interested in beta test the app?
I started a new thread in the development section asking for Logcats if you're experiencing force close.
Also it's a cut down version of the .apk there to test part of the system.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=30012554
any help will be great appreciated.
thanks.
i just got an auto-update request a few days ago for Tapestry, and apparently the app now claims support back to Gingerbread (I doubt using WiFi Direct). Now people who are not as fortunate as us to have Jelly Bean devices, ie the rest of my entire family, they are in luck. This app will come in handy for the upcoming holiday season. Not looking forward to seeing the in-laws though (don't worry my wife doesn't read the boards =)
I'm trying to make a cheap 'webcam' in order to see the mouth of my local river, in order to see if is worth me going out to sea to sail. Bit random i know...
I need to make a cheap camera which uses ip or video chat to link to the phones camera.
I was thinking of using a u8180 which i got for £19 and a solar phone charger ~£15 and placing these in a watertight enclosure.
The last piece of my puzzle is the software to use. It has to be android as the phone is android but what can i use to get the phone broadcasting video either back to the web or direct to my phone?
Someone suggested 'Tango' video chat but i'm not sure whether it will work for me. I was thinking that a video chat software with 'auto answer' would be ideal but i'm open to suggestions. I don't know whether its feasable to have the phone uploading to a website but this would be the best outcome as it would let other people view the feed.
Anyone got any suggestions? Ideally it wouldn't involve anything other than ready made applications as i can't code!
thanks!
Moved to Off-topic.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Hi everybody! I've been a silent XDA reader for years, solving a lot of problems and using this wonderful forums, but I felt almost the obligation to talk about this device here, so I registered.
I always investigate a device's specs before buying, but it seems I'm getting rusty... One of the things I always look for is the possibility to customize the devices to my needs.
Sadly, I didn't research enough for the Chromecast.
I was hoping XDA could save me, once again, with a custom rom/firmware or something, but this time it seems that the Chromecast 3 is a fully closed device.
I had problems with Chromecast since day one: with my WiFi, bluetooth, casting (NONE of my other devices have problems with my network)... Google Home App is now mandatory and even if you manage to use an anonymous device with an anonymous Google Account to set up the Chromecast, once you uninstall Google Home App or not use the device with it, your Chromecast become almost unusable.
I know that there are a lot of alternative devices for the same purposes (I will buy one of them, of course), but I really hope that in the future there will ALWAYS be alternatives.
I felt really tied and powerless to solve the problems with this device because of it's lack of options and configurations.
A lot of people surely loves this if they can just plug it and it works, but if you are the type that want to tweak things, my advice is to STAY AWAY from Chromecast and similar devices.
For now it will stay in a drawer to the day that alternative firmware is available or even possible.
Sorry for the rant, but the lack of customizing of this device was really overwhelming for me. It the first time I feel so powerless to do anything to solve this type of problems with a techy gadget.
Sorry for my english too. It's not my main language and I'm out of practice.
Tried 1st generation it was good
now i'm using mi box s it's fantastic
gebxda said:
Hi everybody! I've been a silent XDA reader for years, solving a lot of problems and using this wonderful forums, but I felt almost the obligation to talk about this device here, so I registered.
I always investigate a device's specs before buying, but it seems I'm getting rusty... One of the things I always look for is the possibility to customize the devices to my needs.
Sadly, I didn't research enough for the Chromecast.
I was hoping XDA could save me, once again, with a custom rom/firmware or something, but this time it seems that the Chromecast 3 is a fully closed device.
I had problems with Chromecast since day one: with my WiFi, bluetooth, casting (NONE of my other devices have problems with my network)... Google Home App is now mandatory and even if you manage to use an anonymous device with an anonymous Google Account to set up the Chromecast, once you uninstall Google Home App or not use the device with it, your Chromecast become almost unusable.
I know that there are a lot of alternative devices for the same purposes (I will buy one of them, of course), but I really hope that in the future there will ALWAYS be alternatives.
I felt really tied and powerless to solve the problems with this device because of it's lack of options and configurations.
A lot of people surely loves this if they can just plug it and it works, but if you are the type that want to tweak things, my advice is to STAY AWAY from Chromecast and similar devices.
For now it will stay in a drawer to the day that alternative firmware is available or even possible.
Sorry for the rant, but the lack of customizing of this device was really overwhelming for me. It the first time I feel so powerless to do anything to solve this type of problems with a techy gadget.
Sorry for my english too. It's not my main language and I'm out of practice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chromecast is one of those Google projects that could of been a great thing but apparently they put their focus on ads and more money making programing and such. I tried Firestick and damn is that thing good, comes with its own os within the dongle and comes with a voice blueetoth and IR for tv remote which make you not really on your phone and it has a lot of cool hidden tricks like using bluetooth earphones. Firestick runs basically on android 5.1.1 Just don't run kodi on it it's not powerful enough there's plenty of other movie .apks that can be installed using downloader app. Hell even a raspberry pi with a wireless Logitech k400 plus is a better setup. Now I use Chromecast for hotels, and work brake room [emoji38]
Sent from my NX629J using Tapatalk
Victor8ST said:
What is the point of this topic? The point is you don't recommend people to buy Chromecast 3? I was about to buy one.
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Hi! Do whatever you want about it of course. I just wanted to advice people that like to customize your devices, as may be the majority of users of this great forum, that it is a very closed device and you can't tweak much or solve issues if it doesn't work out-of-the-box.
So, I strongly recommend buying an Android TV box instead. Of course it's less trustworthy for private stuff. But if you don't plan to use homebanking or something like that and just watch stuff, them are far better, as other users commented in this topic.
I have an Android TV Box now, ultra customized, rooted, with Netflix, media players, browsers, and lot's of stuff as in any root friendly Android device and it is great.
The bottom line is:
- Do you like Apple ecosystem and feeling more safe with your private stuff, and don't want to customize anything? Buy Chromecast.
- You like customizing your devices and spend time with configurations, tweaking and personalizing? Buy a rooted Android TV box instead.