It is an awesome product! I don't understand some of these less than positive reviews, but I do see some misrepresentations of what some people claim that it will not do.
Before you buy it, go to their website and read the forums. There you will see a lot of what it does and does not do from real users.
They do not sell the cube separatley. If you want the cube you have to buy a cube system and then build it up from there.
Okay, so first off, the iSmartalarm home security monitoring system with the cube was designed to be a separate product from the iCamerakeep. The iCamerakeep is a stand alone product by itself that will monitor with motion sensor and send you alerts, but it won't record video as a stand alone, you need the cube to record video.
If you do decide to link the iCamerakeep to the cube system, you need to understand how it works. The iCamerakeeps have motion sensors but they only trigger the system in their stand alone operation. When you link the iCamerakeeps to the cube, the motion sensors do not trigger the system. They don't need to. If you have a cube system than you already have window contacts and door contacts and motion sensors that will trigger the system. When linked to the cube, if the alram is triggered, than the camera's motion sensors will start that camera's video recording when motion is detected by that camera. If the intruder moves to another camera, then that camera will start recording. You can have up to four iCamerakeeps (and one iCamera).
Now, if you want the iCamerakeeps motion sensors to be part of the trigger system, you CAN do that too! You create a custom mode and the instructions are in their forums. Some cavaet here...the custom mode can be armed only from the phone app, not from the key FOB. So you do need to take out your phone to activate the custome mode when you leave the house. The nice thing is you can disarm the system even with the custom mode with the key FOB. So your family memebers don't have to hassel with anything unusual, one button on the key tag and their in. On the other hand if you arm the system from the key tag instaed of the custom mode, it will arm in it's default settings, which is the iCamerakeeps will now record video when motion is in front of them, but they won't triigger the system from their motion sensors.
(EDIT: Jan 2019 - You can now customize the default buttons on the remote tag, including if you want the icamerakeeps for triggering the alarm.)
Another point that is mentioned a lot is that it can get expensive adding cameras and sensors. The iSmartalarm does not have a monthly fee. Any other system will require purchasing the hardware, ie; cameras, sensors, key tags etc., anyway, and then you have a monthly fee on top of that if you want monitoring.
The iSmartalarm is a monitoring system, sends alerts to your smartphone. It also sends you a phone call. That was a huge deciding factor in my decision. Most other DIY systems only send you alerts. With so many alerts on smartphones these days they are annoying and often ignored. Set up a unique ring tone, like mine is a series of beeps, so you know it's your ismartalram. You can then verify what is going on if you have the cameras. Phone call systems are typically found on monitored systems, like ADT. The alarm calls ADT, then they call you. Sounds great until you think for a second. Huh?? Just have the system call me.
It took me less than an hour to set up mine, blind to any previous knowledge of the system. I could set up another one in fifteen minutes. I set mine up in a two story house. The cube is upstairs and there are sensors downstairs. The system has no problem finding and communicating between the two floors. So it is not just for small apartments or dorms. You can greatly expand the system.
It is absolutely brilliant, well thought out and well engineered. I am a retired Electronic Engineer and I appreciated their achievement.
Their tech support is also very good. I spoke with Albert there, who answered the phone and walked right through any questions I had, no problem. Do your own homework first, understand what the iCamerakeep system is and the iSmartalarm cube system is.
Unlike some of the other reviews, I had absolutley no problems with the set up, the hardware, the cameras, the sensors or anything else. In my opinion, their hardware Engineers are really good and their software Engineers are really good. I have only one complaint. The key tag has raised plastic instead of real labeling. I first saw this style used on the back of VCR's and DVD players and I always hated this penny pinching system. Unless you have really, really good light and 20/20 vision it's impossible to read. I put my own lables on the key tag, see the photo. That's my complaint. It is a great system and a great product. It's one of the few times I bought something and was 100% happy. Just know what it is before you dive in!
I need to start off by saying I’m extremely happy with my system. Has it been perfect? Nope, there have been a few hiccups, but nothing that I haven’t been able to work through. I have read all the reviews, and some say customer support is non existent. I have not had this problem. Joshua in tech support has been on point every time I’ve contacted them by following their instructions. You have to open a support ticket through email and they will contact you within 24 to 48 hours. Once you are in the support que, they will call you if necessary and are extremely informative. This is a startup company that took off way faster than they expected. I’m sure they are understaffed. I came up with a great work around for an extra loud external siren and super bright xenon strobe light. I incorporated their smart switch with a 2 amp power supply connected to an outside siren and strobe light and integrated it to the arm and disarm modes through the use of IFTTT. I made my own set of rules that work with the systems triggers, and It works great. Now my system will peel the paint off my neighbors walls if the alarm goes off. I immediately get notified by text, push notification, email, and a recorded phone call from Ismartalarm! Now I can look into my property with several cameras before deciding to reset the alarm remotely from my phone, or call the authorities. The cube siren is much louder if you turn it upside down but not loud enough to deafen my dogs penned up in the next room, which is perfect in my opinion. The ismartalarm remote siren sounds like a toy, but I placed one on my back porch nevertheless. It’s enough to get my neighbors attention that lives behind me. I have several UPS backup battery systems, and have linked the cube, router, siren, strobe, and all my cameras to battery backup. I have also burried my broadband cable in steel conduit so it is harder to cut. If you’re willing to get creative this system offers a lot of bang for the buck. I’m now anxiously waiting for my keypad to arrive, as using the app to control modes is not always convenient. The keyfobs work great but are clunky and not something I want to carry on my key ring. The other problem I worked out was the cameras sometimes have to be power cycled for the motion detection to work consistently. I did this with cheap digital timers that do it automatically every few days after we get home from work. All it takes is a one minute cycle and you’re good to go. I feel very confident this system will work as good as any monitored system with no monthly fees or surprises in the mail for false alarms. I have only had one false alarm when a lizard walked across a motion detector on my covered patio by my pool deck. It scared the $#%@ out of me when my phone went off at the office because I assigned a siren ring tone and silent mode bypass to the incoming ismartalarm phone number....lol yeah I’m nuts, but I’m having fun with it.
IFTTT Integration - This siren works wonders with Arlo cameras. You can set a recipe so that the sirens go off when your Arlo cameras detect motion!
If you accidentally set off the alarm, I recommend buying several remote tags and hiding them around the house. You can also use the remotes as a quick "panic button" for a greater sense of security in your home.
Below is a video of me setting off the alarm on accident. It responds fairly quickly depending on your internet connection.
Remote Tag RC3R Control System
So far I've like the iSmart product and the accessories. I've had a chance to use several other systems, like Piper. I like the fact that I smart components are very easy to set up and use. Unlike Piper that is supposed to be a Z-Wave compatible. I bought quite a few Z Wave accessories that worked flawlessly on Piper and then one day they stopped working. I believe it had something to do with an update they did to their system making it so that you had to buy only there accessories making it proprietary. I feel piper ripped me off. I would like to see iSmart add more features to their operating system and allow the user to configure it in more different manners. Their website states that they will be doing this as time goes on. But all in all I am very pleased.
2 months after purchase and this system is excellent. I wanted a simple system with notifications but not costly remote monitoring. I wanted to have a notice if a door opens (not an alarm, just a beep); get notifications when I'm out if a sensor is activated; check if a sensor is open or closed while I'm out. And I don't want to pay for an extra service, just the original cost. iSmartAlarm does all of that and it's simple.
I haven't set up the remotes you can carry or the motion sensor; it didn't fit my use case. I just use the sensors, base alarm and a camera system from another vendor. Also, I put one of the sensors on the garage door and it's worked fine so far. If I'm away, I'm notified that a sensor was triggered and I can use the cameras I already had to track what's happening. I can decide if any emergency service needs to be notified.
It was easy to set up and easy to install the door sensors. One minor installation note that wasn't enough for me to lower the rating: in one case, the door sensor would not stick to the door. It's wood with no paint; that's a poor surface for getting adhesive to stick. I had to unscrew the base of the magnet sensor; poke a hole in the top of the sensor; use my own screw through the top of the sensor into the door, and then screw the base back on. It was easy to do and most people probably have some extra screws in their house somewhere. But now the base of the sensor must be facing away from the door - so you can see the base screws and the underside which were supposed to be hidden away. Mostly you should use the provided adhesive tape to affix the door sensors, but if you can't do that, you have to get creative.
When disarmed, I can hear the door is opening/closing "beep" anywhere within my house, but the sound comes from the base station. Your house may be larger or have the base station further away than I do, but it's fine for me.
I get notifications on my iOS device when I'm out and something is triggered. Plus, I can check the sensor status (open/closed) when I'm out.
I accidentally set off the armed system once and an automated machine called my phone to warn me that a sensor had been triggered while the system was armed. Perfect for me.
If you need a monitored system, that's up to you. I wanted a safety notification alarm and this is perfect. I tried/returned Lowe's IRIS, and investigated a number of other systems. For basic notification, including remote notifications, it's great.
Feature Product
- 110 dB siren for use with the ismartalarm home security system
- Intrusion, smoke, water leakage, and co monitor siren sounds
- Adjustable siren volume
- Battery backup (3 AAA batteries, lasting up to 2 days)
- Door Chime and audible countdown
- This model is for US and Canada only, and requires an iSmartAlarm CubeOne (hub)
Description
Add 110 DB sirens throughout the home for Comprehensive emergency alerts and burglar deterrence. The compact size and detachable power cord allow placement anywhere. Battery backup guarantees protection for up to 2 days even without power. The satellite siren features multiple tones for difference scenarios and customizable volume levels. (iSmartAlarm system required).
Hello as a local Fireman I work a 24 hour shift, I purchased the iSmartAlarm system because I wanted to provide excellent security for my wife and children while I am away away at work, and having the ability to monitor the house while we are away on vacation is also a nice bonus. Our iCamera KEEP and our new SPOT camera gives us the ability to both monitor the living room while we are away via video and sound, and tell the dogs to get off of the furniture through the app PRICELESS! We wanted a product that provided security without having to pay for a monthly monitoring service (the system and APP do this for us and we make the decision if 911 needs to be called weather were home or not). Get this you save a monthly monitoring fee, and help give back to your community as your public service agencies are sent out on less false alarms, saving gas, wear on vehicles, and making them readily available for the true emergencies. Our criteria when selecting a home security system was simple, a reasonable price, compact door & window sensors that looked nice, and a company that would provide ongoing application & hardware support and improvement updates. My research narrowed me down to the choice between iSmartAlarm (wifi) & Simply Safe (cellular). My experiences have reinforced my trust in my internet connection over my cellular connection ( I realize that arguments can be made for both) needless to say, We chose iSmartAlarm and are glad that we did! We purchased our Preferred Package online in December 2015 and have since complemented it with a total of 20 devices ranging from door window sensors, motion sensors, iCamera Keep, SPOT camera (Kickstarter campaign), set up was extremely simple and only took about an hour. I was even able to create a wireless entry keypad (not that you need one I just like to tinker) using my old Iphone5! The couple of questions that I had were promptly answered by the very helpful and knowledgeable iSmart alarm customer service agents. The APP is free, looks nice, and is easy to use. My overall experience has been excellent, and I highly recommend iSmartAlarm.
What else could you ask for ! :)
Happy Camper here. Only one glitch in the setup .... after updating the firmware the cube would not register. Cycled the power and then the cube registered and finished install.
Added the motion sensor first and it seems to detect motion reliably. Set off the alarm, sent my iphone notifications and even called my phone!!!
This was what I was looking for in my security system ... make lots of noise to scare off intruders and send notifications.
I then setup their remote siren and that worked well also.
I then setup the one sensor to a window. No problems there. Opened the window and bam .... sirens went off.
I also bought a Wyze cam earlier and was able to use IFTTT to use its motion and sound detection to set off the IsmartAlarm siren. I dont think the Wyze cam motion detection is as reliable as the IsmartAlarm motion detector but its nice to have a cam to have a look too. I might get IsmartAlarm cam too but they are much more expensive than Wyze.
Overall though I'm very Happy. This is a very well thought out system and easy enough for (most) home owners to install. Now that I'm convinced it does what I want I'll add on more sensors for sure. Enough for all ground floor doors and windows. Probably another motion sensor as well.
I wanted something simple. I used to have Lifeshield ( DirecTV home security system when I was in my condo in ATL. moved for several months for work ) I moved to an apt ( since I don't own this one - didn't want to have to mount a keypad on the wall - Keypads look tacky on a table. ( just my thoughts ) So I started the search and came across this gem. I didn't have high hopes at first since I only paid 99 bucks.
I got the started kit.
Single male in one bedroom apt in very good area; no real concerns; I didn't want something with a monthly monitoring fee or another contract. I didn't want to have to buy a over priced hub for samsung smart things.
PROS
Notifications are instant.
During an alarm ( only had fake/testing ones and accidentally set offs ) I get a text, Phone call and e mail. This is prefect for when I'm at work and with a client and don't have access to my phone.
Set up was VERY EASY.
No issues so far.
Mounting tape included is Super strong // Again prefect for an apt.
Thinking about getting a camera add-on.
App works flawlessly (iOS)
CONS
Not many. - No option to have Live/Professional Monitoring.
Along with the "Cube" is not Wireless/or have the option or connecting via a secure WIFI network. it will require a hardline LAN connection.
Cube Beeps / Sounds are Low. and I'm in a 1000 Sq foot apt.
We live in seattle queen ann, when i first bought the house I was told I was in the safest area in seattle. Since I moved here there has been an increase in property crimes. I had 11 cameras set up around inside and outside of the house. I caught 3 guys scoping around my home =/ one was a package thief. Since then I added door plates, 3 inch screws on all doors, I added smash prof 3m window films on all reachable windows. I also added deadbolt and 3 locks on front door and back. The only thing i Needed was security alarm system. This system works great, ( you need wifi though, so if you are like us have 4 floors modern town house make sure your basement wifi is working) or else it won't work. We love it but one siren is not enough. I high suggest you place one in master room, living room, basement ( where thieves can enter). For us we have 6 of these sirens. We also added few extra motion sensor. We get a call instantly, text and email. Also our entire neighbors knows we have alarm, cuz we also forget to disarm lol. The app on the phone makes it great to alarm so you won't forget. Most people like my in laws got big brand security system but forgot to alarm and got robbed 3 times lol... 3 times is too much for me. even once is too much. We did research that other famous brands often also fail to call police. We just need to be notified that someone entered and hopefully 6 sirens will scare them off. For the sirens, there is battery but it is also wired connected to prevent thieves from trying to disconnect them. This is why I said the more of these sirens you have the longer it takes them to disarm. We also have 11 cameras that send push sensor notification and live feed to our phones, i would have called the cops already by then even if i am sleeping it is LOUD. When you are away your phone will ring.
Personally we don't mind they don't call cops. There are many cases where the home owner was murder and sued, just google it you can find it. The downside is, if your internet is down you are screwed. So far their server has only been down once and each time internet goes down, when we are away it comes back working fine once internet comes back. You don' t need to rest settings.Overall great system to use, would i only rely on this for security ?hell no lol. I am way too paranoid to rely on this only. Another thing I wish they had was smash window sensor. We have 4 floors, if thieve smashed into our 3rd floor I can't hear it. My solution is buy those cheap 10 dollar sirens window contact. Your problem solved. There is also no additional fees for them, you buy the products and that is it unlike ring or canary. Also don't get their cameras not that great, use ring or canary or even nest cam.
I don't have guns but will get one if people actually try to break in. Also there is keypad coming soon we ordered 3, for those without phones to disarm and alarm. My in laws come often so this would be great for them also you get the key fob that works too for some reason your phone is down. You can customize which sensor goes off which send push notification. For example we leave our dogs are home and they set off motion sensor and not window/door sensor ( because they can't open those). We can't have that set alarm so we made motion sensor notification and door / window sensor alarm. You can chose how delay the alarm is also how fast the siren set off. Also another thing to note, they call all the members you added on the account so it contacts my husband and I both. If i am traveling for work and my husband is being robbed i get notification watch the camera footage, even if he cant call the cops i can. That is a great bonus to your other essential things you need in your home , but people you can have all the cameras in the world ( we have one in each room and hallway) but if you don't get those 3 inch screws for your front and back door they can just kick in lol. I personally would prioritize on those door kick plates ( thieves often kick in because it is so easy) , 3 inch screws ( so it goes into your door frame) and also 3m films for window smash over these and cameras. Also most thieves commit crimes base on opportunity, make it hard for them to get in you won't need an alarm, the other percentage is most likely people who knew you that robbed you like a worker you hired in the past or friend of a friend etc, or one of your parties. People who knows the owners some way or another. IF done all of these then get this system, it is the best one so far, it is more expensive than others but quality is great. Had them for over half a year and is happy with them,.
Also don't be dumb and use a sign that says what security alarm you have. Thieves can google that system and try to find ways to disarm it. We put generic signs up so they can't figure out what system we have exactly. If you put that ismart alarm sign they will go straight to your internet box and disconnect or cut the wire on the out side. We put a motion sensor camera where our cable box is, because my husband thinks thieves are smart lol. He thinks they can cut the cable wire and disarm everything from the outside, ( he is a software engineer) our fellow friend laughed so hard, and said if thieves were smart as him they wouldn't need to steal anymore lol. =/ Do your self a favor buy a generic sign.
My 13-year-old daughter set this system up for me with no real learning curve needed. The door sensors work great. I have two for my unheated garage overhead and service doors. Had to be creative to use for the overhead but works great. With fresh batteries these two sensors performed perfectly for two weeks during a 10 F to -20F cold snap, which all I needed was coverage for a week while on vacation. Above freezing the sensor batteries will last much longer and I assume under normal interior conditions they will last at least a year. The motion sensors are amazing, detecting subtle human motion in pitch dark at 30 feet. No need to set alarms or anything, I just use to receive text notices while on vacation. Even with the system disarmed you can still check the status of devices, when doors were opened and such, just no notices. When armed the texts came through instantly and reliable. Amazing! Quality of the hardware is nice. The AP is fine. Easy to manipulate the system from 1000 miles away. Customer support is good too.
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