Are you just getting started in the home security arena? I have been at it for a little while now. My introduction to a more secure home via electronic devices came by way of an old smartphone that was doing nothing more than taking up space in my drawer. How about you?
I love telling the story of converting an unused phone into a video surveillance camera, because it illustrates the reality that electronic home security does not have to be complicated. Consumers can do things simply, easily, and on a budget. This is not to say that expensive, top-of-the-line systems with all the bells and whistles are not necessary. It is just to say that they are but one option.
Me and My Phone
I have been interested in home automation and electronic security for years. I thank my job for that. Nonetheless, my interest has been more in DIY projects than purchasing a pre-configured system from a major manufacturer. I am a tinkerer. I am a tech geek. I like to see what I can do on my own.
That’s exactly what I did last winter when work was slow and I had some extra time on my hands. I took a cell phone that had been sitting in my drawer for several years and turned it into a video camera. How? I started by resetting the phone to factory state. Then I updated the firmware.
The next step was to search for a camera app that supported both my old and new phones. I also wanted an app with a service that would not cost me a fortune. Finding the right app was actually the hard part. My search led me to just two viable options. However, the one I chose did the trick.
With the app installed on both phones, it was simply a matter of getting them to find one another. That only took a minute or so. In no time at all, I had a working security camera with an app that would send alerts to my new phone whenever motion was detected.
A Pretty Basic Exercise
I admit that turning an old phone into a security camera was a pretty basic exercise. But that is the whole point I am trying to make. I didn’t have to put a lot of time, money, and effort into setting up my first camera. All it cost was a few minutes of my time.
I also have some smart plugs and a couple of smart light bulbs. I have been thinking about investing in a smart speaker to function as both a central hub and a means for me to access my devices via voice control. But before I go that route, I am going to first attempt to create my own home automation server using an old laptop and an open-source platform known as Home Assistant. If it works, I will not need that smart speaker.
There Is Another Option
Of course, I could scrap all my DIY plans and go another route. I have the option of purchasing a professionally installed system from a brand I am very familiar with: Vivint Home Security. Companies like Vivint bring a lot to the table. I think they are ideal for people who want home security but have no interest in doing things themselves. As for me, a professionally installed system is a last resort option.
My introduction to home security was an old cell phone I turned into a camera. Now I am working on several other projects to make my home more secure. What are you doing?
