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Written by KeepSafe Systems

Systems integration / Home Automation

IoT or NoT

When you hear the term "Home Automation," what comes to your mind? "Yes Dave, what would you like Dave"

Back when I got into the Security Alarm / Electronic Integration industry.... lets just say awhile back when the "Internet" still consisted of random BBS's located in the basements of the parents of tech early versions of Bill Gates and the now late Steve Jobs; Linus Torvalds was still a Junior at the University of Helsinki and cellular phones were unreliable toys for the Rich and Famous. Home Automation, or Building Automation as it was known back then, was well established.

Back then, Automation was mainly accomplished by the use of relays and a fairly unreliable Home Automation technology / protocol known as X-10. X-10 was not overly successful in the Professional integrator demographic as the technology was and still is prone to false activation's as well as slow response time. X-10 line carrier control of lighting and various loads, however, is far from a complete picture of what is now "Home Automation."

Although Automation has existed since the industrial Revolution and the invention of the Cotton Jin, Home Automation, as such, was not officially in the picture until the early 1930's when the concept of the "Electrified Home" began to make appearances at a number of world fairs.

Home Automation has changed substantially Since the early days, of relay and vacuum tube based electronic control and mechanical timers. 1951 saw the introduction of the first Vacuum tube based computer, the Manchester Mark I, when the term "Electronic Brain" conjured up debates over the validity of a true decision making machine came to light. To this day, true logic and decision making is still the domain of the biological brain.

So how does this relate to Home Automation, you ask. My point is, Home Automation and what it entails, is really up to the user as well as the creativity and knowledge of the System's integrator. Some of the mainstream volume based security alarm companies consider the controlling of lights on a fancy overpriced touchscreen keypad, as home automation. Although there are some security advantages to automated lighting control, Touch screen and smart phone Lighting and appliance control only scrape the surface of what KeepSafe Systems can make Home Automation do for you.

More recently, lock manufacturers have "consumerized" their door access systems to accommodate the "Quick and easy" simplified excuse for access control. Although wireless lock control does have some definite advantages, the time tested hardwired Electronic Door Strike and Electric Mortise locks provide a much more economical and longer lasting electronic access control options for the access control portion of your Security and or Home Automation system. In fact, one of the major wireless "security" communication formats was recently cracked by some hobby hackers who discovered a way to unlock the WiFi based lock with the use of a simple WiFi enabled computer. For the security of the clients of my competitors, as well as my personal honour, I will not mention any names. Even with the addition of Lock control, this only scratches the surface of what I consider Home Automation and true Systems Integration.

Many of you may be familiar with those DIY timer based Thermostats, you know the battery operated standalone units you can purchase from any hardware store for the price of a couple of Latte's at the local fancy a$$ed coffee shop. Well, most Home Automation controllers, even the ones offered by the fast and furious "next number please" Security Alarm Installation companies, have the ability to control your the temperature set-backs of your home HVAC system / Heat Pump based on the current armed status of your security alarm. With this type of addition to your Home Automation System, there is no need to get up to a cold house or have your HVAC system wastefully running at full power when you are at work and your home is empty. Unlike most Security Alarm company's, KeepSafe Systems will also look at the comfort needs of your four legged or winged family members when designing your Customized Home Automation and Control System, after all, they too contribute to the happiness and comfort of your life :). This tends to be where most "wham bam thank you ma'am" security alarm companies leave the Home Automation bus. Although there are some who may delve into Home Theatre and Audio Distribution, there is much more to the True Automation of your home and improvement to your lifestyle and quality of life then spending inane amounts of money of silly little gadgets simply designed to save you from pressing a button. In fact, some of these companies will even charge their monitored clients an extra monthly fee for the "Privilege" of "pressing" that button from anywhere in the world (with Internet service, why do they leave that out :)

At KeepSafe Systems, we take a more logical approach to Home Automation and the Security and enjoyment of your life and home, since we are dealing with Logic control, this only makes sense. Beyond the simple gizmo's and gadgets designed to increase the numbers within the numbers of numbers based Mega Corp Security Alarm companies, KeepSafe Systems logic based, PEOPLE 1^st approach to YOUR security and Home Automation system, is designed to ensure we look at your lifestyle and your needs when designing and programming your Home Automation system. From the moment we are invited into your home, your security, lifestyle and comfort requirements are our primary concern. We will NEVER insult your intelligence or limit your freedom of choice and lifestyle control by pushing some pre-packaged corporate numbers based quasi Security / Home Automation system on you.

Enter the World of IoT... or NoT?

The choice is yours with KeepSafe Systems.
Unlike some of the, new to the industry, technoid's who believe the Internet and WiFi is the "Be-All-End-All" I have been around for long enough to realize there are pro's and con's to everything, not just hitchhiking :) If you tell me you understand that reference, you will probably understand exactly what I am talking about.

New fangled Internet of Thing(a-ma-jiggers) IoT are NoT always the best way to go. Sometimes IoT provides a convenient way to stay connected, while other times there is a simpler, less expensive and more reliable solution. Take, for example, a recent client who wanted to unlock his door by entering a code. He also wanted to open the Garage door from the same keypad and his wife wanted the keypad to blend into the decor, unlike the battery operated units you can get at the local hardware store. He was also concerned about security, as he had also read an article about how a popular Wifi Lock (Still being sold by other alarm companies) can be hacked. He also wanted to be able to have visitors reach them, even if they are out of the home, via a Video Intercom, with the added ability of unlocking the garage door remotely. when Tall order? Not Really. I could explain the steps but this would break the long standing rule of "Shut Up Heinz" I try to stick to when writing content for my website. Sometimes I am less successful than others :) Suffice to say, the end solution works.

--- Images are not to scale ---
Keypad - stainless steel Mullion style Access control keypad flush mounted into the wood trim of the home
- Door Locks - Custom modified previously battery operated retail Motorized deadbolt. Modified to be hardwired and connected to the alarm / automation panel (Elk M1G)
- Power to the deadbolt via a simple modification to their door hinge. I could have bought a power transfer hinge, but it would not have matched their existing Ball-bearing hinges.
- Video Intercom - Mobotix T25 Intercom (made in Germany)

KeepSafe Systems Home Automation / Security Integration systems are designed to improve your lifestyle, not make it a technological nightmare of battery operated lifetime limited electronic pieces of plastic controlling how you can turn on your lights and how much it will cost you to replace an outdated system or its' components 2 years down the road. Quality and longevity are the ultimate decision making factor when looking at the System's we provide to our valued friends / clients. People first, profit second (Although we do need to eat, after all the brain has a tendency to shut down with malnutrition)

With KeepSafe Systems, you and you alone tell us how you want your home to respond to any number or combination of conditions including but not limited to environmental, activity, occupancy, or time of day/week/year etc. We also provide you with completely customizable and expandable choices as to how and where you would like to control your home, beit Bluetooth/geo smart phone positioning detection, smart phone / touch tone phone / Internet remote control, Access card / bio-metrics, RF Key-fob, low voltage button panels, keypads, capacitance sensing hidden switches etc, with KeepSafe Systems at your side, you will always be in control of your home, not the other way around. Complexity veiled in Simplicity is the KeepSafe way. We will NEVER take a short cut at your sacrifice.

Some of the Systems we have integrated include:

- Paradox EVO / SPECTRA Series of Security Control panels (Made in Canada)

- Mobotix IP Surveillance and logic control camera's (Designed & Manufactured in Germany)

- Home Automation Security Control Systems by HAI / Leviton

- Elk Security & Home Automation Control Systems

- Security alarm Systems by DSC, Ademco/Honeywell, Silent Knight. CADDX/General Electric, Bosch, ASAP Apex, Napco, FBI (aka FBII), C&K Systems, Moose, Optex and many many more. If it is an electronic security alarm or controller of some sort, even if we have never seen it before, WE CAN MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU. Our electronic design and automation integration ability is only limited by the laws of logic and technological availability, which with a little creativity & imagination, even some of those hurdles can be overcome. I hope by several hundred words helped you out.

Here is a few little tidbits of information I wanted to include, but could not make fit. When I first decided to take the Security Alarm Installation course at BCIT back in.... it was on the reverse side of a Robotics brochure I was looking at (I wasn't interested until my Brother pointed it out to me.) I have always been interested in Electronics and how things work. For this, I thank my Dad who let me take over the workbench with my many projects & experiments, my Mom for teaching me imagination has no bounds and my brother, Tom, for paving the way to an increased level of patience (or resignation) within my Dad and the common "Rules of the Garage" which were often ignored as Hurricane Heinz ran rampant through the drawers of various parts to find just the right piece to finish whatever I was working on at that moment.

Have a great Day

Heinz

Owner - KeepSafe Systems

Contact us 24/7 at 604-874-8772

www.KeepSafeSystems.ca

KeepSafe Systems installs and services residential and commercial security alarm systems and provides alarm monitoring services in the Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley area of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Our service area includes but is not limited to Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, Abbotsford, Hope, Harrison, Aldergrove, Langley, Surrey, White Rock, Delta, Richmond and everywhere inbetween. Give us a call and let us help you feel more secure. We are here for you

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Written by KeepSafe Systems

Regardless of your view on the topic, the COVID 19 Pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in mankind. From a Security standpoint, the initial shutdown was met with mass looting's and commercial break-in's. While this is not really all that new, the loss due to theft was only compounded by the financial losses realized during the shutdown. While some businesses were forced to close, many managed to pivot their offerings and or change the way they worked. Many businesses realized very real cost savings by shifting their workforce to working from home. While this posed an inconvenience, for some, most enjoyed the flexibility and in many cases there was in increase in productivity.

The Security alarm industry also saw some major changes, the most groundbreaking was in the re-purposing of technologies typically used for loss prevention into tools used to help curb the spread of the virus. This is where the power of Video Analytics and Systems integration were realized.

At KeepSafe Systems, our adaptable technologies combined with our passion for problem solving provide our clients with truly powerful systems designed to help them navigate the ever changing landscape of Covid 19. From thermal temperature sensing, to mask detection and even electronically controlling access to your business based on occupancy. Whatever your unique requirements, give us a call and we will do our very best to help you out.

Thermal temperature sensing - With the use of Mobotix Intelligent IP Camera's, KeepSafe Systems is able to accurately detect individuals with an elevated body temperature.

Mask Detection – by re-engineering facial recognition, KeepSafe Systems is able to leverage the power of Mobotix IP Camera's to detect mask compliance and even electronically restrict access to those who are not in compliance. This novel approach reduces risks posed by those who may be violent or threatening to employees who ask them to put on a mask.

 Occupancy Counting – In the past, turnstiles were used as a very effective means of controlling and counting occupancy. While effective, turnstiles take up valuable retail space and are very limited in where they can be deployed. By leveraging the Intelligent Analytics native in Mobotix IP Camera's, KeepSafe Systems is able to provide a seamless occupancy counting solution. If you already have a Mobotix Security Camera system, this may simply be a matter of some simple programming changes, within the camera.

Contact us 24/7 at 604-874-8772

www.KeepSafeSystems.ca

KeepSafe Systems installs and services residential and commercial security alarm systems and provides alarm monitoring services in the Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley area of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Our service area includes but is not limited to Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, Abbotsford, Hope, Harrison, Aldergrove, Langley, Surrey, White Rock, Delta, Richmond and everywhere inbetween. Give us a call and let us help you feel more secure. We are here for you

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Written by KeepSafe Systems

This is an ever-growing debate within the security alarm industry; both sides have their opinions as I have mine. Since starting KeepSafe Systems, I have never installed a wireless security system. There are several reasons starting from appearance, reliability and sustainability to never having the need to and always finding a way to get a wire where it is needed.

Wires are Hidden

Appearance is a large concern of many homeowners. Although transmitters have gotten smaller over the years, wireless security systems involve the installation of boxy transmitters around your doors and windows. Wireless security system supporters will often tell horror stories of holes drilled throughout your home or wires stapled all over your walls. Yes, I have seen these types of installations, for the most part, they are done by inexperienced or lazy technicians who prefer wireless security systems. Although some wire runs can be difficult and very occasionally require surface runs, there is no excuse for sloppy workmanship. Pick your security alarm installer very carefully; often the small business owner will take more care in ensuring the quality of the installation.

Reliability in Wires vs Industry Jargon

When it comes to the reliability of security systems, hardwire will always be the more reliable of the two. Wireless security alarm supporters of course will say “modern wireless security systems are supervised”, basically this is passing over the pitfalls of the technology and adding a feature to tell you when the technology fails. In reality, hardwired devices are supervised 24/7, wireless systems only do periodic checks on wireless detectors, if a wireless detector were to "check in" constantly, the batteries would last a week or less.

Longer lifespan = Less Environmental Waste

Sustainability is potentially the least addressed but most important disadvantage of Wireless Security Alarm Systems over the much more reliable  hardwire security systems. I can’t even begin to count the changes in wireless security technology and frequencies used since getting into the business back in the late 80’s early 90’s. Even the wireless security system supporters will tell you technology is always changing (Except they use the word “advancing" as it sounds better in advertising). So how do wireless security system “advancements” affect the owner of a wireless security system?If you have a security alarm installed in 2006, as an example, and you wanted to upgrade to a newer model with Smart Phone App access and maybe even home automation features. In the case of a hardwired security alarm system you would simply need to replace the main control panel and possibly the keypads. Since hardwire security alarm detectors are generally universal, the existing door Window contacts, Motion Detectors, Smoke Detectors etc would work with pretty much any hardwired control panel, regardless of the brand. In contrast, wireless security alarm detectors are brand and frequency specific. While it is possible you could upgrade to a panel by the same manufacturer, chances are they moved onto a different frequency, because the previous frequency became too congested. Think of a cordless phone connected to a landline, or even 2G cellphones vs 5G. While cellphone providers do often support different standards for a certain time, eventually your cellphone will become an expensive paperweight. The environmental cost of disposed electronics is massive, why contribute to the problem with a Wireless Security Alarm system when a Hardwired alarm system has a much longer lifespan. I recently upgraded a 25 year old Hardwired alarm system and only had to replace the panel and keypad; the wireless alternative would have resulted in a large box of electronic waste. In addition to the Environmental Cost, the cost of all new Wireless detectors will drive up the overall cost of the upgrade... Oh ya, let us not forget about all the Lithium batteries gone to waste. If looked at in a single application the number of batteries may seem small. Consider, however, the massive environmental impact created by only one wireless centric security alarm company installing 4 to 5 wireless systems a day. Imagine the negative impact on the environment.

Cost of Ownership & Repair

Another factor, within the realm of sustainability, is the cost of repairs. Back to the system installed in 2004. As you know, there have been significant changes in security alarm technology since then in the Wireless Security Alarm realm, manufacturers are constantly fixing their wireless component and changing frequencies as old frequencies continue to fail. If a wireless window contact tranmitter or wireless Motion detector were to fail, you may be hard-pressed to find a replacement which works with your now outdated wireless alarm system. In this case you would either have to go without that particular area protected or you would need to replace your entire wireless alarm system, including the sensors which still worked, as they could not be used with the new wireless alarm system.

In contrast, Hardwired Security alarm sensors are universal and aside from having a much longer lifespan, than their wireless counterparts, any new hardwired motion detector, regardless of manufacturer, will work with any existing hardwired security alarm control panel.

Freedom to Choose

One other reason to choose a hardwire security system, over their wireless counterpart, is the selection of detectors. As stated earlier, wireless detector and control panel compatibility is Brand Specific. In other words, wireless alarm system manufacturers have tied your hands in the available detector types to the ones within their product line. This limitation often restricts you to certain types of detectors, often excluding specialized detectors such as water sensors, gas sensors and even superior quality standard detectors.

In contrast, the choice of detectors in a hardwired security alarm system is only limited by what is available in the market. Take for example Carbon monoxide, water, natural gas, propane, vibration… and the list goes on. Wireless security systems are generally designed around the average security need of the consumer. Since detectors are not interchangeable across manufacturer lines, it would be financially unfeasible for a wireless security system manufacturer to create wireless detectors for every conceivable need. Even in the spectrum of standard detectors, there are some manufacturers who have extremely reliable detectors that only work on hardwire security alarm systems. Choosing a wireless security alarm system can often result in you having a detector less suited for your particular application. Once again the average security need factor comes into play.

Inevitably, the choice of whether to have a wireless or hardwire security system installed is entirely up to you. In fact, your only choice may be wireless. Hopefully I have given you some information to help you along with your decision. If you have any questions, or would like to have KeepSafe Systems install or monitor a security system in your home or business, please feel free to visit us at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca. If you do choose a wireless security alarm system, please dispose of your batteries responsibly. I just read an article about how improperly disposed Lithium Batteries are causing an epidemic of Landfill fires; even many battery recycling companies are contributing to the destruction of the environment. Here is an interesting article on the problem with Lithium Batteries

Contact us 24/7 at 604-874-8772

www.KeepSafeSystems.ca

KeepSafe Systems installs and services residential and commercial security alarm systems and provides alarm monitoring services in the Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley area of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Our service area includes but is not limited to Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, Abbotsford, Hope, Harrison, Aldergrove, Langley, Surrey, White Rock, Delta, Richmond and everywhere inbetween. Give us a call and let us help you feel more secure. We are here for you

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Written by KeepSafe Systems

You can reach us at 604-874-8772

Alternatively, you can email us at

KeepSafeSystems.ca

BC Electrical Contractor Licence - LEL0037345

Security Business Licence - B3147