Home CasaVerdeSmart ,,,,, After testing iSmart Alarm on Macitynet, the completely smart and do-it-yourself home burglar alarm system, Casaverdesmart tests eTiger S4, an alarm system similar in approach and installation, but different in operation. It is a little less smart, with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are which ones.
Package contents
The starter kit includes everything needed for correct operation. In addition to the main control unit, which also incorporates a 100 dB siren, there are two motion sensors, two for doors and windows, two remote controls and two tags, really useful for disarming the alarm quickly.
The first installation is quite simple, although a quick reading of the manual may be necessary. The first thing to set up is the control unit, which requires some more attention than the sensors. Before understanding how to activate the entire system, we conclude by saying that the bundle also includes all the cables necessary for correct operation, such as those relating to the telephone line, the power supply for the control unit, and stickers to inform any malicious parties. 24-hour protection.
First installation
As already mentioned, the first installation is simple, even if a reading of the manual can make it even easier. The first thing to do is to choose the type of operation: eTiger S4 can work with the traditional telephone line, with a SIM card, or with both. It is easy to understand that the last solution is the one that offers the most security. Depending on the choice, it will therefore be necessary to connect the control unit to the telephone socket, or insert a SIM (in the large standard format), inside the special compartment on the back. Also on the back, where the two 800 mAh support batteries are present, there is also the power socket, to be obviously connected to the wall. The two batteries will allow the control unit to function correctly in the event of an electric blackout.
After installing the control unit, it will be possible to position the sensors, those for movement and those for doors and windows, which will be immediately connected to the system, and will trigger the alarm if they detect any movement. The remote controls are also immediately functional, as are the tags, which serve to immediately defuse the alarm if you approach the logo on the control unit slightly.
GSM / calls / SMS functionality
The main difference of eTiger, compared to an alarm system such as iSmart Alarm, is the presence of support for the telephone or GSM line, which warns the user of any intrusions via SMS or traditional calls. This makes the idea of a completely smart alarm a little less, but on the other hand it ensures greater security, since the alarm system will not necessarily be linked to the presence of the internet inside the building. While on alarms such as iSmartAlarm the possible absence of internet connection puts the system completely “KO”, eTiger will continue to function correctly, being sufficient the availability of a telephone line or even just the SIM installed on the control unit.
For correct operation, of course, it is necessary that the telephone numbers to be contacted in case the alarm is triggered must be set up. It is possible to set mobile or landline numbers for the call, or even mobile numbers to send SMS. We have of course tested the system, always receiving all the communications sent by the alarm in a timely manner. After triggering, just a few seconds pass before receiving the call or SMS indicating the alarm status.
Advanced features
All the features listed above are part of the basic use of the product, easy to start and to operate. The eTiger kit, however, uses a lot of features, linked to a more professional operation. For example, it is possible to intervene on the call cycles, so as to define the number of call attempts by the control panel.
It is also possible to remotely control the alarm via calls or messages: these are functions that are not too intuitive at first sight, but which are ultimately simple after a careful reading of the manual.
Furthermore, each detector can be assigned to four different zone categories, which correspond to different protection modes: Home zone , Delay zone , Normal zone and 24h zone . With the Normal zone , when the system is armed, if a sensor is activated, the siren will sound. When the system is disarmed, the sensors do not trigger any alarms. With 24h zone , on the other hand, regardless of whether the system is armed or disarmed, the sensors can trigger the alarm. This is because it is possible to expand the system, perhaps with smoke detectors, to trigger the siren even when the alarm is disarmed.
With the Delay zone , the sensors will not trigger the alarm immediately, but only after the set interval. Finally, with Home zone , the assigned sensors do not activate any alarm. This mode is used to have the system armed when you are at home, being able to move freely from one room to another, keeping for example only the sensor of the main entrance door active.
iOS / Android application
The presence of an application for iOS or Android smartphones makes the alarm smarter. However, this is not the main reason to choose eTiger.
The app, in fact, is only a sort of mask, which, by pressing single virtual keys, sends SMS to the alarm, containing the textual orders to be carried out, such as disarming the alarm, arming it, setting certain modes, changing the language of system, and more.
From a smart point of view, for example, we believe iSmart Alarm is superior, which bases its entire philosophy on smart notifications and on the use of the app to activate settings, arm and disarm.
The eTiger system, on the other hand, pushes the user more to traditional use, via remote control or control unit, also because otherwise it requires the activation of a package SMS plan, both on the user's Sim and on that of the control unit.
Conclusions
The eTiger S4 alarm system is an excellent solution to protect your home, and that goes beyond the limits imposed by a system completely linked to the presence of the internet and electricity, such as iSmart Alarm. The one under test is more a traditional system, able to alert the user with SMS and calls, and to be in operation even in the event of a blackout. easy to install and intuitive in the operation of the basic functions, it requires instead study to use all the advanced functions.
The eTiger system is also bought by Amazon; the basic configuration we tested has a cost of 169.99 euro. The product is distributed in Italy by Nital and you can also find it in many Apple Premium Resellers throughout Italy.
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