Home Security Anyone Can Build And Install

We’ve been seeing quite a few home security hacks around here lately and we think they’re a lot of fun. This is one that we missed a few weeks ago. [Sharpk] used his existing home security system as inspiration for a completely DIY security system. Above you can see the tiny models he used to help visualize how the system would be installed.

The board at the center is a JeeNode, a development board that pairs an ATmega328 with a wireless module. There are three magnetic door sensors which you can easily find at the home, hardware, or electronics store around the corner. They’re basically a reed switch and a magnet; one mounts on the door, the other on the jamb. There is also a panic button and a PIR motion sensor. [Sharpk] has even been working on a UI for the system. He crafted a 3D model of his home’s floor plan in SketchUp and uses it to indicate which part of the system has been triggered.

Now he just needs to add a keypad for arming and disarming the system.

9 thoughts on “Home Security Anyone Can Build And Install

  1. As a security installer, this is pretty cool. I do also feel the need to point out that in many states, the system must be a UL listed device, since security panels are technically a “life safety device” and must be installed by a licensed installer, IF it is going to be connected to monitoring center, i.e. Brinks or in some cities directly monitored. Cool stuff though.

    1. That’s why when i trow mine it will just have a loudspeaker on the roof shouting ‘call 911. i’m having a heart attack’… and of course that the neighbors WILL call 911 but to complain about the noise.

      1. would work alot better if the loud speaker said “FIRE FIRE CALL 911”. people seem to respond to the word fire and wanna help alot quicker than when anything else is shouted.

      2. The person I bought my house from had something like that, except that it was just a 115db horn on the roof. Sadly, most of the wiring and controls were ripped out long before we bought it. They had left the horn though because it was in an awkward place on the roof. Perhaps I can restore it’s original function xD

  2. I am not trying to be overly critical here, indeed the project seems to be a great start. However, I believe it is important to point out that if you really have security in mind the methods used do not provide a way to reveal tampering (Such as shorting or cutting a wire. Being able to detect tampering is critical when talking about security system design.

    In order to do that you need to use analog inputs and resister ladders, or some form of “smart” communication. The system also needs to report a tamper even if it is in a disarmed state. Simply connecting wires to a Digital Input will allow the system to be defeated with minimal effort.

    Granted, this is far better than nothing, I am just pointing this out for the benefit of anyone considering planning to use this, so that they understand the limitations.

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