Robert Ebsen

Yesterday I hooked up my new Piper security system. Today I canceled ADT.

I am so happy with my Piper. Here are some of my favorite fun things to do.

• I can set rules for what happens when motion or a loud sound is detected. The tilt sensor I purchased separately can alert me if the garage door opens.
• What can happen upon detection is any combination of the following:  A siren sounds, a video is recorded, and I receive a phone call, email or text message.
• Employing the z-wave switches that I purchased separately, a light can go on in another room, and/or the recessed ceiling lights near the Piper unit can go on, thereby illuminating the potential intruders for the camera. The camera has night vision mode, but I prefer to capture robbers in living color, which full light exposure affords.

The video is saved to the cloud and kept by the Piper Co. I actually hope a robber approaches and tries to grab my Piper.  His or her beautiful face will be captured in living high-definition color for the police.

Piper can do many other interesting things, and here are a few.

• Lights can be programmed to go on and off at certain hours, or to go on when it gets dark outside.
• I can be alerted when the room temperature changes.
• Piper’s built-in microphone and speaker allow me to converse from afar via my Smartphone with whomever is home.
• If I see robbers, I can speak to them, asking them if three years behind bars is worth taking my TV.

ADT left me a working lighted panel, which allows me to see which windows and doors are open prior to leaving the house.  True, my windows and doors are no longer “protected.”

However, once a robber gains entry, he or she will be detected and will be the star of my movie.  ADT could not do that. Based on the cost of Piper and its added optional components, and the $37 per month payment I was making to ADT, I figure that in one year the Piper system will have paid for itself.

Am I actually hoping that someone will break in to my house when I am away so that he or she will be both virtually and physically captured?

Is that why I enjoy watching the live video feed of my house when I am away?  I wonder.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com