How to set up a DIY home security system

You don't have to invest in a multimillion dollar surveillance system to keep an eye on your property and possessions. In fact, you might be able to do the job with gadgets you already own, paired with free software. We've collected three types of systems you can pick from: free software on an old device, off-the-shelf cameras, or a DIY setup. Here's how to assemble each option as quickly and easily as possible.



Repurpose your phones, tablets, and webcams
If you've got an old phone or tablet lying around, then you can turn it into a home security camera. Choose this option if you have just one or two rooms to keep an eye on. This setup will miss out on a few of the more advanced tricks offered by dedicated security devices (more on those below), but it will also save you some cash.

To turn your device into a security camera, first choose a location for it. If you're using a phone or tablet, you might need to set up a custom mount for it to ensure the camera covers the right areas. Select a position where the device can plug into a power source and connect to your Wi-Fi network—you don't want to lose the video stream suddenly because an old phone's battery drained or its cell signal dropped. Next, if you're turning a phone or tablet into a dedicated surveillance device, free up some room by removing any superfluous apps. The final step: Install a program that can transmit a live video feed to the web.

For example, the app Manything can do this job, and it's free to use on a single device. You can check into the live stream from anywhere on the web, and get alerts whenever motion is detected in front of the lens. If you upgrade to a paid version of the app, Manything will let you save recordings to the cloud and install the program on multiple devices.

Another app option, which works similarly to Manything, is Presence. Again, you set it up on your Android phone or iPhone, position the device where you want to see, and then log into your portal on the web to watch the video feed. Presence includes motion detection alerts for free, and if you upgrade to a premium account, you can store more video recordings in the cloud.

Read more at: https://www.popsci.com/set-up-DIY-home-security-system#page-4

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