Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Scout Alarm System
You chose the Scout Alarm for its sleek design, customisable nature, and modern approach to home security. However, you might feel like you're only scratching the surface of what your system can do. Perhaps you've heard about integrations or automations but aren't sure how to set them up, or maybe you're unclear on which features are included with your plan. This is not a troubleshooting guide for a broken system, but rather an informational guide to help you get the most value out of your investment.
This guide will walk you through the key features of the Scout Alarm system, explaining how different monitoring plans affect functionality and how you can use integrations and customisation to create a smarter, more responsive home.
Understanding Scout's Feature Tiers: Free vs. Paid Plans
The single biggest factor determining your system's capabilities is your monitoring plan. Scout's features are tiered, and understanding these tiers is key.
- Basic (Self-Monitored): This is the free plan. With this, your system operates as a local alarm. If a sensor is triggered, the siren will sound, and you will receive a push notification on your phone. However, there is no professional monitoring (the police will not be dispatched), no cellular backup, and no cloud video storage.
- Always On Plan: This is the first paid tier. It includes everything from the Basic plan, plus 4G LTE cellular backup. This is crucial – if your internet goes down, your system remains connected. It also adds battery backup for the hub in case of a power cut.
- Always On+ Plan: This is the top-tier plan. It includes all the features of the Always On plan, but adds 24/7 professional monitoring by an emergency response centre and enables cloud storage for video recordings from your Scout camera.
Key Takeaway: If you want features like emergency dispatch or the ability to save and review video clips, you need to be on the Always On+ plan.
Exploring Key Features and How to Use Them
Let's dive into some of the powerful features you might be underutilising.
1. Smart Home Integrations
This is where Scout truly shines. By connecting to other platforms, your security system becomes the brain of your smart home.
- Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant: Link your Scout account in the Alexa or Google Home app. This allows you to use voice commands like "Alexa, arm Scout in Away mode" or "Hey Google, is my security system armed?". This is perfect for when you're leaving the house with your hands full.
- Philips Hue: Connect your Philips Hue account to have your lights react to security events. You can, for example, create an automation to flash all your house lights red when the alarm is triggered, creating a powerful visual deterrent.
- IFTTT (If This Then That): This is for advanced users. IFTTT is a service that connects hundreds of different apps and devices. With Scout on IFTTT, you could create custom rules like "If my Scout alarm is disarmed, unlock my smart lock" or "If a smoke alarm is triggered, open my smart blinds."
2. Custom Modes and Automations
Don't just stick with the default modes. Scout allows you to create your own.
- Creating Custom Modes: In the Scout app, you can create new modes tailored to your lifestyle. For example, you could create a "Pet Mode" that arms all sensors except the motion sensor in the living room where your dog sleeps.
- Building Automations: The app allows you to create simple 'if-this-then-that' rules. These can be powerful.
- Entry/Exit Lighting: "If the front door contact sensor opens between 6 PM and 6 AM, then turn on the Philips Hue entry light."
- Scheduled Arming: "At 11 PM every night, arm the system in Sleep mode."
3. Using Your Scout Camera Effectively
If you have a Scout camera and the Always On+ plan, make sure you're using it to its full potential.
- Motion-Triggered Recordings: Ensure motion detection is enabled in the camera's settings. This will automatically record a clip whenever motion is detected, saving it to the cloud for you to review.
- Live View: You can check in on your home at any time through the live view feature in the app, providing peace of mind when you're away.
Maximise Your Security
Your Scout Alarm is more than just a siren and some sensors; it's a versatile hub for your smart home. By ensuring you're on the right plan for your needs and taking the time to explore the integrations and customisation options, you can create a security system that is not only effective but also seamlessly integrated into your daily life.