More than just a surveillance camera: the Piper NV.
I have been using the Piper NV for a fortnight now. I quickly realised that you can do more than just video surveillance with it. Much more!
The Piper NV is more than just a surveillance camera. It also serves as an alarm system and, thanks to the integrated Z-Wave module, as a smart home centre. It also has various sensors integrated: Temperature, humidity, brightness, movement and a microphone are all on board.
The setup
The initial setup of the Piper is very simple:
- Install the app
- Insert batteries (serve as emergency power supply)
- Connect the Piper to the power supply
- When the LED on the Piper lights up blue, start the app and register
- Connect to the Piper's WLAN
- Enter the WLAN details from your own WLAN
- Wait briefly until automatic setup including firmware updates takes place
- ...and the Piper is ready
Basic functions
Expandable with sensors
The Piper can be set to three different modes: "Activated/Travelling", "Activated/Home" and "Deactivated". For the two active modes, you can specify which actions should be carried out when motion, noise or strong temperature fluctuations are detected. The possible actions are recording a video clip, triggering the siren, notifications to yourself, close friends or relatives. If other sensors are then connected, further options are available - but more on this later.
In "At home mode", for example, it would make sense to only signal extreme (limit values can be set) temperature fluctuations by siren if, for example, a fire breaks out. In "On the move" mode, on the other hand, it makes perfect sense to also record a video clip and receive a push notification. The combinations can of course be customised depending on the situation.
180° field of view and 2-way audio communication
The camera itself offers a very good 180° image that covers a very large field of view. In the livestream, you can zoom in very well and move around the camera's field of view by swiping - I really liked this. You can also use the Piper as an intercom system. When I tested this feature, my girlfriend was sitting next to the camera and was really scared, but then thought it was funny ;) The videos can be downloaded directly from the app.
Ultraloud siren
To be honest, I only tested the siren once briefly and then didn't dare to save it as an action because it's just so loud! I triggered the siren manually for test purposes using the panic button, so I knew that it was about to get loud and I almost fell on the floor and had to pick myself up again before I could switch it off again ;)
Expandability and continuous operation
A big plus point of the Piper is that you can expand it with sensors connected via Z-Wave radio. I was able to test the door and window sensors and a flood sensor from Foxx. Both open up new possibilities for the Piper: Opening a door or window, for example, can trigger an action analogue to detecting movement or noise. This again for the "At home" and "On the move" modes. The flood sensor is ideal in the vicinity of dishwashers and washing machines. It is installed above the floor and detects water there, which can prevent high damage costs. Other Z-Wave devices can also be connected. You have to pay attention to compatibility here. As soon as I have been able to carry out initial tests on this, I will link the relevant products in the accessories section.
Test with adapter plug from Aeon Labs
In a first test, I tested the intermediate plug from Aeon Labs. This was easy to connect to the Piper and opens up further possibilities. For example, you can create a simple schedule for when the socket should receive power or make the control dependent on the temperature (heating, air conditioning). Or you can connect a lamp to it that only switches on when it is dark in the room.
IFTTT
I had the most fun with the Piper's IFTTT channel, you can really let off steam with it :-) Firstly, I created a rule that makes my LiFX lights flash red as soon as an alarm is triggered. Next, I automated the switching of the modes via smartphone GPS as I had always forgotten to do this :D There are hardly any limits to the creative technology fan here.
More about "If This Then That" [[marketingpage:1789]]
Conclusion
For me, the Piper is a really cool device which, in addition to its basic function as a security camera/alarm system, offers a lot of possibilities for cool smart functions thanks to its expandability with adapter plugs and, above all, the IFTTT channel. It's a bit of a shame that the Piper doesn't have a web interface and you are therefore dependent on an Android or iOS device. I also think the "House status" tab in the app is a bit too small for smartphones and unfortunately you can't zoom in (see below). However, these are the only two negative points I have noticed in a fortnight. Otherwise, I can recommend the Piper as a very worthwhile purchase to protect your home or even your business and also get a lot of convenience options.
Questions or suggestions?
You are welcome to ask me questions. I will certainly leave the Piper in operation for a while, so I can also test specific functions. Your suggestions are always welcome.
Would you like to test the Piper yourself right away?
Let us know why you would also like to test the Piper via a comment entry (below) by 12/08/16. We would like to give away the test package used in this product test (in perfect condition). With a well-founded and original comment, we will be happy to send you the test sample by 18/08/16.
All camera solutions from Piper at a glance
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