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Described as a “Plug & Play Alarm System”, the Smanos X300” kit brings together a number of protection tools.  Central to these items is the X300 Control Panel from which the kit takes its X300 designation.  The Control Panel has a removable bracket and/or stand but more on this feature a little later. 

Also included in the substantial packaging are a PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor) Motion Detector, Door / Window Contact unit and two Remote control units.  Each of these elements is supplied in a white plastic casing.  Allowing for the setting up and powering and positioning of this kit, Smanos supplies an appropriate power lead, four strips of double-sided tape, screws and rawl plugs, three stick-on warning signs to deter intruders, plus a User Guide and a Quick Start pamphlet.

Unlike the other security systems I have looked at previously, the Smanos X300 is a GSM/SMS Alarm System.  This means that this kit requires an appropriate SIM card, preloaded with credits, in order to provide the intrusion and warning messages to be sent to the home owner.  The SIM card does not form part of the standard package and will need to be provided by the user.  You will also need to download the free X300 Alarm app from either the Play or App Store.

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With dimensions of 175 x 39 x 97mm (L x W x H), the Control Panel comes mounted on a stand unit.  By removing the stand, an easy enough task, you reveal the various connection and control options available with the Control Panel.  This concealed area contains the slot for the SIM card, power connection socket and a rather tiny on/off switch.  There are also options for adding and removing satellite devices, such as the Motion Detector and Door / Window unit, from the Control Panel’s field-on influence and a Tamper option that will respond with an alarm if the kit is man-handled or there is an attempt to disconnect the unit from a power source.

Setting up the kit is just a matter of following the clear instructions in both the User Guide and Quick Guide pamphlet.  I would suggest that you check everything out before reattaching the bracket / stand with a supplied screw for either free-standing or wall-mounted positioning.  Options are available to test the various components to ensure everything is working as it should.  Some advice is given as to the positioning of the PIR Motion Detector, as you avoid windows, mirrors and angle the device for the best results, and the Door / Window Contact.

While the Control Panel draws its power direct from the mains using the supplied lead, the other components rely on battery power.  The two remote controls are powered by a CR2032 lithium-ion battery.  The Door / Window Contact unit relies on two CR2032 lithium-ion batteries.  Power for the PIR Motion Detector comes from two AA batteries.  In each case the batteries come pre-installed.

The X300 app, with its list of 8 permission requests, provides you will the means to customise settings and control options from a distance.  When you first run the app you will need to create an account.  This account requires you to provide a name for the alarm panel and enter the SIM card number.  Once this information has been entered then you will gain access to a series of settings that include language, the recording of five phone numbers to receive warning notifications, the siren volume (up to 105dB) and ring time can be adjusted plus entry & exit time settings allowing you enough time to leave and return to your property without warnings being issued.

The app’s main interface resembles a bull’s eye appearance.  This interface divides its functionality into three distinct areas that surround a centrally positioned OK area.  Taking the 10 to 2 position is the Call option.  This can be used to set up a monitoring link between the smartphone and the Control Panel.  The area from 2 to 6 is used for when you want to send a disarm SMS signal to the Control Panel.  Selecting the 6 to 10 area allows you to arm the Control Panel from a distance.  In both cases, an acknowledgment SMS will be sent to the smartphone.

As well as the app, you can also use the supplied Remote Control units to carry out various tasks.  With a metal tag for attaching to a key ring, each Remote Control unit has four raised buttons to sending the appropriate wireless signal to arm, disarm and set Home mode whereby internal detection is put on standby leaving other features active.  You can also instigate an SOS emergency signal to the pre-stored numbers.

The Smanos X300 Alarm System is expandable with the addition of detectors for specific purposes such as the prevention of fire, flood and gas leakages.  The X300 Control Panel can manage up to 50 sensors and 10 Remote Controls as you build up your home security.  Currently Amazon has the basis version of this product listed at £169.95.

http://www.smanos.com/X300