I recently setup a home security system for on a renovation project, so we wanted something that could send us notifications. There was exactly one system that works by SMS only, and I like the simplicity: no ads, no phoning home to some server etc. I check the bill on the Sim card that the only activity is texting with my phone.
In the larger context it's easy to forget that good compromises are available, it doesn't have to be all surveillance or nothing at all.
Do you mind sharing more with me about your setup? I've been researching options, including diy, but don't want/need all the bells and whistles espoused by the "easy"corporations.
It's a system made by Smanos, not diy, and has a central unit with battery backup, rfid tags and remote control. There are a bunch of sensors, standard stuff. The part that attracted me was the simplicity of using only text messages to control it and receive notifications.
In the larger context it's easy to forget that good compromises are available, it doesn't have to be all surveillance or nothing at all.