An honest review of the Ajax Jeweller wireless alarm system
When you invest in a security alarm to protect your home and your family, you want it to be of the highest quality.
So you search for the best security alarm systems on the market. And, sure enough, the name Ajax will appear—amid a plethora of possibility.
Ajax is one of the market leaders in home (and business) security. They claim to be protecting one million premises in more than 120 countries around the world. And they maintain that their cutting edge security alarms will bring you peace of mind.
But are Ajax alarms any good?
We decided to take a closer look at the Ajax Jeweller range.
Here’s what we discovered…
Why choose Ajax?
Let’s be clear from the outset. If you’re looking for a cheap burglar alarm, Ajax is not for you.
We’re not looking for inferior, however. We want a top quality security alarm system that offers the highest level of protection for home and family.
An Ajax alarm is just that.
The mere sight of the siren on the front of the property imbues a sense of fear in any would-be criminal.
And it’s intelligent.
It knows the difference between a person and an animal. So your pet – or a leaf falling from your bamboo plant – won’t activate it.
Moreover, an Ajax alarm system is capable of taking high resolution photos on activation. And they’re sent to your smartphone in seconds via the Ajax app.
Because, let’s face it, there’s little point in just a siren going off these days.
Do you check on your neighbours when you hear their alarm? Probably not. More likely, you assume their electricity has tripped or the alarm is an accident.
Thus, an alarm that relies solely on a siren as a deterrent isn’t going to provide peace of mind.
An alarm with PIR cameras – or photo verification – gives the reassurance you need.
Now, there are a host of decent intruder alarms with photo verification.
Nonetheless, it’s the Ajax security alarm systems that stand out.
Not least because one of their premium models – Ajax Jeweller – is wireless.
The only thing that’s plugged in is the hub. It manages all your Ajax devices (even things like leak detectors and smoke detectors – but more on that later).
Everything else is wireless, including the outdoor ‘Street Siren’. Which has an impressive 113dB alert when activated.
As you would expect with a first class security system, the Hub has a battery backup in case of power failure.
Plus there’s a SIM card option. That means the alarm carries on working when the internet goes down.
When MotionCam detects movement, it triggers the alarm. It also takes a series of up to 5 photos (depending on the resolution you choose). The photos go to the Ajax app on your smartphone in seconds. So you can tell, almost immediately, if it’s a false alarm or an intruder.
Video courtesy of Ajax
Advantages of alarms with photo verification
1. Deterrent
Some burglars are chancers or opportunists. Some, however, know exactly what they’re doing and what to look out for.
A security alarm system with photo verification poses much more of a deterrent than its non-visual counterpart.
The prospect of being caught on camera – and thus potentially caught in the act – will undoubtedly make an intruder think twice.
2. Confirmation
With photo verification, you can be sure that it’s an intruder who has activated your alarm. Not a family member returning home.
According to Ajax, up to 70% of false alarms happen when disarming a security system. With photo verification, you can tell in seconds whether an alarm is genuine – and, therefore, respond accordingly.
3. Evidence
Alarms with photo verification can send photos directly to your smartphone. So if it is an intruder who’s responsible for triggering the alarm, you’ll get photos of them.
That’s a deterrent in itself. And, importantly, it increases the chances of catching the culprit.
Ajax alarm kit
Right. Down to business. What equipment is available in the Ajax Jeweller range?
Well, it depends how far you want to go. The products below, however, are what we would determine the main elements of the Jeweller system.
Let’s take a look at the Ajax alarm kit.
Hub
The heart of the Ajax security system. It uses Jeweller radio technology to warn you in milliseconds of any danger. Capable of handling 100 connected devices, it encrypts data and is protected against viruses.
HomeSiren
Measuring just 75mm x 76mm x 27mm and weighing only 97g, these tiny devices have a big impact. They have an anti-sabotage construction and omit a siren of up to 115dB to deter intruders.
StreetSiren
When the enclosure opens or breaks, a tamper button on the device triggers. And anyone trying to move or dismantle StreetSiren will also activate it. In either scenario, the result is a siren of up to 113 dB.
MotionCam
MotionCam is an outstanding product. Subsequently, it was Intruder Product of the Year at the PSI Premier Awards in 2020. It uses advanced thermal technology for high detection accuracy and prevent false alarms.
DoorProtect
DoorProtect has two parts – a detector and a magnet. It can detect a door opening via a reed switch, on which the magnetic field acts. At just 9cm long, you barely notice they’re there. That is to say until they’re activated.
GlassProtect
As with all products in the Jeweller range, the GlassProtect is clever. Hence, if an intruder breaks a window, the system will notify you instantly. A rumble of thunder or a passing heavy vehicle however, won’t trigger it.
KeyPad
As you would expect, you use KeyPad to arm and disarm your Ajax alarm. Thus, it’s usually mounted near an entrance. A KeyPad isn’t actually necessary if you prefer to operate using SpaceControl fobs or the app instead.
SpaceControl
SpaceControl is a tiny key fob device that controls your Ajax security system. The four buttons allow you to arm, disarm, activate night mode and trigger a panic alarm. Again, these functions are identical in the app.
Images (except MotionCam image) courtesy of Ajax
You don’t have to include DoorProtect or GlassProtect as part of your setup. Although we would certainly recommend having DoorProtect if the door is out of sight of your MotionCam.
As we stated, you don’t necessarily need a Keypad and a SpaceControl fob. In fact, you don’t actually need either, as you can control everything within the Ajax app.
However, it is advisable to have at least one fob in case of any problems with the app.
What makes the Ajax MotionCam and MotionDetect so good?
MotionCam is an intelligent award-winning security device. It contains a Fresnel lens to cleverly determine the difference between a person and an animal using infrared radiation.
Thus, the lens provides precise information about the thermal object it detects and the way it moves.
Moreover, MotionCam uses SmartDetect technology. This advanced software algorithm finds false alarm markers instantly and accurately.
Therefore, the detector knows if the detected movement is that of a human—or not.
As Ajax state, MotionCam is more than a photo and faster than a video. Its clever technology works in three easy steps:
1. First it detects motion 2. Then it raises an alarm 3. It also captures the evidence.
Image courtesy of Ajax
The Ajax App
As we’ve discussed, you can control your entire system from within the Ajax app. Your phone will receive instant notifications when something is wrong. And when an alarm is actually triggered, a siren will also go off on your phone. Even if it’s in silent mode.
Here are a few cool things that you can do within the Ajax app…
Get notifications
Perhaps the most important function of the Ajax app is the ability to send you instant notifications. That way, you immediately know when there’s a problem.
It will tell you when you add a new device. It’ll tell you when the system arms or disarms. And crucially, of course, it’ll tell you when it detects motion and by which MotionCam. In that instance, a series of photos go to the app for your immediate attention.
The app also allows you to set up Geofence Monitoring. This clever feature allows you to specify a distance/radius from your property. Then whenever you go beyond that radius without arming your system, you get a notification on your phone. You can see this in the image above.
Arm and disarm the system
The ‘Control’ section of the app mirrors a SpaceControl (fob). The fob has four buttons. Clockwise starting top left, they are arm, disarm, panic and night mode.
The first three are fairly self-explanatory. In addition, night mode allows you to choose which devices you want to be active at night.
This is particularly useful if you have devices upstairs and down but you only want the downstairs ones to be active at night.
Control each device
You can control each and every device in your Ajax alarm system from the app. You can check signal strength and battery charge for each device. Plus temporarily deactivate it if you’re decorating, for example.
When you delve further into settings, there are many more options depending on the device.
In the MotionCams, you can choose the resolution of the photos they will take when an incident occurs. Or change their sensitivity level.
In the StreetSiren, you can alter the alarm volume and duration etc. And even tell the system you want an alert if StreetSiren moves.
From the Hub settings, you can do all sorts. Add users, set up geofencing, create schedules, and much more.
Other Ajax Jeweller products you might consider
Ajax aim to keep you and your property safe. So that doesn’t stop at intruder alarms.
Here are a few more products in the Ajax arsenal that will enhance safety and security in your home or business…
FireProtect
FireProtect reacts quickly to smoke or a sharp rise in temperature. Furthermore, FireProtect Plus also detects carbon monoxide.
They can operate independently from the Hub and detect smoke via a camera with photoelectric sensor. An additional detector will register a temperature increase if no smoke is emitted.
At 132mm square, they are similar in size to your average smoke alarm.
LeaksProtect
At just 56mm² you can place the LeaksProtect unit discreetly in areas where leaks may occur. For example, under a sink or next to a washing machine.
The tiny device has four pairs of sensors. An alarm is immediately activated when water comes into contact with them. Plus, of course, you get an instant notification on your phone about a potential flood.
Furthermore, this ingenious device can also automatically shut off the water supply.
MotionCam Outdoor
Just like the MotionCam, the outdoor version detects human intrusion and can confirm it with an animated series of photos.
And much like its indoor Sister, it too has a false alarm filter.
Available with a hood (like the one in the photo) it’s well protected against the elements. Indeed, it has an IP55 rating.
Furthermore, it’s equipped with an anti-sabotage system, which notifies you when someone covers or removes it.
Images courtesy of Ajax
In a nutshell
An Ajax alarm system review isn’t complete without a summary of why you might want to install one. Here are the main reasons for choosing Ajax Jeweller…
9 Reasons to choose Ajax Jeweller
Ajax Jeweller is a top-of-the-range, state-of-the-art security system. Here are 9 good reasons to choose Ajax Jeweller to protect your home or your business.
1. It’s wireless – No fuss during installation and no mess after. The system uses Jeweller radio signals to transmit information. Of course, having no wires means you can easily take it with you if you move house.
2. It has incredible range – Ajax detectors can operate at distances of up to 2,000 metres from the hub in open space. The Jeweller signal is strong enough to still reach the hub instantly.
3. It’s remarkably stable – The Ajax Hub has two antennas. It can analyse signal strength and choose the better one on which to operate. Therefore, it remains connected even in extreme radio conditions.
4. It is ultra reliable – Your clever AJAX Hub regularly communicates with all its detectors. So it knows if one of them isn’t responding. As you’d expect, you’ll receive a notification in the Ajax app if that’s the case. Then you can act on it.
5. It’s almost self-sufficient – Once your Ajax alarm is set up by an expert, you can pretty much leave it to do its thing. Being connected to WiFi means it can update itself with the latest software. Moreover, you’ll have up to four years of operation from the pre-installed batteries.
6. It has photo verification – No more false alarms with Ajax MotionCam. It will send photos to the Ajax app on your smartphone in seconds. Great for knowing if the situation is genuine. Even better for capturing evidence if it is.
7. It has an anti-sabotage system – If an intruder attempts to cover or dismantle your MotionCams or your StreetSiren, you’ll get a notification in seconds. Moreover, Ajax continuously monitors radio noise and has backup frequencies to switch in case of jamming.
8. It has remote control – You can configure and control everything from the Ajax app on your phone. Forgot to set your alarm? Don’t worry, Ajax knows. Not only will the system send you a notification, you can also arm your property remotely from your phone.
9. Pets are immune – The movement and radiation patterns of your pet are very different to those of a person. Ajax knows the difference. Hence, your dog chasing his tail won’t trigger an alarm.
Conclusion
Are Ajax alarms any good? Yes. They’re exceptional. In every aspect.
At CTR, we’ve been installing Ajax security systems for a while now. And the feedback has been excellent.
Better still, we haven’t had one false alarm up to now. That’s largely due, of course, to Ajax’s clever technology that knows if it’s a person in front of your camera—or not.
Ease of operation is also a huge plus point with Ajax. You can control the entire system from within the Ajax app. And that keeps you up-to-date with everything your system is doing and if it’s functioning properly.
If you’re considering a new alarm, you also have peace of mind that your Ajax kit comes with a 3-year warranty.
Additional peace of mind from an already exceptional security system.
