Konnected Alarm Panel: Revive Your Wired Alarm System

That little startup Konnected has raised more on its crowdfunding campaign ($97,873 current) than Honeywell's crowdfunding campaign ($96,830 current).

Btw, Rhodes is doing a post on this general trend (DIY takeover), expect it later in the week.

Not getting any easier for residential alarm dealers.

Agree.

The objection that hardwired systems are too technical for DIY is a pretty fragile wall to lean against when considering other residential systems.

I don't see this as much of an impact for alarm dealers.  I think it's great for DIY'ers who are somewhat capable and willing to work with hardwired systems.  The DIY market has been around a long time, and as an alarm dealer I've encountered plenty of them who seek assistance.  The DIY'er has not impacted my business, but  companies like Comcast, Vivint and Simplisafe have.

The product shown here is a hardwired module, which immediately discourages and deters a lot of people, but not the determined and capable DIY'er.  I think I can safely say, most of my customers throughout the years would never consider dealing with a hardwired module of any kind. 

The enticement is no fee self monitoring along with ability to equip your old alarm system so it can interact with home automation and use features like geo fencing and mobile app.  Self monitoring can be risky, especially when smoke and heat sensors are employed. Will you be in range with your mobile device to receive that important text notification?  Is your mobile device on when it needs to be, or did you switch it to silent for a meeting or event?  Are you in a position to respond quickly to an emergency text? How will you handle a text message about a triggered smoke detector when you're driving on the freeway?  They do point to a third party pro monitoring company, but we're back to monthly fees.

Since this module is dependent on WiFi, what about line cut or a service outage?  Many of my customers are opting for cellular backup now and I can't see any of them tackling the installation of a cellular module.  And, again, there will be a monthly charge with cellular backup.

When dealing with hardwired modules, many DIY'ers do not consider power limitations and I've seen DIY'er systems exceeding the power capabilities of the panel, and with undersized batteries.

I don't see the DIY'er benefitting from this module as much as I do an alarm dealer who'll be the one called to install it.