By Rob Kavanagh · ex-telco tech · connectivity, comms and keeping remote places reachable

“After three failed attempts to keep a Kimberley station online, I learned that a single 2400mAh power bank is the only security you can truly rely on when the grid dies.”

Living off-grid in Australia? Great. Now secure your shit. No fancy "smart home" nonsense that needs the grid. Just what works when you're miles from anywhere.

Cameras: Solar-Powered or Bust

Forget cameras that need constant power. You're off-grid. Solar or battery only.

• Reolink Argus 3 Pro (2K solar camera, 360° view, weatherproof): $380. $380-$420 at Amazon AU or TechBargains. Mount it high on a pole. Kangaroos trigger cheap cameras. This one doesn't.
• Arlo Pro 4 (wireless, solar optional): $450. $450-$500 at JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman. Use the solar panel ($120 extra). Works with your phone. No internet? It stores footage on an SD card. Check it when you're online.
• Don't waste money on "smart" cameras that need Wi-Fi. They're useless off-grid. Stick to solar or battery.

Sensors: Cheap, Reliable, No Internet Needed

Don't overcomplicate it. Basic sensors work fine.

• Aqara Door/Window Sensor ($30): $25-$35 at Amazon AU or iStore. Stick it on doors and windows. Sends a vibration alert to your phone via Bluetooth. Works offline. No subscription.
• Basic magnetic sensors ($15): $15 at Bunnings or your local hardware store. Glue them on. Works with any alarm system. No tech needed.
• Avoid motion sensors that go off at every bird. Get ones with adjustable sensitivity. Reolink RLC-410 ($250) is good for perimeter.

Monitoring: No Internet? No Problem

Most "security" systems fail when you're off-grid. Here's how to actually monitor:

• Local alarm: A loud siren ($80 at Jaycar). Set it to trigger when a sensor activates. You'll hear it from the house. No internet needed.
• SD card storage: Cameras with SD cards (Reolink, Arlo). Check footage when you're online. No cloud fees.
• Simple SMS alerts: Use a $20 SIM800L module (AliExpress) with a Raspberry Pi. Sends SMS to your phone when triggered. Works on any SIM card. No internet. (For techies. Otherwise, skip it.)

Practical Australian Tips (No Bullshit)

• Power it right: Use a dedicated 12V battery bank (like a deep cycle) for security. Don't tap into your main house battery. It'll drain it fast.
• Fence first: A good fence with a lock is cheaper than cameras. $500 for a 2m fence at Bunnings. Barbed wire? Check local council rules. Some areas ban it.
• Don't be obvious: Hide cameras. Put them behind trees or on the back of sheds. If it's obvious, it's not working.
• Price check: Reolink Argus 3 Pro: $380. Aqara sensor: $30. Total for a basic system: $450. That's less than a weekend at the pub.

When to Call a Professional

While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:

• Electrical work beyond basic 12V DC additions — requires a licensed electrician
• Structural modifications to buildings or load-bearing elements
• Gas line installation or modification
• Solar array installations above safe voltage thresholds
• Any work that affects the structural integrity of your property

Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.