Advice on creating a safe monitor

hi all! i'm new arduino, not new embedded systems development. past 22 years i've been corporate software engineer manager of software engineers. before that, going around 30 years, embedded systems engineer developed custom firmware in c, assembler, , ladder. i've dabbled in electronics hobby life, , passion has been low-level stuff, formal education , training , of career has been on corporate software development side. anyway, establish bonafides on development side...

as arduino , modern turnkey microcontrollers, i'm newbie. i've got project idea in mind , wanted run of experts guidance.

there exists devices, this one, designed monitor safes report remote server on regular basis things door openings, temperature, humidity, motion, vibration, internet connection, etc. can set thresholds on server generate alerts via sms or email.

while $200 isn't extraordinarily expensive, compared cost of safe , contents, thought fun project replicate , possibly improve upon microcontroller , sensors. it's not saving money (although that's possible not counting time), it's more of excuse tinker around , build customized.

so, in mind, i'm looking @ arduino and/or esp8266 can connect wifi network , report status via rest interface remote server. if hasn't reported in within set interval, server can generate alert internet down/cut, in addition alerts when of sensor thresholds reached.

i'm considering following far inputs/sensors go:

* temperature
* humidity
* door opening (from photocell or ir motion detector, or both)
* vibration (both high frequency, such drilling safe, , low frequency pounding/banging)
* motion (like sliding or tipping safe)
* water level
* support external wifi antenna (inside safe isn't wifi friendly atmosphere)
* support powering up/down 12v led light strip on door open/close.

and packaged in neat plastic box. safe has power outlet power available, although running on battery (or battery backup) preferable in case power cut. , before ask, no isn't security system around safe. it's more of hidden backup system can alert on things other burglary attempts.

i'm coding logic on controller monitor inputs , report remote server, i'll code. i'm thinking i'd remote server act configuration panel, can push configuration down device adjusting things thresholds.

what i'm not sure of microcontroller approach take. seems overkill full blown computer raspberry pi, i'd have keep cool. thinking uno 3 after discovering esp8266 seems run logic there , have wifi boot... it's short on inputs. , possible wire external antenna jack on esp8266?

so, that's long-winded intro , appeal guidance, or tell me i'm crazy , buy $200 device that's made this. where's fun in that? 

thanks advice!

david

esp8266-07 variant has external antenna.  i have used esp standalone mega 328 weather station (quite similar want).  the 328 used , peripheral of esp, interface sensors , use software serial connection esp send data esp , esp runs server.  i recommend uno , of sensors use.  break project small parts, write sketches each piece , add pieces develop experience.

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