Budget Driveway Security System
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- Sensible Prepper Presents: The Cheap Driveway Security System. I picked up one of the Bunker Hill Driveway Security Systems at Harbor Freight for $14.95 and it works like a champ.
Harbor Freight Webpage: www.harborfreig...
Fun Gun Reviews FaceBook Page: / sootch00fungunreviews
Thanks for watching~ Sootch00
I have been using 3 of these for over 4 years. They will sense almost 180*, so I have 1 at the front and back of my house. No one can get near the house without them alerting. I put the 3rd one in my mailbox, so I get a "mailcall" everyday. When I first set them up, the front one kept going off randomly until I figured out it was cars, and my house is 160' from the road! They are very sensitive. So there is some trial and error as far as placement height and angle. Lastly, they really chew up batteries. So I hardwired cordless phone power supplys (9V) to the outside sensors, and old cell phone chargers to the receivers(5V). 1/2 volt higher than the 3 "c" cells, but they work. Sorry this is so long, but hopefully my experience with these will help. Thanks Sootch.
The mailbox is a great idea. Thanks for the tips on the alternative power sources too.
mjnc367 thanks for sharing your good ideas.
Don't forget to paint the sensor to match the fence so it blends in Sootch!
I put mine in a modified bird house, just to protect it from the weather. And camouflage it a bit, too.
I used these for a while and was properly alerted day and night to every bird, animal, and blowing whatnot on windy nights that lack of sleep was more of a problem. I found the best feature on this device was the off switch. Using this in conjunction with a security camera system works very well though. Cuts down on the late night 'bug hunts'.
Good stuff. I have dummy cameras and lots of solar lights around my perimeter as well to deter zombies.
We have one of these and love it ! Tells us when the dogs get back from their morning romp or neighbors show up without calling first. Any 6VDC power adaptor you may have laying around that is same plug size will work for base unit. Amperage is not important as long as it has enough to power the unit. More amperage than the unit requires will just not be used, and will not harm it in any way.
For such little cost, its a no brainer. I've got one (it's a little older so it was a little more expensive) and it's awesome. It does go off unintentionally on occasion, but it's still worth it even if I don't go out and check first hand. At the very least, I'm put on high alert
Aloha.
I love these devices, best $15 you can spend on security. Cheap enough to easily buy multiples, and if some crap out or get damaged, not a big loss. I use multiples, covering multiple areas, and have the receivers lined up in my bedroom, so I can easily tell exactly where outside someone is intruding where they do not belong. Also, by using multiples, you can overlap their fields of coverage, so someone cannot walk up to a transmitter device and tamper with it, without crossing thru the coverage area of another transmitter. A nice thing about the receivers is they have a Hi & Lo Volume setting on the alarm beep. Generally, if the volume is set Hi, they can easily be heard outside from inside. This sometimes is desireable, because if the trespassers hear that they have triggered an alarm, they may decide to high tail it out of there. On Lo Volume, it is still plenty loud inside, but not so loud that you would hear it outside far from the house.
Locations is something everyone just has to play with. Is there a tree or bush in the field of view that waves in the wind, those can give false alarms. Does the neighborhood cat walk in front of it (or rub all over it)? You may have to set the Transmitter up above the ground. Do you camoflauge or disguise the Transmitter? Maybe yes, maybe no, maybe some of them. There is an advantage to having devices clearly seen by people, and others that are not seen or noticed, and overlapping their coverages. Like I said, at $15 a pop, they allow you to put together a portable and flexible perimeter intrusion monitoring system, that is very effective and very affordable.
Heck, now that I think of it, I am going to incorporate some of these into my various vehicles preps, and even various caches and BOB's. Lets face it, if you had to 'Bug Out' on foot with just a BOB, wouldn't you feel a lot more secure being able to hole-up someplace for a rest, and have a sentry alert that someone is approaching? If you had not been prepping 'C' cell batteries before, you will for these, so add 'C' cell NiMH Rechargeables to your preps. Yes, I know you can use those AA 'cheaters', but go with the full capacity of the 'C' cells, security devices are not the place to cut corners on with batteries.
Oh, and as for keeping them out of the weather and somewhat protected/out of sight.....cinderblocks. Just stand up a full 2-cell cinder block, slide the Transmitter inside a cell, and point it where you need it. Keeps the heat off, the rain off, can help narrow down the field of coverage to exactly what you want and filter out false triggers on the edges. I live in Arizona, gets plenty hot here during the summer, and this trick works great.
Peace & Prepare
Pax et Paro
"overlap their fields of coverage" = "overlap fields of fire". You by chance an old infantry fellow?
If you use multiple sensors with diff receivers you could centralize the location and mark them inside your house with tape and a Sharpie. Good way to secure your perimeter.
Great video I have had 4 of them for a number of years now i have the sensors camouflage with green and black electric tape leaving the sensor face free of tape I have used them for camp security 4 way cover / vehicle security and many other uses . I use rechargeable batteries in them they are very handy bits of kit
We haven't changed the batteries in seven years since we got this. My husband just passed away, and now I need to replace the battery. I'm relieved I discovered this before climbing the ladder; it's much easier than anticipated. He installed it on top of the garage, and it still detects every car and animal. So, I usually turn it on only if I'm expecting someone or delivery. We have a very long driveway.
My brother installed what I think is this exact system. He and his fiancé moved to a house on a dead-end little country lane in the woods. He works nights 5 days a week so his fiancé is home alone. He installed it on the back of a tree right at the entrance to his driveway so she knows every time someone pulls in but it doesn't pick up the neighbors driving by. Just because it doesn't cost a fortune doesn't mean it doesn't do the job. Best of luck to you.
I've been using these for years. Multiple frequencies allow you to monitor several "zones". False alarms can occur (from large trucks 450' away) but, proper aim reduces false alarms. My dogs have learned to run out to check the gate when they hear the "ding-dong". I also use the MURS system reviewed by SP1. When both are triggered, it's a confirmed bogey ... er...uh.. I mean Visitor. That way I'm never surprised, I always have a glass of tea waiting for them. ;-)
I have one of these that's so old it's badly discolored, no longer white, it's a tan color but it still works.
If you want to hide or camouflage the transmitter and help protect it from the weather build a custom birdhouse for it so it sees out the opening. Nobody will suspect a thing.
I have the same system and the only difference is that I didn't mount mine to the wall. During the day I keep the receivers with me in my shop and in the evening & night time I keep them in the house. They work real well.
That's a great idea! My shop is not right at the house so I'll definitely do it. Thanks Bro!
When you said deer set it off, I got an idea to use this to scare deer away from my fruit tree's. Thanks great review! 😎
my2cents0 that's a great idea. Use it to scare off animals from the fruit trees. We're going to do the same for our garden. I've been using them for a long time to monitor the driveways and they are awesome.
Good idea mounting it in it's plastic packaging. I didn't need to w0rry about that as much since I pt it in a car port
I have used these for 3 years... no problems!
If you have issues with false alarms black electrical tape will narrow the field of the sensor decreasing the false notifications. It takes some trial and error but mine will only detect vehicles and person sized creatures now.
Love these. On sale at HF u can get em for $7-9 with the 20% off coupons. I plastidipped 2 to hide/blend. One black in the garage. One army green for my tree. Dollar Tree has 9 volts 2/$1. Plus u can place it near the window on high at night to scare walkers and during the day to scare our local package thieves.
You sound like you live in my hood, I use for same thing
I've got one of these aimed across the opening of the inside of my gate as an early warning for visitors into my yard. No matter how I place it, I get lots of false alarms from birds, lizards and wind. Even the school bus going by sets it off too. I made a little plastic shroud to shield the sides and top - which helped some of the false alarms.
This will vary depending on use, but I've had one of these in the driveway for a couple of years, and they are very easy on the alkaline batteries. I've only had to replace them once in the time the system has been in use (2 years+)
okay..God bless Americaa
I've had a set of these for 2 years. I did paint the housing so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.
Great topic, Don. For a couple of years I've been using a MERS radio receiver with motion detectors covering the approaches to my front and rear doors. Now that I'm a licensed ham, I have the MERS frequencies plugged into my HT.
I've had one of these for years and they work awesome
painted to match and mounted one to the inside of the bed of my truck aimed it towards the tool box . goes off if anyone approaches toolbox at night and I come outside with blinding spotlight...
That's a great item to have, I would suggest camouflaging it later with paint to match its surroundings if using it outdoors.
We bought these at Christmas time on super deal of13.00. Really liked the tip about the plastic it came in great idea. Keeping them out of the weather was holding up the install. Enjoy all you are teaching. Thanks for all you are doing here. We watch them all and learn something each time.
From experience working in Radio Shack, when looking for a power supply for a device like that, there are a couple of things to keep in mind: 1) power requirements - make sure you match up the voltage and mili Amps on the device to the power supply. Especially the Amperage. If you don't, you'll likely fry the electronics inside your receiver. 2) match up the barrel - pretty much a no brainer, if it doesn't fit, you can't use it anyway. 3) lastly, make sure you have the polarity correct. This is harder to guess. You don't always know the polarity of the power cord, but you want to make sure that, when you plug it in, the polarity is right. You can see a small schematic on your device as to where the +/- is. As long as the cord matches that, you should be fine. Otherwise, again, either your stuff won't work or you could blow up something in your device.
Thank you Sootch for a wonderful video.
Pretty much this. Reading the little symbol on the sensor is part of the training at Radio Shack, so taking it in to talk to the manager about getting the right adapter and plug for it should be easy. It's not super hard to figure it out yourself, for that matter, just need to match the symbols and numbers.
Thanks for the info my friend.
KISS. Simple and Effective. That is usually the best way to go. I didn't realize those were so easy to put in. Thanks +Sootch00
I actually have some inside my shed and garage. For the money they are a great addition. We have also used them in Airsoft games as early warning systems.
betatalk357 Camouflaging the sensor is a great idea. The white does stand out. Thanks~
*****
I just picked one of these up. Reading the instructions, it is the receiver that needs to be kept away from wet areas, not the sensor. The sensor is "weather-proof". You may not have to worry too much about additional protection for the sensor. Thanks again for the heads up on this inexpensive unit. Hopefully it will work to alert me of intruders (200 + driveway).
I bought one of these two month ago. Best $14 I've spent, even if it doesn't last 6 months, I'll buy more.
What a great bang for your buck. Thanks for sharing.
Don, I have a couple of these. Fantastic devices! One in the enclosed porch and one in the driveway. Good battery life and well worth the $$ and effort. Thanks for another great video. Be safe, Don
I live in an apartment and I use one in my car to alert me to anyone who might break in my car. I also use one in my apartment garage (different channel). Both work great.
This is exactly what I want to do
I have the Chamberlain system, on top of a whole house monitored system. The nice thing about the Chamberlain is you can hook up 8 weather proof motion detectors to the one base. I've put sensors on my driveway and at every portal on my house. I also spray painted them so they blend in, most never notice them.
Great demo .Going to grab 2 or three .Use them to hunt to .
Where I live the deer make a motion detector a non starter. Every stinking night at 3 am the deer parade started. I went with a buried vehicle sensor. Works perfectly. No good for foot traffic but works like a charm when the driveway is 500 feet long.
Great review. I have just bought one of these which I have found in a budget supermarket here in the uk based on your video
Hey great video the only tip you forgot is a rare but good one. If you have a block with several unit's on your street as in your neighbour has one make sure it's not the same brand or you will get false alarm signals / each others pages.
camoflage the receiver with camo duct tape. Gives it weather resistance too. Could even use these for areas in your house where your back is turned (computer rooms, etc).
KSI Mr TNT - - THANK YOU! I was wondering why no one was mentioning using these on the interior. My thought was to put 1 or 2 in the attic as a critter warning. 1 or 2 in the basement & Mid-Lev's (since we live upstairs). CHEERS!
Have two different people in two different houses move in our neighbors recently. Since then burglary is up 100% and they do and sell meth and heroin. It's horrible and I need these and more badly!
The 93068 is the only model that was available with different channels. It is made with conventional circuit board design with an IC chip that allows for different channels via jumpers on the pins. The newer models are all surface mount technology with no provision for multiple channels. They all operate on the same frequency which prohibits the use of multiple units. One sensor will set off multiple receivers. Bunker Hill really screwed the pooch with this needless change.
Long before watching your review, I have been use these things from HF with great results. With that in mind, I did not intend watch your whole review because I only searched this thing on YT to see if there any hacks for it. But your review was really good and kept my attention. Nice job 👍🏻.
I have had mine for years and works just fine and yes, keep it away from sun light or when the clouds and wind it will just go off
I cashier part time a a harbor freight store and have seen a lot of these sell. I've always wondered how well they really work and now that I know I might get one.
I’m looking into getting one for my kitchen. We have a cat that’s getting on top of the kitchen counter at night and getting into things. My wife baked cinnamon rolls last weekend and had them covered sitting on top of the stove. Cat got into them. We’ve had this cat for two years and never had a problem, but just within the last month, I guess our cat figured out he can jump higher 😒
I got one of these as well. :) Thanks for sharing!
You can't beat price and works well.
I have one similar to that and it was also white so I sprayed it with black spray paint to hide it a bit better. I put a little silicone around the spots where water could get in and haven't had any problems.!!
Been thinking about getting one of those...thank you Sir!
And I have to say: WOW that house is really beautiful. Absolutly love it, I wish I can live in a house like this some day.
AC Adapter can be found at Radio Shack.
Would appear to be a good value. I wonder why they didn't make the sensor a flat darker color so it wouldn't be so noticeable? I would probably paint it and cover the indicator light.
Good point. A career criminal will sub consciously notice a white motion detector more often than not. I find a motion detector connected to a super bright halogen to be the most effective deterrent. I'd rather the criminal just keep on trucking than have to go into defensive mode, myself.
I had to laugh when you were talking about how you were impressed that it works 50' away and, in the background is the box that says in big letters, "Works up to 400' away!" Haha!
Honestly though, I REALLY appreciate this topic, and the budget aspect it's great too!
Thanks for sharing, Im a hardcore Patriot🇺🇸 amazing how much things have changed in 7yrs definitely NOT for the better, especially in present time! maybe in 2024 truth logic and Common Sense will return?!?🙏
I didn't know they were so cheap. You should paint the sensor to match your fence. Thanks!
I will say that they do work great!
The difference between this and a dog.... That part had me cracking up!
Much respect.....These are a lot better than nothing, but have some drawbacks. They are inexpensive and pretty dependable, but they false on squirrels, dogs and even sunlight at certain angles/time of day. For what they are, they're worth the money, but you have to accept you might be awakened at night to a bad guy...or nothing at-all. In the right setting, like inside a shed etc. they might be of value. but pinned on a fence or tree...? Take notice of the channel numbers when purchasing more than one set and get what's appropriate for your scheme.
Your videos and your commitment to help others is appreciated.
Harbor Freight also sells some magnetic door sensor alarms, as well. I think I paid $8.00 for a two pack. They work, and they are loud.
We put ours next to our second alarm panel in our bed room
I am loving the recent DIY videos! Please keep them coming!
I picked one up about a week ago but haven't installed it yet, looks like it works pretty good.
Easy way to hide it is build a small birdhouse to put it in. My grandparents did that about 100 yards down their driveway.
Thanks for sending on the information. Really, as far as I am concerned, I am most interested in advance warning while I am at home. I am wsll-wired indoors, but this looks like it may have some worthwhile applications around the perimeter at night..
Good security tip Sootch! In my mind, I am planning where to put ours soon! Thanks!
Exactly what I was looking for. Perfect! Thanks, Sootch.
You can buy those 6V (and 9V) adapters on Amazon for very cheap. You don't need the one that "comes with" the system.
Speaking of camo of the sensor try some Performix-Brand--Camo-Plasti-Dip-Spray, comes in a 11 oz can you can get at pep-Boys or Home Depot. It's rubberized as well to give it some weather protection, Just cover the IR sensor before you spray, but you already knew that. ;-)
Also RUclips "Plasti-Dip"
RadioShack carries any power supply you need. Just bring it with you when you go. They are $10-15 each
i watch a whole bunch of your videos sootch . keep up the good work!!!
How do you get past these if they're pointed at a door
Like that little device, I think it will be very effective.
i have many of these alarms around my house, have a look at how i secure these alarms so they dont walk away and how they guard my home.
We have 8 of these through out our 6.5 acre property all working fine. The one at our driveway entrance is 300 yrds away. I opened them all and have extended the antennas to 10 feet, painted them camo, covered the little red light and controlled the aim with black vinyl electrical tape so it doesn't pick up neighbors driving by. We then extended the receiver antenna 2 feet as well.
They are perimeter security guards multiplier. Each receiver speaker has be tweaked or other speakers attached to give different tones which tells us what area the alarm is activated. I'm working on a way to activate some kind of signal if I miss the sound that a visual alert will tell me which receiver was activated, like a flag on a specific receiver. When we purchased these at Harbor Freight we made sure the were all different channels. They offer 8 different channels.
The trick is to add the extensions on the antennas and seal the case so NO water can penetrate. The transmitter battery last about a year then it just stops transmitting. Like I said these make great security guard multipliers...
+Bill B I dont think Bill B know how to read a Tape Measure..... you are lucky if you get 150ft on this Cheap Unit...
Ha, I don't think you know how to read what people write :p He specifically stated and 'repeated' that he extended the antenna. The 'right' antenna even with the weak output can easily go miles depending on height and obstruction. Whilst I would have chosen 173mm [the correct length for 433mhz] antenna with a ground plane aka a dipole antenna for its simplicity, and if it it didn't work well, made up a directional antenna [doubt I'd need it] what he's doing is helping the unit transmit more effectively, which is why I don't doubt his 'tape measure'.
You are also correct that the basic units without a change in antenna would be unlikely to give you good range.
Kk Andretti, you’re better off having professional’s come in and set things up for you.
great for the price. have it take a picture too for a little more $ and it would be even better.
You would probably like a magnetic sensor better. I bought a Mighty Mule magnetic sensor from Northern Tool. Cost around $80 dollars but deer can't set it off. My brother in law had one those passive infared sensors, everything would set it off.
I'd guess you don't really need to "mount" the receiver? It looks like it will just sit fine on a surface, and you can easily move it to another room, like your bedroom turned on low.
I use a product by 1byone. Same thing pretty much. So far haven't mounted it. Just move around as needed. Will be using magnets to attach to my camper van as needed when in the driveway or a parking lot. The high setting should scare off thieves with the receiver close to the van. I use low when I'm home and bring the receiver inside or have multiple receivers tuned to the same motion detector.
Having worked at a harbor freight for 2yrs I would advise you to be wary of reliability of those. We used 1 for the door and it was hit or miss for picking up people coming in the door
I bought this from Harbor Freight. Installed it out by the entrance of my driveway. It worked great for a year. But this summer it would not stop going off. I went out a checked it out and it was full if ants and ear wigs
My Blue heeler lets me know the second someone pulls up my lane.
Try to seal the joints on the sensor outside with silicon.
If you dont it will only last a few months.
Will it work through a ziplock baggie? Just wondering if I could wrap one up to keep it a little more water resistant
Good thing, but the drawback is the transmitter /detector : it draws too much enegy (9v battery), I had to replace the battery regularly (even lithium battery)
Radio Shack or JamecoElectronics would be a good place to get an AC adapter for the plugin power.
Id spray paint it to make it blend in to the fence or where every you put it
I've had mine for 3 months my sensor goes through the 9 volt battery in less then a month at 350 ft so I had to move it closer to the house for it to activate the receiver, so if it's placed more then 150 ft from the receiver as soon as the battery gets a little low it stops activating the in house receiver
HI
You should consider masking up the IR sensor.
Not the lens- housing. Its way too visible
Some kids may vandalize it for fun etc.
Maybe leaf pattern?
That was an excellent review.
I have had one covering my front door for several years. The batteries last a long time. A couple times a year they go on sale for about $12 with a coupon.
aah nice a security system that I can use this my home whas broke in the weak before his break in
greatings from Belgian fan and subcribeer
thanks for the good video Don, much appreciated! But I got a laugh at the outtake of your family coming down the driveway. I just pictured your wife saying to herself "oh lord, he's making another video! what is wrong with him?!' lol ;) keep up the great work!
My wife is used to it now but at first, she did think I was crazy! Lol!
*****
well, we're all a little crazy in one way ore another, aren't we ?
god bless you my friend and god bless america 😎
I to have one. Here in Florida lizards do set them off. But is a nice unit.
I recently bought one of these without seeing a review and just figured what the hell, let's give it a try.
I wish there was a setting so it can sound off more than 2 or 4 times.. like maybe sound many more alarms and longer, say 10 alarm for 15-30 seconds...
Great vid.. Looks to me looks to me like some fde paint would cammo it nice on that fence..
I liked ur video going to buy me one smart way to protect ur home 💯🤠👍
I use that same one cant beat the price