Driveway alarms

A driveway alarm can be a smart investment when you live in the country. Here are tips on buying the right one for your property.

You need many pieces of equipment when you move to an acreage -- a lawn mower, rake and chainsaw to name a few. Here's another: A driveway alarm. Longer lanes in the country often mean a limited view of your property entrance. A driveway alarm will signal the arrival of guests, welcome or unwelcome.

Choosing an alarm that is right for you and your property can be confusing. Work with an experienced professional, if possible. See the sidebar, right, for a number of questions you should consider before installing a driveway alarm.

Whether you're looking for a unit you can install yourself or one that will require the help of a professional, this guide should help in your decision-making process.

Drive-Alert driveway alarm

The new DA-504 Drive-Alert Driveway Alarm system incorporates built-in X-10 transmitters that use your home's existing electrical wiring to transmit a signal. Chimes will sound and lights will turn on when a vehicle enters your driveway or wherever a sensor is buried. You choose one of two methods for turning on lights: the DA-060 Lamp Module that can be plugged into any lamp, or the DA-059 Wall Switch that functions like a standard on/off switch. Cost for the system is $398.85.

For more information, contact Mier Products, Inc., at 800/473-0213 or www.mierproducts.com/bell.htm.

Dual beam alert system

Jansen Electronics offers the first wireless passive infrared sensor with 100-pound animal immunity while still being able to detect people and vehicles. This new type of sensing offers maximum reliability and positive outdoor detection when properly installed. It includes a walk test mode, battery-saving setting, a pulse count adjustment, and comes in 500-, 2,500-, and 10,000-foot ranges. Prices vary from $299.95 to $529.95.

For more information, contact Jansen Electronics at 888/232-3093 or visit www.jansenelectronics.com.

General Electric PrecisionLine Series

PrecisionLine dual technology motion sensors offer new, easy solutions for the most challenging residential settings. These sensors give you total coverage-on-demand using a combination of precision-controlled microwave and passive infrared (PIR) technologies. With coverage-on-demand, the sensor detects objects within a precise area. It determines the attributes of an object by calculating its size and distance from the sensor. (This device is not yet rated for outdoor use.) Contact your local dealer for pricing.

To contact a dealer in your area, see the dealer locator at www.geindustrial.com.

Home-Yard Alert

The Home-Yard Alert is a four-channel, wireless detection and monitoring system packed with features. It comes with one infrared sensor but will accommodate up to four sensors. The driveway sensors operate on a 9-volt battery, have a 40° field of view, and are weatherproof. The receiver has four separate zones to determine where activity is originating. The Four-Zone Driveway Alarm is available in 1,000- or 2,500-foot ranges and is compatible with other driveway alarms. Prices start at $379.

For more information, contact Miltronics Driveway Alerts at 800/366-7235 or visit www.drivewayalert-usa.com.

MURS Alert

The MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) Alert is a real-time monitoring system that can be used to detect people, vehicles, or large animals. The battery-operated transmitter uses a PIR sensor to detect people or vehicles. When a vehicle is detected, the transmitter will send a voice signal several miles to the base station (M538-BS) or handheld (M538-HT) transceivers . This system is ideal for homeowners trying to monitor remote locations. The transceivers can also be used for two-way voice communications. Prices start at $259.

For more information, contact Dakota Alert, Inc., at 605/356-2772 or visit www.dakotaalert.com.

Voice Alert System-6

The Voice Alert System-6 wireless annunciator is a cost-effective, customized security and notification alarm system for your home. It uses the latest technology in wireless passive infrared (PIR) and digital voice recording. Some of the features include six-zone monitoring capability, customized voice-recordable alerts, all-weather, wireless PIR sensor transmitter, multiple beam patterns for optimal detection, adjustable mounting, beam sensitivity, and delay timer. Cost for a base unit and one sensor is $149.95.

For more information, contact Cross Point Industries at 760/633-3737 or visit www.feelsafernow.com/voicealert.htm.

Optex Wireless 1000

The Optex Wireless 1000 indoor/outdoor annunciator system mounts easily and allows the sensor to be located behind a post or tree for hidden applications. The receiver can be placed inside or outside your home to announce the arrival of visitors. Some of the features of this system include volume control, three chime sounds, four-zone receiver for locating visitors, low battery indicator, fully adjustable weatherproof sensor, and an adjustable beam pattern. System prices start at $199.

For more information, contact Optex America, Inc., at 800/966-7839 or visit www.optexamerica.com.

Wireless rubber hose driveway alarm

The wireless rubber hose driveway alarm (Model DWA-1 hose model) has three parts: a transmitter, a receiver/alarm, and 25 feet of rubber hose about 5/8-inch in diameter. The hose is placed across the driveway and is activated when a vehicle crosses the hose. A wireless signal is transmitted up to 1,000 feet to a receiver plugged into a 120-volt outlet in your home where a three-second alarm is sounded. Many accessories are available. Prices start at $159.

For more information, contact Dakota Alert, Inc., at 605/356-2772 or visit www.dakotaalert.com.

Ask yourself ...

What type of alarm suits your needs? There are several different types and styles to choose from. Is a hose that a car or other heavy vehicle will drive over adequate? Would you rather install a magnetic probe that can be hidden and will only detect metallic vehicles? Is a wireless beam that will detect cars as well as people and animals better suited to your needs?

What is the maximum transmission distance that will meet your needs?

Will there be any trees between the transmitter and receiver? If so, are the trees a dense or sparse forest?

What is the construction of your home?

Are there pad- or pole-mounted transformers nearby? They may interfere with the transmission and/or reception of the signal.