subject: The Basics Of Driveway Alarms [print this page] Looking to buy a driveway monitor, but don't know where to start? Here we'll look at some of the basic misconceptions and how to make sure that you choose the right type of monitoring system for your application.
When choosing, the first thing you always need to consider is what you want to detect. These alarms can detect people (as well as animals) and vehicles, or vehicles alone.
Now, many people would choose the alarm that detects everything. Why not, right? If you wanted to mainly monitor for vehicles, it might be nice to know if a person crossed the perimeter as well, even if it wasn't likely, right? Wrong. This is a common misconception when purchasing a driveway monitoring system. Many people are unaware that the type of driveway monitor that can pick up people can also pick up deer, the family dog and various other small animals. Point in case, if you really don't need to pick up people with your entry alert system, don't buy one that does. You will be disappointed with the amount of false alarms you receive and be less happy with your purchase than you could be.
Driveway monitors that pick up people, animals and vehicles are infrared alarms. These function by detecting moving heat, again not to be confused with motion detectors. On the opposite end are monitoring systems that only pick up vehicles. These are magnetic probe alarms. These function by detecting moving metal, again not to be confused with a motion sensor.
While originally intended for use in driveways, these monitors are now being used regularly for other applications as well. Store owners use them to monitor entry ways, allowing them to tend to other tasks while still feeling assured they will never miss another customer. Businesses also use these infrared alarms to monitor shipping and delivery areas so they can be assured that they don't miss important packages or deliveries.
Home owners have also been using driveway monitors in ways other than the original intent with great success. Pool owners can make the potentially lifesaving decision to monitor their pool area using an infrared alarm. Caregivers can use infrared systems to monitor doorways and potentially dangerous areas with more effectiveness and instant notification.
Driveway alarms have come a long way since their inception. Today's units are able to boast everything from superior long range transmitting and receiving to solar power!
