Driveway alarms are a great way to keep tabs on visitors to your home and property. They can be used on their own or incorporated into advanced home security systems that include video, lights, and intercoms.
The Rodann system uses electromagnetic sensor technology to sense a vehicle passing by its probe. It can transmit to a receiver up to 1,000 feet away through wooded areas and walls.
Easy to Install
There are several options when it comes to driveway alarm installation. PIR sensors detect heat and motion, while magnetic and break-beam sensors detect metal objects (like cars).
These systems require the use of a transmitter and receiver to alert you when an unwanted intruder enters your property. These can be battery-powered or hardwired and usually have a programmable chime sound that alerts you of unwanted movement.
Some systems like the Safeguard Supply Driveway Informer Alarm come with a voice receiver that allows you to hear a programmable message when a large object approaches. Others, such as Safety Technology’s Wireless Alert Series STI-V34150, have a long-range and allow you to hear the sensor from up to half a mile away.
Other models use a probe that is buried partially underground and triggers an alert when it senses metal. These can be prone to false activations from rustling leaves or a friendly neighbor, but they are more reliable than other options.
Easy to Maintain
Driveway alarms come in a variety of styles and sizes, but most consist of two parts: a sensor that monitors motion and a receiver connected to your home. The sensors are battery-powered and aimed at the area you want to detect movement in, such as your driveway or front porch. Depending on the type of system, they either use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect heat and movement or magnetic sensors or break-beam sensors.
For example, the Rodann model has a probe you can bury underground to detect vehicles and 50ft of direct burial cable for transmitting a signal. It has a relieving range of half a mile, meaning it can be effective even when trees, buildings, walls, and other impediments are blocking the signal. It also has LED indicators that keep a numerical track of how many times the sensor is triggered. This can be especially useful if you’re looking to reduce false alarms.
Easy to Expand
If you have a large property, it is possible to expand your driveway alarm system. Some systems allow you to add multiple sensors to a single monitor, which allows you to get an alert when multiple vehicles enter your property. You can also use a single sensor in more places on your property, depending on the type of sensor you choose.
For example, a motion sensor can be used to monitor more than your driveway and can detect any movement within its range. This could be anything from a car to a squirrel, and it can trigger an alert on the monitor so you know what is happening in your yard.
Typically, the sensitivity settings for the sensor can be changed to reduce the number of false alarms. A good system will have a dial that allows you to set your sensitivity, and the monitor will let you know how far away from your house it can sense a vehicle or person.
Easy to Customize
Most driveway alarms rely on a sensor that’s battery-powered and installed outside your home, aimed at the area you want to monitor. A receiver connected to power inside your house registers the motion on the sensor and then alerts you via a sound or light. Some have smart features that work with a dedicated app or your home automation systems (like Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and others).
Among the most popular types of driveway sensors are PIR models that use heat patterns to detect vehicles or people, while some are magnetic and trigger when they sense metal. These typically have sensitivity settings that you can adjust to minimize the number of false alarms, like those caused by large animals or wind gusts.
Other driveway sensors are solar-powered and work on passive infrared technology. They’re able to relay signals over a half mile, even in difficult weather conditions or when trees, walls, buildings, vehicles, and other obstacles are blocking the signal.
