Folks in the country don't necessarily mind unexpected
guests, but it would be nice to know when someone's coming
up the drive.
We've visited several farmsteads that use
various types of driveway and gate alerts. There are several
on the market, all with widely varying prices and functions.
Here are some of the more popular systems-from inexpensive
units to sophisticated, long-range monitoring. None of these
require hard-wiring; all of the sensors use batteries.
One
thing to keep in mind: Unless otherwise noted, many monitors
will sense any motion at all. That includes dogs, cats,
birds that happen to fly by and even occasionally high
winds. Direct sunlight also may produce a false alert. It's
best to place the sensors out of the sun and high enough so
that only a vehicle or person on foot will be in detectable
height range. Even still, a deer might trigger an alert.
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Design Tech 33371 Deluxe Driveway Monitor
This is our favorite of the bunch. The unique detector only
senses metal objects, such as cars, tractors and ATVs, in
motion. The sensor is mounted on a stake. You just place it
in the ground and plug the receiver in at the house.
Pros: No more false alarms from heat or
animals. This model also has a lamp controller module that
attaches to the receiver. It will turn on a light when the
sensor is activated.
Cons: Range is only about 300 feet, and it won't detect a pedestrian.
Info: www.amazon.com Price: $199.99
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Murs Alert Driveway Alarm System
This sensor uses infrared technology to detect intrusion up
to 80 feet in front of it. The receiver is a handheld unit
that doubles as a two-way radio. Additional receivers can be
purchased for $129 each. You get only one with purchase.
Pros: It has an incredible 2-mile range from
sensor to receiver, and it might even work up to 4 miles.
Cons: This monitor is expensive, and it still may
get false triggers from heat and animals. Information:
1-888-501-7870; www.homesecuritystore.com
Price: $269
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Driveway Patrol Sensor and Receiver
This system can be mounted easily and requires no wiring for
power or anything else. The sensor and receiver can be
placed up to 400 feet apart. The receiver sounds a chime
when motion is detected. The sensor uses a 9-volt battery;
the receiver uses three C-size batteries.
Pros: The sensor is inexpensive and easy to install with
one screw. It ships fast from online retailers.
Cons: This is an infrared sensor, which means it detects
heat, not motion. High temperatures and direct sunlight may
produce false alerts. Information: www.amazon.com Price:
$39.95
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International Electronics Reporter
The infrared sensor operates up to two years on two AA batteries,
and the manufacturer says it filters out false alarms by only detecting humans and vehicles, not animals.
Pros: The sensor is waterproof and transmits up to 1,200 feet.
Cons: Infrared is still infrared, and there will still be false alarms
occasionally. The high-demand item was on back order each time we
actually tried to purchase one.
Information: www.bestbuy.com Price: $79.99