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Overview
Wireless alarm systems come in countless variations, from the extremely simple to the vastly complex. You can make your own wireless alarm for about $5 from common household items or spend hundreds of dollars on elaborate protection for every corner of your home. Generally speaking, however, there are three basic types of wireless alarm: entry alarms designed to protect a door or window, motion detectors designed to cover a wide space, and laser alarms designed to activate whenever someone crosses them. Setting each of them up is extremely easy. -
Door and Window Alarms
Step 1
Select a point on your door or window to place the alarm. For doors, this should be on the same side as the handle, so it will activate as soon as the door opens. For windows, it should be on the bottom of the window or somewhere near the opening.
Step 2
Screw the trigger half of the alarm onto the door or window at the spot you have chosen. It should be flush with the door or window and shouldn't interfere with normal opening and closing functions. The trigger typically contains a magnet which holds the alarm switch in place. When the door is opened, the magnet moves, releasing the switch and setting off the alarm.
Step 3
Attach the switch half of the alarm to the door or window frame with screws or drywall nails. When the door or window is closed, it should be directly alongside the trigger, almost touching. As with the trigger, you should make sure it is flush against the frame so it doesn't keep the door or window from opening.
Step 4
Connect batteries to the appropriate location in the switch and turn the alarm on. The exact type of battery will depend on the alarm you have bought. Test the alarm by opening and closing the door or window several times to see if it works.
Motion Detectors
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Step 1
Find a spot for the motion detector in the area you wish it to monitor. It should be high up, facing slightly down, and in a corner if possible. You want it to cover as wide an area as possible. If it is remote activated, you should place it higher than you can comfortably reach using a ladder (that will keep burglars from shutting it off). Otherwise, make sure it is low enough to reach comfortably. -
Step 2
Add batteries to the motion detector. You'll need to do this if you're placing it high up. As with the door and window alarms, the type of battery required will vary. -
Step 3
Screw or bolt the motion detector into the place you have chosen. Most motion detectors work either by sending out radar signals or monitoring infrared (heat) signatures. When someone enters the room, the infrared signature spikes, setting off the alarm. -
Step 4
Activate the motion detector and test it a few times to make sure it works.
Laser Beams and Motion Detecting Beams
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Step 1
Select a place to set up the alarm. This type of wireless alarm projects a single beam from an emitter to a receiver some distance away. When someone crosses the beam, the receiver detects it and sets off the alarm. They work best when placed across a stairway, in a passage or at the foot of a driveway. You'll want the alarm to be fairly low to the ground to avoid being noticed. -
Step 2
Connect the batteries to the two halves of the alarm (the beam emitter and the receiver), and turn them on and off quickly to see if the device works. -
Step 3
Screw or bolt the beam emitter to the ground or wall on one side of the passageway. Then screw or bolt the receiver to the other side. Measure them to make sure they are lined up with each other. -
Step 4
Turn both halves on and check to make sure the beam is pointed into the receiver properly. -
Step 5
Test the alarm by breaking the beam with your hand or foot to make sure it is working.
- Skill: Moderately Easy
- Ingredients:
- Wireless alarms
- Screwdriver
- Screws or drywall anchors
- Batteries
- Ladder
- Measuring tape
- Tip: Make sure you account for pets when you set up your wireless alarm. Most alarms can be easily calibrated (or are already calibrated) not to go off when they detect a small creature such as a dog or cat, but it pays to double check while you are setting up the alarm.
- Warning:
- Unless they have a phone addition which summons the police remotely, most alarms will not have any outside means of contact. They will simply emit a loud noise. When you install a wireless home security alarm, make sure you call the police yourself when if goes off, and tell neighbors and family members to do the same when they hear it.
