Did
you know that a door sensor alarm
can also be used on windows? Yes, but the system itself must be small enough to
fit into the window, particularly on the pane and wall beside it. Once properly
installed, the alarm system can work as an effective deterrent against
unqualified and unauthorized entry.
Most
door and window sensors typically have two components. First, the sensors are
placed on opposite yet level ends of the door or window. The larger sensor is
usually placed on the door itself while the smaller sensor is on the frame. In
the case of a window, the order can be reversed – the larger sensor is on the
wall beside the window and the smaller sensor is on the pane.
Second,
the receiver that contains the control panel for adjusting the settings as well
as activating and deactivating the system. This also activates the alarm when
the two sensors are separated from their contact points when the door or window
is opened.
How
does the system work? The sensors use a magnetic field to keep in contact with
each other, so to speak. For as long as the door or window remains closed, the
sensors will not trigger the alarm.
But
when the door or window is opened, the sensors lose contact with each other. A
signal is sent to the receiver that, in turn, activates the chosen alarm sound.
This sound can be as soft and loud and as melodious or jarring as you want it
to be.
Basically,
the magnetic field created by the two sensors should be broken by the opening
of the door or window to trigger the alarm. Of course, the window and door sensor alarm can also be
deactivated, when necessary, to avoid triggering it at inappropriate
times.
One
such product is the Fortress Security Store Window and Door Contact Sensor for
S02. Read on to find out whether it’s worth the resources spent on its purchase
and installation.
Notable
Features
The
Fortress Security Store window and contact sensor has three components: the two
sensors and the main control panel. The two sensors should obviously be placed
as instructed on the window or door – each one facing the other to establish a
magnetic field between them. The main control panel is where the password and
settings can be adjusted.
Be
sure to follow the programming instructions, as stated on the booklet included
in the package. One of the instructions is to turn off all motion sensors,
weather stations and the like in the house. This is because these devices will
likely interfere with the programming of the magnetic alarm sensor!
For
example, a user programmed and reprogrammed his unit multiple times before
realizing that his weather station was interfering with the signals.
Essentially, the main control panel was picking up the signals from the weather
station and using it in programming the sensor. This obviously resulted in
confusion for the security system, as evidenced by the reprogramming chores.
As
soon as you turn off possible sources of signal interference, the magnetic
sensor alarm system is a cinch to set up. On the main control panel, just type
in the password and zone control number, among other things, to program the
system.
Then
open the sensor’s back cover and insert the battery into its slot. Press
“Return” on the main control panel and voila! You now have a functioning door
and window sensor alarm system.
The
motion sensors also contain jumpers on their PC board. You can set the infrared
sensor range and sleep time on it, which means added versatility in use. You
may want to shorten the infrared range in a few instances, such as in interior
doors.
As
for the sleep time, it refers to the amount of time the sensor will wait after
it initially detects movement before sensing movement again. You can set it to
5 seconds, the default setting, as well as to 45 seconds and 3 minutes. You
may, for example, set a shorter sleep time when there are kids in the house
with the possibility of them entering restricted areas.
In
fact, many of the customers who bought the door
sensor alarm are parents who want to reduce the risks of kids getting into
restricted areas. While locks are still the best option, human nature
particularly forgetfulness can get in the way, so to speak.
According
to the manufacturer, the usable range is approximately 45 feet. But a customer
complained that its usable range is in the 28 feet range! The 110-degree spread
also seems erroneous although many more customers attested otherwise.
The
control pad siren can also be disabled so that the extra siren can be used.
This is a useful feature when you don’t want unauthorized persons, such as
burglars, to find the control pad siren and disable the entire system.
The
outdoor or extra sirens don’t need 110-volt outlets because these use wireless
technology for activation. These sirens are so loud their sounds can be heard
from a hundred or so meters away.
Plus,
the system has a bonus for families who live in rural and remote areas. After
setting off the siren, the So2 system will call a sequence of predetermined
numbers until somebody picks up. The series of numbers can be to the police
station and family members.
In
summary, the features of Fortress Security Store Window and Door Contact Sensor
for S02 include:
·
Wireless operation
with the So2 and GSM central systems
·
Attaches to any window
or door
·
Detects the opening of
the window or door
·
Requires one 23A
battery
Pros
of the Product
These
are the product’s advantages:
·
Easy and fast
installation for as long as the instructions are followed
·
Stickers to place the
sensors on the door or window (no screws needed)
·
Adjustable for use as
a people or pet sensor
·
Anti-tamper spring
triggers the alarm (when somebody rips it off the wall)
Cons
of the Product
The
product’s disadvantages include:
·
Distracting LED lights
on the housing when unit’s in line of sight
·
Cheap plastic housing
·
Limited range on some
sensors
Who
Is It Best For?
The
Fortress Security Store Window and Door Contact Sensor for S02 is a great
product for property owners who want to add another layer of security. The
system can be used in a wide variety of applications including:
·
Alerting property
owners and/or employees about possible break-ins into the home or business
·
Keeping track of
teenagers who want to break their curfews and being grounded
·
Preventing children
and pets from accessing restricted areas inside the house
Verdict
- Should I Buy It?
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