Motion Sensor Door Chime

A motion sensor door chime for the detection of people and animals typically uses passive infrared (PIR) sensor technology. This is an electronic sensor that measures the infrared energy emitted by people and animals within its operating range.

Emphasis must be made that all objects, especially organisms like humans and animals, with a temperature above absolute zero give off heat energy. The heat energy comes in the form of radiation, which is invisible to the naked eye but can be picked up by especially-designed devices. This is where a motion sensor system comes in. 

The term “passive” in PIR sensors refers to the fact that the devices neither produce nor radiate energy in the detection process. Instead, these work by detecting and measuring the energy emitted by other objects.  The heat energy itself isn’t the energy being detected and measured – it’s the infrared radiation.

This the detection technology used in the Doberman Security Motion Alarm Detector with Infrared Sensor. Let’s take a look at its features so that you can make a smart purchasing decision, if necessary.

Notable Features

The Doberman motion sensor door chime has the following features according to the manufacturer:

·         Infrared sensor triggers the alarm

·         100 dB alarm

·         15 feet operating range

·         60 degrees range vertically and horizontally

The sensor can be placed almost anywhere that a motion detector is needed. You can place it on a table although this isn’t a common method. Instead, the best places are on the wall or ceiling, as mounted using basic tools and supplies. 

Be sure to first determine the best location for the infrared sensor before finally mounting it. Keep in mind that the operating range is only 15 feet from the sensor. The degree of angle is ideally 60 degrees on the vertical and horizontal plane.

You may have to experiment with the placement and angle before getting your desired results. Otherwise, you can end up with one too many false alarms, which will defeat the sensors’ purpose. You shouldn’t take long in finding the best position since the unit also comes with a swivel mounting bracket.

The motion-activated sensor works when it detects changes in the infrared energy within 15 feet, its operating range. When a person or animal is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the receiver within seconds after the detection. The receiver, in turn, will activate the signal to sound the alarm.

And what an alarm it is! While it isn’t as loud as a jackhammer, the 100-decibel alarm will certainly be loud enough to wake up sleeping persons.  This has two effects – the burglar will likely be startled into running away and you can take the right action, such as calling the police.

Even the burglar running away is already a blessing for people who want to avoid nasty confrontations with intruders.  Many parents even use the alarm as a way to deter their children from being kidnapped in their homes. The alarm is placed on the stairs going up to the bedrooms every night such that people going up will trigger its loud sound. 

A few customers complain about the blinking red light on the sensor, which can alert an intruder about its presence. But this is a minor issue that can easily be resolved by covering the small light with a small piece of black electrical tape. This is also true if the small blinking light becomes a distraction when in it’s in your line of sight. 

The motion sensor door chime is also easy to install. While it isn’t like other stick-and-peel door sensors, it only requires two screws (included in the package) and a screwdriver to mount. You’re likely to spend 5 minutes or so on the actual mounting task itself. 

Better yet, you can just place it on a flat surface where you want security in the form of motion detection – no mounting involved.  Just turn it off and keep it in a safe place when it’s not yet needed. You have to remember that it can detect the motions of pets, which can mean unnecessary sounding of alarms. 

Emphasis must also be made on two points. First, this isn’t a fool-proof security system because of the possibility of false alarms brought by various reasons. Second, this can only detect people and animals but less chance of detecting vehicles. 

For these reasons, you should consider combining the motion sensor with other security measures, especially if you’re after better security measures. These can include closed circuit television systems, magnetic sensors on doors and windows, and perhaps even a guard dog. But for average home or business security needs, this PIR sensor will suffice for the purpose. 

For example, a buyer combined the motion sensor with a door sensor. By activating the motion sensor, he can leave the door open during hot weather yet still be alerted when someone comes in. 

Pros of the Product

The Doberman Security Motion Alarm Detector provides the following benefits proper installation and use:

·         Gives a chime or alarm when people and pets are detected within the operating range

·         Provides a loud siren that can wake up even a sound sleeper while the chime gives off a softer sound (i.e., like a European police siren)

·         Easy to install with screws and screwdriver

·         Suitable for mounting on any flat surface without being screwed into place

·         Easy to use alarm

·         Easy to conceal because of its compact size

In short, the unit works as well as can be expected, especially in giving alarms at appropriate times.

Cons of the Product

These are the disadvantages of the product:

·         No grace period to disarm it, which can be an inconvenience for owners (i.e., the electronic eye is ultra-sensitive)

·         Easy to turn off by manually sliding the switch to its off position, which a burglar can take advantage of

·         Chime can be too loud for some people

Who Is It Best For?

The Doberman Security Motion Alarm Detector is a great basic alarm system for home and business owners. The chiming sounds are sufficient to alert owners about the presence of people and animals within the operating range, a must for these types of products. 

Verdict - Should I Buy It?

Yes, this is a satisfactory product despite its basic features. But if you’re looking for more advanced features, then this isn’t the right product for your needs. 

A Door Sensor Alarm can alert you when a potential client walks in

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?

Yes, of course! You will find plenty of uses for the door sensor alarm especially when you want to monitor several rooms or buildings in your property.