Driveway sensor

[Wakey]

The only threads here are from around 2010 so I wanted to see what people are using now.

I need a sensor installed about 600 feet and a 2nd one about 300 feet. We have lots of deer and foxes etc so I'm guessing an electromagnetic sensor would be best.

In a perfect world smart phone notification would be ideal but those appear to be just entering the market.

I can go wired or wireless.

Thanks!

 

[tomplum]

We installed a Dakota Alert DCPA-2500 ~ a year and a half ago. I enclosed the sensor in PVC and the lead to the sender in conduit though you don't have to. I also put a 12 volt strobe at my side of the bed so should someone come up the drive at night I should know for sure. It has worked perfectly and has not needed a battery replacement as of yet. There are other models / accessories available. The only con I see with the whole thing is that the control panel could be more intuitive. Want to erase zone light counts? press "c" for 2 seconds- not .5 seconds. That kind of thing.

 

[oosik]

I just checked the Dakota Alert site and didn't find one answer. How far can the unit transmit a signal? Looks like what I've been looking for.

I found an alternate site and my ?? has been answered.

 

[tomplum]

You're right, to find info on this is a bit cryptic at best. Pretty much as far as other accessories, you have to stay w/ the 2500 series. Your post reminded me about picking up a motion detector for the warehouse. Hopefully any little creatures won't set it off. Amazon.com : Dakota Alert DCPA-25 Duty Cycle Probe Alert 25' Kit (Black White) : Motion Detectors : Camera & Photo is the one I have.

 

[kcflhrc]

I use this, put the sensor in my tree line and the receiver in my living room, Works fantastic

Wireless Driveway Alert & Driveway Alarm System

 

[JRobyn]

I use Dakota Alert MURS. MAPs (buried electromagnetic sensor). Range can be up to a mile, even more. You may have to use a separate transmitter antenna for max range through thick woods. I'm powering mine with solar/controller and either a 12v auto battery (at gate) or a gel-cell in other spots.

 

[TnAndy]

Been using Dakota MURS units for many years after trying several far less effective and lasting ones.
Best system on the market IMHO. Range is miles.

 

[nybirdman]

I have a Dakota Alert MURS with two transmitters,one about 3/4 of a mile on the road to my business.
They work very well,use lithium batteries and they will last most of a year.

 

[Zerk]

Is this to open a gate when you pull up?

Do you have secruity concerns with it opening to anyone?

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

We have lots of deer and foxes etc so I'm guessing an electromagnetic sensor would be best.

I agree. I have an infrared type and it falses a lot.

A LOT. Squirrels, leaves blowing... Doesn't take much. I would not choose this kind again.

 

[Wakey]

Is this to open a gate when you pull up? Do you have secruity concerns with it opening to anyone?

This is just to signal that someone is driving up the driveway.

 

[nybirdman]

As mentioned I use the Dakota Murs+ a hidden game camera to monitor my road.I have the Dakota about 5' off the ground and deer do set it off.The second one is on my home drive-way.I like them a lot.They "alert" to a base unit.

 

[Zerk]

This is just to signal that someone is driving up the driveway.

Would like to have one, but not sure if really worth it. If criminals come in on foot, does it still go off? I am not as worried about people breaking in with me home. But it would give me time to turn the **** off.

 

[TnAndy]

Would like to have one, but not sure if really worth it. If criminals come in on foot, does it still go off?

With the Dakota MURS system, you can use up to 4 transmitters....each set to a different zone, and the base unit sounds off with a zone...."Alert Zone 1" (or 2,3,4). You can use a combination of the magnetic probes and motion detectors. Motion units are best where you have easy line of sight, because as mentioned, anything moving will set them off.....so yes, anyone on foot will set them off.

Actually, steel toed boots will set off the mag probe if you walk right over it.

As for crooks, a closed gate will stop the vast majority....they aren't willing to walk, nor willing to chance a restricted get-away from being on foot.

 

[Zerk]

So is this for secruity, or just to know people are coming up the drive?

 

[Wakey]

Would like to have one, but not sure if really worth it. If criminals come in on foot, does it still go off? I am not as worried about people breaking in with me home. But it would give me time to turn the **** off.

Lol, I hear ya. My drive is 1/4 mile so not much is going to walk out, especially with everything being secured. I'm more interested with an early warning, too much wildlife for motion activated sensors. Last home I went crazy with motion activated lights, never again! I felt like a crack head always looking out the window because of the lights coming on.

Thanks to everyone for the advice, I'll follow up after I select a unit and complete the installation.

 

[Wakey]

So is this for secruity, or just to know people are coming up the drive?

The latter. My area is very safe and I am bolted down security wise anyway.

 

[Zerk]

So, to change the channel.
I am curious what you do. I like the idea, but not sure I have ambition.

 

[beowulf]

I installed this one about 4-5 years ago. It has worked flawlessly. Wireless. It is about 700-800 feet as the crow flies from the sensor at the gate to the beeper in the house. Detects motion passing in front of it and is adjustable for sensitivity and distance. If this one ever clonks out I will order the very same one. This detector, plus our mean dog sign (our pitbull has rabies) and the armed response sign has done the job. Also nice to know when packages are dropped off at the gate, or when guests arrive (when we expect guests we unlock the gate).

Amazon.com: Chamberlain CWA2 Weatherproof Outdoor/Driveway Wireless Motion Alarm and Alert System, Includes 1 Battery/AC Powered Base Receiver and 1 CWPIR Sensor, Additional CWPIR Sensors Sold Separately: Home Improvement

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

I installed this one about 4-5 years ago. It has worked flawlessly. Wireless. It is about 700-800 feet as the crow flies from the sensor at the gate to the beeper in the house. Detects motion passing in front of it and is adjustable for sensitivity and distance. If this one ever clonks out I will order the very same one. This detector, plus our mean dog sign (our pitbull has rabies) and the armed response sign has done the job. Also nice to know when packages are dropped off at the gate, or when guests arrive (when we expect guests we unlock the gate).

Amazon.com: Chamberlain CWA2 Weatherproof Outdoor/Driveway Wireless Motion Alarm and Alert System, Includes 1 Battery/AC Powered Base Receiver and 1 CWPIR Sensor, Additional CWPIR Sensors Sold Separately: Home Improvement

That's what I have. Lots of false alarms.