High-Tech Sensors Pack Punch For Latest Home Security

Tag: infrared alarms

Your house is probably protected by a security system. But a second or even a third layer of defense might come in handy in many situations, such as a backup system or protecting other areas of your home.

If you don't mind a bit of work, numerous do-it-yourself security alternatives offer added peace of mind without much trouble.

Security systems fall into two categories: intrusion alarms and monitoring systems. Monitoring systems let you see if anyone has entered a protected area, but don't necessarily set off an alarm. They're better at catching someone in the act for prosecution later.

Intrusion alarms -- better known as "burglar alarms" -- use sensors on doors, windows, and other vulnerable areas, setting off a signal if someone attempts to gain access to the protected area. They can scare intruders away or alert authorities.

Here are a few systems that proved easy to install -- and fit a wide range of budgets:

Monitoring Systems

Digital PrivateEye, Swann Security

If you don't need to monitor in real-time, this $99 unit contains a motion-sensitive camera that records any movement in its field of vision to a secure digital memory card, the same kind used in most digital cameras. You can view the surveillance photos later by taking out the memory card or by connecting the device to a computer with a common USB cable.

It also is designed to look like a full-fledged infrared motion-sensing alarm system to make intruders think twice before entering your space.

More at: swannsecurity.com

DVR4-Pro-net Combo Kit, Swann Security

For those with a bigger budget, this $1,000 monitoring system comes with a digital video recorder, four cameras with see-in-the-dark capability and an 8.4-inch color LCD monitor.

The recorder's 160-gigabyte hard drive can store more than 55 days of continuous footage. A built-in network connection makes it possible to view surveillance video from anywhere on the Web. You can even set the system to e-mail you photos of suspicious activity.

Swann offers a wireless version for extra flexibility.

Intrusion-Detection Systems

SecureLinc Family Security System, Smarthome

The $379 base system includes two types of alarm triggers for double-duty protection.

Three wireless magnetic-contact transmitters are triggered when paired sensors get too far from each other when, say, a door or window opens.

Two wireless infrared motion sensors, meanwhile, watch for movement -- even in the dark. You can program the system to ignore animals up to 85 pounds so it won't go off at the sight of a backyard squirrel or the neighbor's cat.

You can turn the system on and off with two miniature key fob controllers and adjust others settings with a large control panel. You can even have the system telephone you when something triggers a specific alarm.

The system's programming manual can seem a bit daunting. But the unit is not difficult to set up and program, especially if you follow the installation video on Smarthome's Web site.

Smarthome offers a multitude of optional accessories, including extra sensors and even a Web interface for over-the-Internet monitoring and alarms.

More at smarthome.com.

Home Kit, InGrid

Priced at $399 when purchased with a $29-per-month monitoring service -- or $199 with a two-year monitoring contract -- this system includes a base that connects to the Internet, a handset to control the system, a control console, eight wireless door and window sensors, and a key chain remote.

Lots of additional accessories are available, such as additional sensors, smoke detectors, infrared sensors, and additional key chain remotes.

The InGrid system is fairly easy to set up and comes with "MyInGrid," a web-based dashboard that lets you monitor the status of your system from anywhere and adjust settings.

More at: ingrid.com

GPS

GPS Snitch, Blackline GPS

If you'd like to track where your car is or where it's been, this small $400 device senses when the vehicle is moving and starts broadcasting its location to a tracking center.

For a monthly fee that starts at $18 or pay-as-you-go of 10 cents or less per inquiry, you can sign onto the Blackline Web site and find out exactly where your car is being driven.

Not only is this a good way to recover your car if it's stolen, but it's a great way to help lost family members find their way home -- and checking up on your newly licensed teen.

GPS Snitch has an internal rechargeable battery that lasts up to seven days or can be hard-wired to your car.