Who has a garage alarm?
 

Related to the recent thread, I am re-entertaining my idea (as induced by my neighbor) of installing an alarm in my garage.

I think most of you guys who have house alarm only protects everything except the garage. Am I wrong?

Who has an alarm to the garage?

What brand, make, model do you have?

Thanks.

I do. My "garage" isn't attached to my home, however, it is about 3 miles/3 mins. away. I have the alarm system (F.B.I./Honeywell XL2-T) programmed to dial my cellphone (no monthly maintenance fees). I am positive I will beat the alarm company/police to the building. There's only one way in/out and that entrance will be blocked with my truck when I roll-up. Anyone still inside the yard will be picking "00" out of their arse.

I added a few sensors to the home alarm. Simple and cheap.

You are wrong...at least as far as I'm concerned. Garage AND house are alarmed.

(edit) But keep in mind...the world's best original 1972 911S no longer resides here....just a grumpy old fart in an alarmed building who has a big handgun...and he's quite able to use it....the handgun.

Excuse me if I don't give details...

I know next to nothing about these systems. Any idea on out-the-door price ranges? I imagine someone must sell simple contact-switch type setups that I could wire up myself pretty easily. Trip to radio shack? Other recommendations?

Given recent events I'm also partial to a tripwire hooked up to the trigger of a 10-gauge.

I purchased the XL2-T "Attack Pack" on sale for about $100. The package includes the alarm panel (i.e. motherboard) a back-up battery, one motion sensor, one siren and a keypad. You can add sensors (motion or contact) for a few $. I added an extra loud alarm siren. It is too loud when it goes off, so you must hold your ears. Can't carry tools away with your hands over your ears (and you definitely won't hear me arriving).

Wiring is straight-forward, but the programming is tricky. You can always go to your local bar after-hours and find an alarm-installer who would probably charge $50 to program it.

Jeff,

The units come in what they call zones (in layman terms "areas of monitoring"). Each area can be triggered by 'contact switches" or 'motion detectors'. I like my motion detectors (they will not be triggered by a moving curtain). Of course, if you have a house dog, you will not have a choice by settle for the 'contacts'.

I do have a monthly service monitoring system. I think it is a waste of money. (I bet you that as soon as I cancel it, then mishap would happen).

That one, do you have to buy anything else to make it so it can call your cell phone if triggered?

Installing a wireless system is really easy. You can add all sorts of sensors for doors, windows, motions... You can also turn on lights and all sorts of things. Monitoring is an option, but not required, IMO.

I must be drunk!!!! Doh! I just looked and I guess I can relocate one sensor to the garage. I mean all I have to do is uninstall it and literally point it to the exact spot on the opposite side of the wall!

Thanks.

You can have motions with a dog.

Don't mount em as high up, 5 ft off the ground then tape the bottom of the lens.

Had a Mastiff and 3 cats running around the house and never a false in 10 years. It went off just fine with a person walking around.

You need a phone line. The modem is built in to the motherboard.

Be sure the phone line is hidden/secured so that the line can't be cut. I have a hidden line (in buried conduit) and installed a "dummy" line that is in the open. The typical burglar will cut the dummy line and think they disabled the system. Even though they may cut the line, the alarm will still sound. If you have neighbors, they will hear it (also be sure to secure the siren and the wire leading to it).

For the "monitoring" just go pilfer an extra "Protected by XYZ Security" sign from a neighbor.

The visible sign makes you less of an easy mark, least that''s what I've heard.

There are pet-friendly sensors.

If you cancel the service, program the alarm to dial your cellphone instead of the alarm company.

Good idea on the signage too. Going to add that. And buy another camera (I have two currently, going to add a third to watch the entire alley).