I've always just tied my garage doors into my home security system using senors similar to those posted above. It works, but it's admittedly clumsy. The wireless outfits ar...
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I've always just tied my garage doors into my home security system using senors similar to those posted above. It works, but it's admittedly clumsy. The wireless outfits ar...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.
ratdoggy
Well-known member
2105A-G Magnapull
That's what we use at work. The door goes up the contact pops off and the alarm goes off. We used to use the "proximity" type but we always got false alarms at night when it was windy. Changed to these and no problems.
http://www.watchdogsuperstore.com/2105a-g-magnapull-heavy-duty-magnetic-pull-apart-cord-closed-loop.aspx
That's what we use at work. The door goes up the contact pops off and the alarm goes off. We used to use the "proximity" type but we always got false alarms at night when it was windy. Changed to these and no problems.
http://www.watchdogsuperstore.com/2105a-g-magnapull-heavy-duty-magnetic-pull-apart-cord-closed-loop.aspx
I realize this is not exactly related to the issue of what type of sensors to use but I was very interested to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMz1tXBVT1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMz1tXBVT1s
Falcon67
Well-known member
Lock through the track or locking the crossbar.
ratdoggy
Well-known member
You can also use the magna-pulls on a trailer or other thing outside. Trailer moves and it sets off your alarm.
e3pres
Well-known member
I feel pretty low-tech. I've always just put a c-clamp on the track right above one of the wheels.
when i leave on vacation, i latch the door on each track and put a padlock through it. my doors came with the latches. i also disable the auto opener. i should do something about that door release latch though, for when i'm not on vacation. good video.
justsam
Well-known member
Loking at the video, this might be another reason for jackshaft operners, such as Liftmaster 3800. Not only is it a "non standard" opener, it also puts a locking pin in the way of a roller.
I have used the magnetic sensors just like the first one's shown for over 10 years. Never had a failure or false alarm. Mounted on each side of the door so it can not be pryed from the corner without detection.
I have used the magnetic sensors just like the first one's shown for over 10 years. Never had a failure or false alarm. Mounted on each side of the door so it can not be pryed from the corner without detection.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Here's a question for you guys who have security switches on the garage door - do you have to get out of the car and disable the alarm before you can open the door, or do you have a time delay of some sort so you can pull in to the garage before disabling it?
HEEP
Well-known member
Mine is tied to the light on the garage door opener. Once the light comes on, the contact on the door is over-rode till we pull in. Go inside, deactivate the alarm, and you are set.
HEEP
HEEP
justsam
Well-known member
I just have entry/exit delay on mine. I do like HEEP's method of using an opener contact as well.
To make sure the door is closed at night, the system cannot be armed if the garage door is left open, and will display the zone (garage door) "not ready".
To make sure the door is closed at night, the system cannot be armed if the garage door is left open, and will display the zone (garage door) "not ready".
nate379
Banned
Sheez what do you guys keep in your homes that you are worried that much and need all this fancy equipment?
I could see if a guy had a meth lab or grow room but otherwise?? Where I live most people don't lock their front doors even.
I could see if a guy had a meth lab or grow room but otherwise?? Where I live most people don't lock their front doors even.
my opener is on a switch that i usually keep on but if its going to be a while till im back in there ill pull one of the cars right up to the toolbox so that its hard to get to and kill the power to the opener. havent figured how i want to alarm it yet...
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
x2 on this. I bought a pair of large, keyed-alike padlocks and put one on each side, through the tracks and right above the wheel at rest. You can't get the door up even 1/2" before the locks block it completely.
I also disabled the cable/pin style lock on one side (I never had the key and don't ever use it) so that it is effectively always locked unless I remove the bracket on the track that the pin goes into. It's pretty heavy duty so when I'm away, I bolt it on for good measure. Overkill? Surely. Takes 30 seconds though, and I'd rather make a potential thief's job as difficult as possible.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Crime is everywhere, whether you want to believe it or not. I checked a couple city statistic sites and Palmer is actually a little higher than the US average for property crime (burglary, theft.)
HemiRambler
Well-known member
My door is a commercial roll up with the commercial opener converted from 3 phase to single phase - it's opened on a piezo keypad - which also activates an electric door strike. The other opener on the other garage door is a standard residential type that is set up for a remote - which I do not trust after talking with the electrical guru's at work - so I set it up to work off the light switch. I don't drive into that bay very often so it's working out OK, but would rather the keypad operate it as well. Switches are easy - they make several micro switches with a TON of overtravel (.200") that works fine when mounted near the hinge. They also make some with a spring that literally have inches of overtravel - you could mount those anywhere.
nate379
Banned
Maybe so but if they want in, they will figure a way in. Wouldn't that hard to just cut the sheathing, pull out the insulation, bust threw the drywall and boom, in the garage.
Or window..
Or kick door in...
Most often there is someone home and the dog barks if someone is like 1000ft of the house so I guess that helps.
Or window..
Or kick door in...
Most often there is someone home and the dog barks if someone is like 1000ft of the house so I guess that helps.
jrmylmach1
Well-known member
My family is what is important in my home. We never had an alarm system or cameras until this spring. A lady my wife knows started making threats towards her and actually sent some guys over to scare her one day. The next day my car that was parked outside got t-boned in my driveway. Had the alarm system installed that week. Prior to that we had never had any problems or felt threatened in the least. You just never know what idiot is going to come around.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Well, yeah. They could drive a bulldozer through the side of the garage, too, but it's not likely to happen. More often than not it's a crime of opportunity - if they can't get in quickly and easily they're going to move on and try somewhere else.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
Precisely the point. People breaking in through the garage have it in their mind to go through the garage. If they waste time trying and it doesn't work, they're not going to spend any more time finding another way in because they've been there too long already.
If someone wants to break into the house, at least they're still not getting OUT through the garage, which still makes it harder to walk off with a tool box or anything they can't easily carry in hand.
FWIW I don't think security should stop at the garage, and mine doesn't, but I do think it pays to take a reasonable level of precaution. Some people will call you paranoid, some will call you adequately prepared. It all depends on how much risk you think there is and how much deterrent you believe is worth spending time and money on.
As I'm fond of relating, my neighbors live in fantasy land. Some in particular have a garage full of tools and leave the doors up all hours of the day and night with all their toys in plain site. They NEVER lock them, even though they set the alarm on their cars religiously. The same people leave to run errands and they leave the door rolled up until they get back 20 - 30 minutes later. It's only a matter of time before they get hit and hit hard by some opportunistic thieves, or God forbid, something worse. What really gets me is that these are the same people who gave me grief for not joining them at the neighborhood watch meeting to learn about how to protect your home and family. Same people who let thier young kids play in the street on a blind corner after dark too. Go figure.
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Worsedog
Well-known member
Exactly. I work for the Sheriff's Office here. 80% of the thefts or burglaries involve unsecured items. It still amazes me the number of people that don't lock their cars or houses. Our street crimes unit just made a bust of a small, 3-5 persons, theft ring that cleared nearly 100 crimes. The most noteworthy statistic was the fact that not once did they cause any physical damage in the commission of their crimes. If they came across a locked door or window they simply moved on to an unsecured target.
nate379
Banned
I don't lock my vehicles normally, granted I drive junk that no one would want anyhow 
Pull up to the local hardware or auto parts store and 9 out of 10 cars will have the keys in the ignition.
It was the way I was raised and it's hard to not do it I guess. If my folks locked a door it was the front door once in a while, but the 2 other doors to get in the house where never locked and the garage doesn't even have locks on the door.
Pull up to the local hardware or auto parts store and 9 out of 10 cars will have the keys in the ignition.
It was the way I was raised and it's hard to not do it I guess. If my folks locked a door it was the front door once in a while, but the 2 other doors to get in the house where never locked and the garage doesn't even have locks on the door.
gatchel
Well-known member
There is a way to handle the cut-in's.
You basically run a very long wire and zig-zag it on the interior side of the sheathing using a staple gun. Pick a point midway in the run and crimp in the end of line resistor.This is what I will have on my walls one the garage is done.
Also, the man door and garage door will have a small delay, just enough time to get in. The "cut" zone will be a burglar instant. Once the wire is cut all hell breaks loose.
I have installed 100's of the magnetic sensors and most of the call backs are because of physical damage. Rarely is there a problem with false alarms as long as they are installed properly. The best location for a mag sensor is actually at the top of the door, not on the floor.
nate379
Banned
I guess. I mean if it's that much of an issue where you live you could build a solid concrete building too.
airbassador
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2009
- Messages
- 58
Padlock through the track, right above a wheel so it doesn't move up. Convenience isn't the priority. Garages are for tools & projects, not daily drivers!
(Tools as in wrenches, not 'Yo, what a Tool!)
Oh, but as far as tying into the alarm. Motion sensor on the ceiling and standard wired magnetic pins on the walk through door.
(Tools as in wrenches, not 'Yo, what a Tool!)
Oh, but as far as tying into the alarm. Motion sensor on the ceiling and standard wired magnetic pins on the walk through door.
airbassador
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2009
- Messages
- 58
That's because you live in Alaska. Store some whale blubber in there and I bet
you'll change your tune.
I have two garages that I work out of. My Uncles and mine. After the neighbors garage was almost broken into, My one Uncle who doesn't drive , own a car and pretty much stays outta the garage got on me about the security part. I added a barrel bolt and a big padlock.It has been good enuff for 5 yrs. As for my own garage. Well it,s not secure. As for my homemade OSB swingout doors, They are held closed by a rubber bunge cord.That is in the 2 car area, The 1 car area is kept unlocked as the only key I have to the door has been misplaced. I do have "ghetto bars" on my one window, Yet I think Bigfoot could fit between them. I am glad this came up because my garage was a wreck , And anyone who went into it might never had been able to find their way out.
Now that I have pitched a bunch of stuff even Fred Sandford wouldn't want. I do feel it is time to upgrade my security.I don't live in Alaska, But in a declining suburb of Detroit. I think I should get with the program. Thanks for the info.
Now that I have pitched a bunch of stuff even Fred Sandford wouldn't want. I do feel it is time to upgrade my security.I don't live in Alaska, But in a declining suburb of Detroit. I think I should get with the program. Thanks for the info.
meissen
Well-known member
Only takes the right opportunity to be ripped off. My dad used to leave his garage door open during the day while he was home until someone stole his whole tool chest right out of his garage.
bazzateer
Well-known member
JB740i
Well-known member
I've wondered about this before but hadn't thought about the hanger. Just figured breaking the window was easier.
Is there any real loss of safety by securing that latch from moving?
Any other way to do it besides installing the wall mounted openers?
JamieK
Well-known member
What about motion detectors? In theory, you wouldn't need any switches on the doors or windows? Anybody have any experience?
Heck, I guess you could install a motion detector outside the garage. Then, no one could even get close enough to break in.
Heck, I guess you could install a motion detector outside the garage. Then, no one could even get close enough to break in.
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Then every animal that walked by day or night would set it off. Even had spider crawl across them and set them off.
holland_patrick
Well-known member
here is mine
Description
The Garage Door Sensor is specifically engineered to monitor and secure roll-up garage doors. Placed on the top inside panel of your garage door, the device sends "opened" or "closed" signals to the Control Panel based on the sensor's pitch passing 45 degrees. Installation of this sensor is very easy - simply "peel and place."
Features
Mounts on Top Inside Panel of your Garage Door
Wireless Transmitter Means No Wiring Required
Reports Open and Closed Status to Panel
One-Second Delay Helps Prevent False Alarms
Security Cover to Protect Against Tampering
Description
The Garage Door Sensor is specifically engineered to monitor and secure roll-up garage doors. Placed on the top inside panel of your garage door, the device sends "opened" or "closed" signals to the Control Panel based on the sensor's pitch passing 45 degrees. Installation of this sensor is very easy - simply "peel and place."
Features
Mounts on Top Inside Panel of your Garage Door
Wireless Transmitter Means No Wiring Required
Reports Open and Closed Status to Panel
One-Second Delay Helps Prevent False Alarms
Security Cover to Protect Against Tampering
nate379
Banned
Big headache.
We have them at work in some of our buildings and they go off with pretty much anything. Mouse farts and alarms are going off.
Not fun either because it's instant lock down of the whole base.
We have them at work in some of our buildings and they go off with pretty much anything. Mouse farts and alarms are going off.
Not fun either because it's instant lock down of the whole base.
A quick question for all the security system installers:
I want a security system for the house and detached garage. Ive also purchased a new front and back door for the house and plan on new windows next with next years taxes. Is it better or easier to install the sensors while installing the doors/windows.
I really like the clean look of the ball plunger type sensors that goes into the tracks. Basically you can mount the sensor 4-6 inches up and still leave the windows cracked at night but have the alarm armed.
Or is it such little work to install them later thats its not worth fussing about. How hard is it to install the system yourself? or will they even let you do it?
Can you recommend any alarm companies
I want a security system for the house and detached garage. Ive also purchased a new front and back door for the house and plan on new windows next with next years taxes. Is it better or easier to install the sensors while installing the doors/windows.
I really like the clean look of the ball plunger type sensors that goes into the tracks. Basically you can mount the sensor 4-6 inches up and still leave the windows cracked at night but have the alarm armed.
Or is it such little work to install them later thats its not worth fussing about. How hard is it to install the system yourself? or will they even let you do it?
Can you recommend any alarm companies
I run a Bosch pet safe PIR/Microwave/white light sensor (yep it is a single sensor) in the garage. Works perfect and never had a false alarm. The system is the Bosch Solution 16+. It is brillant. I even run some wireless PIRs. We have pets and they do not set the system off. I did the install and do not believe in half doing things. I also installed a 6 external camera system Inc PTZ.. I live in a safe town. That said having bikes makes one a target. Having serious visible security eg lots of sensor lights (clipsal sensors), alarm, cameras makes it a far less easy option than the house down the street. After we were rolled at work (I was on site within 5mins) I started taking security seriously.
rebrewer
Well-known member
I used the unit on the left in the photo. No failures, durable.
southhillcustoms
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2010
- Messages
- 28
After I had posted an ad on Craigslist, and had some shady visits to my garage, I installed a web cam with Mobiscope, a FREE software that allows me to remotely monitor my garage via email or my cell phone! If someone walks up my driveway, the camera instantly starts recording, and emails me a picture. You can schedule the camera for anytime of day/night. A nice new Masterlock helped too.