How to adjust driveway alarm sensors?

Keeping an eye on your property or driveway is very important these days to ensure maximum security of your place. The driveway sensors also help us to remain aware of the arrivals of people on the property and to know if someone suspicious or unknown activity is happening on your property. 

 

Now the range of its detection and the type of sensor it contains depends upon the model you are planning to buy. The Dakota driveway alarm sensor has an astonishing wireless range of 1 mile. Different models have different features and advantages so you should buy them according to your requirements.

 

After buying, most people ask how to adjust driveway alarm sensors in their house. This question surely needs to be answered so you can be completely aware of using and installing the sensor quickly. The usage and adjustment of alarm sensors are not very easy, and you should have proper guidance to make them function properly. Here is a little guide for you to get you started on the adjustment and installation process:

 

Get started with the device

Plugging the power into the indoor chime receiver

The first step for starting your driveway alarm is to plug the receiver into the outlet present. It is recommended to keep the receiver away from big electrical appliances like fridges, machines, etc., for enhanced receiver performance.

 

Power up the sensors

Now some of the driveway alarms require the placement of batteries inside them to start functioning. The batteries enable them to function wirelessly at a maximum distance of 1 mile away from the receiver, which is pretty brilliant, to be fair. Although the notifications received when you are almost one mile away aren't that accurate, it is still a fantastic feat compared to other driveway alarms. 

 

Start pairing up the devices.

Since there are twelve different customizable alert tones available on the device, you can select and assign different tones to different transmitters. The specific alert notification helps you know exactly where the motion or movement is happening. Choose one for your door and the other for your yard, and be fully aware of where there is a particular motion. 

 

Now you might also need to adjust the voice of notifications. There is a button present on it entitled volume control button. The button helps you lower or increases the volume of the notifications the receiver provides. Let's move on to set specific tones on each of your transmitters.

• There are 12 different alert tones available, and you can select different tones for each transmitter to make it clear to yourself where the motion is happening. 
• Hold the Mode and volume buttons for about three seconds or until all 4 LEDs flash to set the ringtone for your receiver. Once it happens, you can release the buttons.
• To find the best tone for the given transmitter, repeatedly keep pressing the volume button until you find the best tone to use for it.
• After you've chosen the tone for the given transmitter, it's time to reactivate it. To activate it, press the motion sensor present on it. After confirming the tone, the receiver tends to produce a beep.
• If you have unwontedly set up a tone on the transmitter where you wanted to have another tone, consider reading the following sentence. Press the motion button to continue finding the right tone for the transmitter and once you have done it, reactivate it. 

The pairing mode of the devices is needed for every transmitter. If you want to code two or more transmitters simultaneously, consider following the 2nd and 3rd steps mentioned above. 

 

Mounting the receiver

Firstly decide the place where you want your receiver to be mounted. Take the screws that are usually included with the driveway alarm. If they are omitted, take some nails or screws and have every 2.6 inches away from the other. Drill the holes into your wall and then tighten the screws with the mount, which will carry the receiver.

 

How to reset all the sensors?

You might need to follow these steps if you want to reset the settings and customize your sensors and transmitters. 

• To reset the sensors, press and hold the MODE and volume buttons and keep waiting until the flashes of the LED become slow. 
• Now all you have to do is hold while pressing the MODE button for approximately five seconds, keep hold of it until all the LEDs flash quickly, and then turn it off. Now your receiver is reset, and the settings are gone.
• To learn how to set up the sensors again, read the steps above in the blog.

 

How to install a driveway transmitter on your property?

The most critical and confusing part is to find the right angle and position for placing your transmitter to keep a steady eye on your driveway and remain notified of someone's arrival. If it is not installed at a proper angle, then you might find it challenging to remain accurately aware. Here is our recommendation of angles where your driveway alarm should be installed.

 

• Our dearest recommendation is to mount the system's motion sensor at least 3 to 4 feet above the ground, which is about 1 meter. Try placing it on a sturdy surface but not on metal. You can take a piece of wood or place it on a nearby tree.
• The eye of the sensor should be straight and precisely directed toward the area you want to cover using the driveway alarm system. The eye sensor will instantly notify your receiver if any kind of motion has happened and has been caught in the sensor.

 

Important note:

Another essential thing to know before installing it is to test the sensor to ensure that the area you want to cover is getting covered up. If the eye of the sensor doesn't entirely cover the area, try to change the angle and point the eye straight towards the desired location, and then complete the installation process.

 

You should not place your sensor at a location where it will have contact with the sunlight, and the sun's rays might directly fall into the sensor's eye. The reason for doing this is that direct sunlight in the eye might trigger false alarms sometimes and won't be able to accurately capture a motion. It might also harm the condition of the sensor.

 

Tools that you are going to need for installation

You will require a lot of tools to mount and install the sensor in the desired location. Here is a list of essential tools you will require to install it.

• Pencil (to mark out all of the required measurements)
• Screwdriver (to tighten the screws in the stand)
• An electric drill with either 3/32" or 7/32" drill bits (to hole the places where screws will be tightened)
• Hammer (optional)

Here is a briefing on how the tools will be used in different steps of the installation process:

• Mark the holes where it will be mounted with a pencil.
• If you are installing the driveway alarm on a wooden stand, you might only need to use the included screws. Take out your drill and start drilling in all the pilot holes using the recommended drill bits to a depth of about ¾" inches. This will help you avoid stripping the screws, and the sensor will be mounted firmly.
• If you are installing it on any other surface apart from the wood, which might be a bricked wall or masonry, you need to do things differently. You are going to need the included screws and some anchors. Drill all the holes using recommended drill bits to a depth of 1 inch. After drilling the holes, tap the anchors into the holes carefully by using a hammer until the anchors are wholly joined with the mounting surface.
• After completing the above step, remove the bracket base and screw it to where the sensor will be mounted. 
• The sunshade should be screwed and attached to the shaft of your bracket placed.
• Secure the screws by replacing the sunshade.
• After completing the above step, take the ball onto the fixed base and gently tighten it. Don't try to tighten it up as much as you can. 
• Now that the installation is completed, you might need to adjust the angle sensor so it can exactly cover up the desired location that you want to be captured. Also, don't forget to test it to find the right and precise angle. 

FAQs

What to do if my receiver suddenly stops notifying me through sound?

The main reason behind this problem can be the batter. It might be displaced or expired, so you need to change it. Another reason is that the receiver might be out of range from the transmitter. Also, check that the transmitters are paired with the receiver.

Is it easy to adjust the driveway alarm on your own?

The answer is yes since it isn't that difficult to install it on your own without seeking the help of any professional. With the proper guidance we have provided above, and by following each step carefully, you can comfortably install the sensor yourself.