DIY Perimeter Alarm To Protect Your Home & Camp
No matter where you’re staying, whether it’s at home or out in the woods, it’s important to have some sort of security in place. A DIY perimeter alarm is an inexpensive and easy way to protect your precious home or camp from unwanted and unexpected intruders.
What is a Perimeter Alarm?
Perimeter alarms are surprisingly simple devices used to detect and notify you of any breach in security. Generally, it requires some type of sensor like an infrared or acoustic detector, and once triggered by a person or object entering a predetermined area, the alarm will sound an alert.
Benefits of a DIY Perimeter Alarm
- Cheap and easy to build.
- No need for monthly monitoring.
- Can be adjusted to different conditions.
- Can be customized for specific situations.
- Offers peace of mind knowing a potential intruder is deterred.
DIY Perimeter Alarm Components
The components you’ll need for a DIY perimeter alarm are fairly straightforward. The most important items are the sensors, which can be acquired quite cheaply. This can be a wide variety of sensors such as infrared, motion, sound, etc. Depending on the type of alarm you’re looking to build, you may also need to be equipped with computers, controllers, and even a siren.
Connecting and Setting Up
Table 1 lists the components of a given DIY perimeter alarm. After purchasing the necessary components, it’s time to start connecting them up. The majority of the connections will be simply connecting the sensors to the controller or computer using cables.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Detects intrusion |
| Controller/Computer | Handles the decision-making process |
| Cables | Connects various components |
| Siren | Emits an audible alert |
Once the components are connected, you’ll need to properly configure the systems. This will involve programming in various parameters like how far away a person has to be before the alarm goes off, if the sensors should detect movement in the dark, and other settings.
Maintaining Your DIY Perimeter Alarm
Your DIY perimeter alarm is only as strong as its weakest point and should be routinely checked for any potentially faulty connections or issues with any of the components. You should also be aware of changes to the environment in which the alarm is located such as new roads near the perimeter, new trees, etc.
In the end, a DIY perimeter alarm offers a low-cost and efficient method of increasing the security around your home or camp. With some basic knowledge and the right components, you should be able to set up an effective security system at a fraction of the cost of the commercial alternatives.
