As technology, in general, becomes easy to use, many people find that configuring their own security system isn't as difficult as it once was. Many opt for security cameras and alarms as part of these systems.
But, what about the driveway? Driveway alarms are becoming more and more common. In fact, police often recommend driveway alarms to help deter vehicle theft.
It makes sense. A wireless driveway alarm detects cars, people, and anything that enters your driveway.
Components of a Long-range Wireless Driveway Alarm
There are many different types of wireless driveway alarms but all work in a similar fashion. They usually include two main parts: a wireless driveway motion sensors and a wireless driveway sensor.
You can mount plug-in receivers in a convenient location of your choice. The receivers come in several forms.
Wireless Driveway Motion Sensors
You can purchase beam sensors, motion sensors, hose sensors, and probe sensors.
Each comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. This makes it important for consumers to understand their needs before choosing an alarm system.
Beam, probe, and hose sensors are great for detecting movement across a designated point, like your car or the driveway's edge. The most effective type of sensor is the motion sensor.
Motion sensors use infrared to detect movement, whether by people, animals, or vehicles. Plus, the cover a wide range. For these reasons, motion sensors are the most commonly used.
Sometimes motion sensors work too well, in that they pick up even innocuous movement, such as a squirrel running by. If these false alarms happen regularly, it can be frustrating.
On the other hand, your wireless driveway alarm system may have sensitivity settings that enable you to avoid too many false alarms.
Considerations for Purchasing Wireless Driveway Alarm Systems
There are other features to consider when shopping for a wireless driveway alarm systems for your property.
Depending on your needs, consider the system's quality, customization features, and ease of installation.
Take a look at our reviews of some of the most popular wireless driveway alarm systems on the market.
Chamberlain CWPIR Weatherproof Outdoor/Driveway Wireless Motion Alarm
You may have heard of the Chamberlain name when it comes to garage doors. They happen to make a quality wireless driveway alarm as well.
Chamberlain's smart driveway alarm comes with a wireless driveway sensor and a receiver. You can add up to four additional sensors if needed.
The driveway alarm system alerts you with both light and sound when something breaks the sensor line. The system detects motion up to 30 feet in front of the sensor.
It can notify the receiver from almost a half a mile away. Note, however, that the sensor and receiver need to be within each other's line-of-sight to function.
Sensor Settings
The Chamberlain smart driveway alarm allows you to change the sensitivity settings of the sensors.
You can set it to detect even small animals or you can set it to ignore smaller movements. It will alert you only when something larger (such as a person) breaks the sensor line.
Also, you can program each sensor with a unique sound and light notifications. That way, you'll know right away which one has been triggered. These sensors have a 120-degree viewing angle. They can sense motion up to thirty feet away.
Chamberlain Durability
Chamberlain smart driveway alarm is quite durable. Its sensors are reliable, weatherproof, and tough enough to work through inclement weather.
The receiver is not quite as tough; you will want to keep that unit indoors or in a protected area. If you do that, then you shouldn't experience any problems with this system.
Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm
The Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm is more expensive than the Chamberlain. Though, it comes with several customizable features as well as expansion capabilities.
Those extras make the investment worth it. In addition, the Guardline comes with a lifetime warranty. Given that the sensors are not weatherproof, you may use that warranty. (The sensors do come with a weatherproof hood.)
The warranty is also welcome insurance if you live in a climate subject to extreme weather conditions.
The Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm comes with an ample instruction manual. Don't worry; it is easy to set up this system. Set up the receiver and sensor within a 40-foot range of one another.
Features
The receiver is compact. You can program it to monitor four different zones. Each zone can comprise of up to 12 sensors.
You have your choice of 20 high-decibel ringer volumes. So, you can customize all 12 of those sensor chimes to designated locations.
Note that "high-decibel" is an apt description. The chimes are LOUD, which works well if you have a large property. You may find it a bit much if yours is a smaller space. Luckily, the alert volume is adjustable.
Custom Settings
The Guardline sensor sensitivity is fine enough to minimize false alarms. You can set it to ignore quick-moving objects like birds and squirrels. You can also choose the photosensor option rather than infrared detection.
The custom settings continue with a sleep timer. You can set the sleep timer between alarms if you find they are going off too frequently.
You can also deactivate them all together for up to 60 minutes if you are leaving hone or expecting company.
Battery Life
Because the Guardline Driveway Alarm allows so many sensors for the receiver, it shortens battery life. Though, the batteries should last you about a year with average property traffic.
Rodann Electronics Wireless Driveway Alarm System
The Rodann Electronics Wireless Driveway Alarm System cost about the same as the Guardline. Though, the design is for a different setting. While is a simple system, it is the best choice for large properties.
It is also one of the most durable systems around because of the compact size and weatherproofing. The Rodann comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.
Setting Up the System
The Rodann Electronics Wireless Driveway Alarm System comes with one receiver and one sensor. The wireless transmission range extends up to 1,000 feet, and you can add up to four additional sensors per receiver.
The system is easy to configure. You have the option of using a power supply or batteries for the receiver. This comes in handy if you choose to add extra sensors, which of course use more power.
Each receiver has four different chimes. You can set up the sensors up to 2,000 feet from the receiver. This comes in handy if you have a garage, shed, or barn that you want to monitor from the house.
Features
The Rodann alarm system uses Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor technology. The PIR sensors are extra sensitive but don't react to sunlight, headlights, shadows, reflections, or colors.
A feature unique to the Rodann system apart is the five-digit LCD traffic counter that you can reset any time.
This feature makes this system perfect if you have a large property but don't see many visitors. What visitors you have you can keep track of. The traffic counters part of the receiver, which makes it resetting it convenient.
In terms of customization, the system is pretty basic other than the traffic counter and chime selections.
The Rodann Driveway Alarm System is weather-proof and compact, which reduces exposure to the elements. This durability makes it ideal for larger properties.
Skylink HA-434RTL
The Skylink HA-434RTL Infrared System works like the others. Only, it has unique LED warning lights. When someone or something triggers the sensor, the LEDs flash and sound an alarm. The audio alarm can go as high as 95 decibels.
Other Features
You can also add up to 16 additional sensors. This makes it suitable for larger residential properties. The sensors have a good range. You can place them up to 800 feet away from the receiver with no issues.
The Skylink system has decent battery life, with the battery lasting for over a year. The built-in low battery indicator will alert you when it's time to replace it.
Compatibility With Other Skylink Products
Another strong feature is that this driveway security system is compatible with other Skylink products. Skylink manufactures a complementary garage door, along with window and water alert sensors.
Sensors Are Not Weatherproof
Of course, you can use Skylink HA-434RTL sensors outdoors. Though, they are not waterproof, which means they are not weatherproof.
You will have to find a way to protect them from exposure rain and any irrigation system you may have in place.
Mighty Mule Smart Driveway Alarm
The Mighty Mule Smart Driveway Alarm stands apart from other driveway alarm systems because it is a wand with an electromagnetic sensor. You use it to detect automobiles as they come and go from your driveway.
Features
The system ignores smaller entities like children and small animals. The Mighty Mule recognizes metal objects of minimum size as they come into range. That range is approximately between three and twelve feet from the sensor.
This system comes with an outdoor transmitter and a receiver. The wand sends messages to the receiver and can do so from a distance of up to 400 feet. It alerts you with an audible chime.
You program your Mighty Mule driveway alarm to detect ATVs, motorcycles, and even RVs. You need two AA batteries for the sensor. There is a battery indicator on the receiver to indicate when it's time to replace them.
You'll also receive a stake in your kit that will help bury the sensor wand close to the driveway.
A Few Detractors
One drawback the Mighty Mule smart driveway alarm is the wand's height. The wand extends about 30 inches from the ground. As a result, a heavy wind can shift the wand. If you live in a windy area, this can be problematic.
Another concern is the low chime volume. If enough ambient noise surrounds the receiver, you may not hear the alert.
Which Wireless Driveway Alarm System Is for You?
All these systems are pretty similar in technology and features. Your decision will rest in the smaller details that suit your preferences and property. Your selection depends on the size of the property and the area you need to secure.
For Smaller Properties
If yours is a smaller commercial or residential property, the Chamberlain Wireless Motion Alert Security System is a good choice. It's a good, basic wireless system at a good price. You'll find it easy to use and customize to your property.
For Larger Properties
If you have a larger property or one with multiple structures like garages and outbuildings, use the Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm.
It can accommodate several sensors and zones. That will give you extra security coverage.
The Guardline is higher in price, but the extra coverage and customization options are indispensable. Keep in mind that it will hold up better in milder climates.
For Commercial Properties
If yours is a large industrial or commercial property like a warehouse or farm, the Rodann Wireless Driveway Alarm is the only wireless system with the needed range. It's also the only driveway system that has a traffic counter.
This system is not sophisticated. But, it gets the job done when you have a large area to secure with its 1,000-foot sensitivity range.
Some Final Tips
Whichever wireless driveway alarm system you choose, owning one makes a world of difference. Though, be sure you place the sensor(s) about halfway down the drive.
Placing it where the drive meets the street would trigger too many false alarms.
Choose the system that works best for your environment as well as your budget. Consider the ranges will accommodate your home or business's landscape.
Know that foliage and hills will shorten the system's range. Keep that in mind while shopping.
The systems reviewed here are the best the best the market has to offer. Any of them will serve you well, and alert you to visitors before they catch you off guard.
Hopefully, this information will help you make an informed decision. Please revisit our website for more product review articles.