Motion Detection Alarm

Magnetic sensors are actually used in a wide range of modern-day things from photocopiers to spacecraft. But one of the well-known uses of magnetic sensors are in the home including the motion detection alarm.  The technology is also used in commercial applications, such as in drive-through restaurants, garages, and car shops.

Basically, the alarm uses a motion sensor equipped with a magnetic coil. When the magnetic coil detects moving metal within its coverage area, a signal is sent from the motion sensor to the receiver. In turn, the receiver triggers the alarm, which can be a loud sound or a pleasant chime depending on the unit’s choices. 

Emphasis must be made that the alarm can be triggered only when a vehicle moves within its coverage area. The sensor will not send the signal to the receiver when people and animals are detected for this reason. In case of detection of people and animals, a passive infrared receiver is the better choice. 

One of the more popular magnetic motion sensor alarms is the Mighty Mule Wireless Home Driveway Sensor Alarm System. Let’s take a look at its features, pros and cons in the following sections.

Notable Features

The Mighty Mule magnetic motion sensor alarm consists of three main parts, namely:

·         An in-ground sensor

·         An outdoor transmitter

·         An indoor base

The electromagnetic sensor wand must be buried in a strategic place next to your driveway. You can either put it in place view or partially obstruct it with a shrub for security purposes. You don’t have to bury it too deep, thus, reducing the installation work needed.

Once the electromagnetic sensor wand is buried, the next step is setting up the indoor base station. This is an easy task since there are only a few settings to take care of. Just be sure to read the instructions manual so as to properly set both the sensor wand and indoor base station. 

The Magnetic Mule alarm works in a simple yet effective manner. When a vehicle passes within 3 to 12 feet of the electromagnetic sensor wand, the unit’s outdoor transmitter is activated. In turn, the outdoor transmitter sends a signal to the indoor base station about the new entry into the driveway.

The end result: The indoor base station sounds an alarm, particularly a pleasant chime. You, the property owner and whoever is in your home, will be alerted about the presence of a vehicle. You may or may not consider the vehicle as well as its driver and passengers as welcome, but you have been alerted to their presence.

The Mighty Mule wireless motion detection alarm has limited applications in terms of the types of objects it can and cannot detect. On one hand, its electromagnetic wand sensor can only detect the presence of vehicles (i.e., metal). The incidents of false alarms due to children, animals and objects passing within the wand sensor’s coverage area are reduced, if not eliminated.

On the other hand, its applications can be limited because of the absence of heat-sensing sensors, particularly found in passive infrared technology. Unless you have other security measures in place, you will be largely unaware of the arrival and departure of people and animals on your driveway. You may want to install passive infrared motion detection sensors in place to make up for the deficiency. 

But if your main concern is being alerted about the arrival of a vehicle into your property, then the Mighty Mule is a great product to consider.  You can use it for other applications, too, such as monitoring parked recreational vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and even boats.

The wireless driveway motion sensor system also compliments Mighty Mule products, particularly the low-battery indicator feature. You’re well-advised to purchase the feature since it will contribute to effective use and maintenance. You will be alerted when the two AA batteries are on their last legs and, thus, must be replaced.

In summary, the Mighty Mule Wireless Home Driveway Sensor Alarm System has the following features:

·         With in-ground electromagnetic sensor wand, outdoor transmitter, and indoor base station for a complete magnetic motion sensor system

·         With ability to detect mass metal moving within its 3 to 12 feet radius

·         With pleasant chime once the alarm is triggered

·         Requires 2 AA batteries (separately purchased)

·         Compliments low-battery indicator feature in Mighty Mule products

With these standard features, you will likely agree that it’s not the best motion detection alarm available. But it will suffice for many homes and businesses with moderate security needs. 

Pros of the Product

The Mighty Mule Wireless Home driveway motion detection alarm system is a satisfactory product based on these advantages in use:

·         Weatherproof outdoor wand sensor and transmitter

·         Fast and easy installation

·         Convenient use

·         Multiple residential and commercial applications

·         No false alarm from people and pets

·         Long-range distance between wand sensor and indoor base (400 feet)

·         Pleasurable chime for alarm

Cons of the Product

But a few customers are skeptical of the Mighty Mule Wireless Home Driveway Sensor Alarm System, no thanks to these disadvantages:

·         Chime can’t be heard over the television or radio (i.e., too quiet unless you’re near the indoor base and paying attention to it)

·         Limited detection of intruders particularly people and animals (i.e., magnetic sensor only detects moving metal)

·          Limited adjustment of the sound and range

Who Is It Best For?

The Mighty Mule wireless sensor alarm system is suitable for property owners, whether home or business, who are looking for a motion detector that:

·         Can be used to monitor the arrivals and departures of vehicles in and out of their property

·         Can be applied in commercial applications like a drive-through restaurant

·         Can reduce the incidence of false alarms

Again, you must be aware of its limitations. You cannot use it to monitor your children’s and pets’ activities, for example.

Verdict - Should I Buy It?

The Mighty Mule Wireless Home Driveway Sensor Alarm System has a few limitations in use. Despite these limitations, you may still want to purchase it because of its advantages. You may integrate it with other security measures, such as closed circuit television, passive infrared motion sensors, and floodlights, for better results.