Re: Non mains system

[Paul O'Grady <Paul-O@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Frank Olson wrote:
> Paul O'Grady wrote:
>> Frank Olson wrote:
>>> Paul O'Grady wrote:
>>>> Hi guys.
>>>>
>>>> Newbie here. I need to protect 3 containers in a field. They will be
>>>> fenced in eventually. Will have mains on eventually but even the
>>>> meter box needs planning permission so nothing happening soon on
>>>> that front.
>>>> I've had two visits already. I live miles away and I need to use
>>>> these containers asap. Any ideas anyone?
>>>>
>>>> In language I can understand please.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks.  Paul
>>>
>>>
>>> A cellular communicator coupled to a standard off-the-shelf alarm
>>> panel would more than suit your needs.  You'll need contacts for the
>>> container doors (wide gap type used in overhead doors would work).
>>> If you're filling the containers with goods, I doubt a motion sensor
>>> would work all that well unless it was a ceiling mounted unit.  If
>>> the containers are unheated, I would suggest you refrain from using
>>> motion sensors. You can power your alarm panel with a car battery for
>>> several days (and it would be easy to recharge from your own
>>> vehicle).  Connect it to the AC inputs (polarity doesn't matter) and
>>> use a standard gel cell battery hooked up to the panel's battery
>>> leads.  This should work for you without the need for solar cells or
>>> expensive long-range radio gear.
>>>
>>> Good luck!
>>
>> This is more like it. Thank you Frank.
>>
>> I will be out of range of radio gear so a cell phone connection is a
>> must. Your comment about motion sensors and heat is an interesting one
>> that I haven't heard before. I've already got a quote to install mains
>> but the 2ftx2ft brick box they want to put the meter in requires ANOTHER
>>  planning application which can and usually does take up to 8 weeks.
>> Once the mains are in I will be doing it properly but meantime I need
>> a cheapish foolproof thing that will work. Door sensors and a siren
>> will do it because I intend to put another welded gate inside which
>> will give the time needed for someone to get there. I had envisaged
>> using motion detectors because if they turn up with oxy-acetylene,
>> bang goes the time buffer.
>>
>> Can you give me specifics? What I need and where to get them?
>>
>> FYI I'm building an activity day center based on archery. I can't turn
>> up on the day with 50 people and find no equipment. It just doesn't
>> bear thinking about.
>>
>> Thanks again.
>>
>> Paul
>
>
> I can give you part numbers but that wouldn't mean much since your in GB
> and I'm in Canada.  I'd contact a company more "local" to you to get the
> scoop.  You can try contacting:
>
> http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/englanddealers.htm
>
> Most of the panels out there operate with 12VDC devices.  I'd suggest
> adding a radio receiver to the mix and use a button keyfob to arm and
> disarm the system (keep the doors on an "instant zone").  Most panels
> can be set up to "blip" the siren when you arm/disarm (similar to what
> you get with a car alarm).  Unless the units are heated, I would advise
> against using traditional PIR (Passive Infra-Red) type motion sensors
> and I don't think you'll have much success with micro-wave based units
> in a steel container.  Don't put up any signage and I'd venture to say
> that most of your break-in attempts will be made through the doors.  The
> siren may scare them away, but most will just ignore it (or find the
> source and disable it).  The fact that the system is notifying you
> remotely will be a big plus as most won't expect that.
>
> My younger son is into Kyudo (traditional Japanese archery).

Thanks again Frank. I understand the concept. It's when you get to
different names and model numbers that things get confusing for a novice
but I'll get there.
Archery in general is gaining in popularity again (Back in the Olympics
again and will be in the Commonwealth games in 2010). The American urge
to kill everything has lead to the development of the compound bow which
is more and more powerful/mechanical and accurate due to the use of
telescopic sights. You hardly ever see an American site dealing with
traditional archery nowadays. Good to see that there is still some
interest in the old ways. I wish him and you all the best.

Paul