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creeky
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# Posted: 8 Apr 2015 08:03pm
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I just installed a new system (almond 2015). it was pretty cheap (150 with a bunch of stuff) as I needed a range extender for my wifi at the farm anyway.
basically it's a zigbee/wifi home automation system with IFTTT (if this, then that).
So now when someone walks in my yard at night a light will turn on and the event and time will be recorded.
If I had a camera, a picture could be taken (my hunting camera could be triggered by the light in the night???)
I'll wait on that. I'm just happy a light will go on if I go to the washroom at 2 in the morning.
Also this thing will lock / unlock doors, keep a list of activities detected, ie. a door was opened, closed, a light went on off ...
and I can check to make sure everything is okay/off/on whatever, from my tablet whenever I like.
it has a great convenience factor. and the fact it helps defend against those who can't understand that less is less ... theft doesn't just make the thief poor (cheaters never prosper). it makes everybody poor.
I'll go with martha, "this is a good thing."
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Littlecooner
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# Posted: 8 Apr 2015 09:18pm
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"My insurance company asked me to take down the neighbor's signs that say "we don't call 911" and "Caution, Firearms in Use, Keep Out"."
Do you have an Idiot for a insurance agent? l What is wrong with this guy?
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cabinbiscuits
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# Posted: 9 Apr 2015 08:00pm
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Many of us have posted our stories of theft and damage at our camps/properties/cabins in this thread. These poor folks had their entire cabin stolen.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/04/09/family-going-to-visit-their-beloved-cabin- in-the-woods-makes-a-head-scratching-discovery/
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JDPugh
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# Posted: 9 Apr 2015 09:28pm
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Wow.....now they steal the cabin to !!!
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JDPugh
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# Posted: 9 Apr 2015 09:36pm
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Cabinbiscuits and I read the same news sites no doubt !!!
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AK Seabee
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# Posted: 9 Apr 2015 09:41pm
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WOW 👽
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FishHog
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# Posted: 10 Apr 2015 07:46am
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well the good news is that they found the stolen cabin.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/apr/09/stolen-cabin-found-outside-springdale/
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KinAlberta
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# Posted: 13 Aug 2015 07:26pm - Edited by: KinAlberta
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Just wondering if anyone has created any kind of hidden bolt/latch/lock.
We have some sheds (boathouse, garage, etc.) that I'm thinking of better securing...
Basically I was thinking of an interior barricade drop down bar with a cable attached. The cable would run to the back of the shed through the way to some innocent looking piece of trim, or something.
So if they cut the padlock off or try to kick in the door they'll just waste a lot of energy.
This is unrelated but cool...
Hate Keys? You'll Never Have to Lock This Invisible Secret Door
http://gizmodo.com/5978708/youll-never-have-to-lock-this-invisible-secret-entrance-do or
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KinAlberta
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2016 03:06am - Edited by: KinAlberta
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On my city home I've put a Bolt Buddy on a couple of the house's exterior doors and then just reinforced a door with carriage bolts through the frame for a door on my second garage.
I've also put a security strike box in the frame for the deadbolt's bolt on one door. On the front door which has glass sidelights all I could do was put an extra tall double strike plate. (Though a bolt buddy would work really well there too now that I think about it.)... Edit: I actually see that that is exactly what they've done in the photo in the first link below.
http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server4700/uz2pydgj/products/316/images/718/Bolt_Buddy_on _Grey_Door__57437__90551.1361474808.1280.1280.JPG?c=2
http://www.affordablelocksmiths.com/bolt-buddy/
http://www.boltbuddy.com/boltbuddy.htm
Metal Strike box
http://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-9539-Strike-Plated/dp/B000H5Y7NE
There's also full height frame reinforcement bars that can be installed between the frame and the stud. Nothing would split those door frames open.
http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Homes-International-55724-Reinforcer/dp/B003P5KJJO/ref=pd_ sim_sbs_60_8?ie=UTF8&dpID=31Q3U7ByXJL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID= 0JWSHCP88WWVRC3JDYD3
This cheap reinforcer (it doesn't look very robust) is like my DIY bolt buddy, but I used carriage bolts through the brickmould and into a heavy plate on the inside to reinforce the frame.
http://www.amazon.com/StrikeMaster-II-Door-Edge-Pro/dp/B00IPUD8WE/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_ 24?ie=UTF8&dpID=31Z4JyZxkyL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_SL500_SR135%2C135_&refRID=04RWFNMTT38TA VQFGF8Q
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 15 Jan 2016 01:25pm
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I've been revisiting this thread as it is becoming somewhat relevant to me now. I've been pondering some type of Stand Alone security system and considering something like DIY Cabin / Camp / Cottage Alarm Security System Kit
Has anyone here installed said beast ?
Or something similar which you can provide a link to ?
What's your experience been with such a system ?
Thanks in Advance
Steve
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 16 Jan 2016 11:28am
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These are $58 on clearance at Walmart right now:
URL
It uses Verizon CDMA service to call, which may be a problem for some.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 16 Jan 2016 01:15pm
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Steve,
I'm not sure if this kit will disable after an alarm cycle? Let's say someone forces a door open, setting off the alarm. The alarm is programmed to run for x minutes. If the door switch is still open at the end of the cycle (rude burglar didn't close door after kicking in...) will it start the siren cycle all over? If so it'll keep cycling until the battery runs down or a neighbor (possibly trying to sleep) disconnects with a shotgun or flame thrower.
If it does disable, then you'll have to manually reset before it'll sound again. Hopefully you get a call telling you it went off so you can reset and assess asap. Either way, it would be a good detail to know prior to purchase.
I'm building my own system, and have my contact phone on the cabin door. If the sheriff does have to come out, he'll be able to contact me. Also I'll alert my (somewhat distant) neighbors prior to install, and leave them with a fridge magnet card with sheriff's # and my # so they don't have to figure out a lot at 3am or whenever.
SE Ohio
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Donkeydave
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2016 08:49pm
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Well I finally got through all 13 pages of this which I felt that I had to do because I would feel silly repeating what someone else already posted.
Good Lord! There sure are a lot of slimy people out there. It saddens me. I never realized before that it was such a major issue. I wouldn't steal and I guess it's human nature to assume that everyone thinks like we do.
We won't be building until spring but I have a couple of ideas. I like the idea of leaving the place unlocked and having a guest book on the table along with some instructions or even a recipe for camp bread.
The other idea is to dig a cellar which I would line with pressure treated plywood and put a shed on top of it. The shed would contain garbage cans with dog food, garbage, donkey grain and such that most thieves wouldn't bother to steal. The shed would have a removable floor which would hide some things I didn't want to haul home like batteries and a propane tank. Who knows, maybe if the ground isn't too hard to dig, it could be a pretty big cellar.
Any thoughts?
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neb
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2016 09:31pm
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I have been very lucky I guess compared to a lot of the posts I read. I don't even have a lock on my cabin door but anyone would have a hard time getting through the door. It has to be opened a certain way and it needs an object to move and push the mechanism to open it. Lol
My little work shed I do lock but it could be broke into very easy anyway. If they want in they could go through the windows. I will install a lock on my cabin door at sometime.
My cabin is very remote in a canyon that is a stead climb with some narrow ledges with long drop offs. It is also hidden fairly well. I know all of this wouldn't stop a thief but I have not had a soul in there. Eyes in the sky have told me so. My cabin is also in a box canyon with one way in and one way out.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 27 Jan 2016 12:56pm
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I left my place unlocked for a while, but things disappeared. Lost a Coleman burner-top oven, power inverter, boom-box radio, backpack, etc. Thus started locking up, haven't lost anything indoors since. Since then I've had some half-hearted attempts to pry open the rear door, etc. Outdoors I've lost a locked bike (~$25 value at a flea market), a game camera and a rather beat up and rusty .22 spinner target.
So, locked up or not, the burglars still come around "shopping".
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Donkeydave
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# Posted: 27 Jan 2016 01:30pm
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"So, locked up or not, the burglars still come around "shopping""
Well, good point. I guess if you're a scum bag an unlocked door isn't going to change that.
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RichInTheUSA
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# Posted: 28 Jan 2016 07:05am
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Recurring issue with "shoppers"? How about going into stake out mode? Or using game cameras to do the job for you?
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 29 Jan 2016 03:11pm
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Quoting: RichInTheUSA Recurring issue with "shoppers"? How about going into stake out mode? Or using game cameras to do the job for you?
I thought I would at least have a picture of them last time, but then I saw they took the game camera, too! I think they used my picnic table on end as a ladder to get it, standing on tip-toes as I had it up a good 15-16 feet on a tree.
If I did get their picture, I'm resigned to having "proof of trespassing" unless they are shown holding burglary tools or an object that disappeared. If the object is less than $$$, then it is misdemeanor level theft. So unless the guy is on probation or parole, I don't think a photo is gonna amount to much. I'll be lucky to find someone to i.d. a photo if I get one.
As far as staking out, only in my dreams. I live 90 miles away and can only get there on weekends generally. The burglars likely aren't encumbered with long hours of employment so can probably visit during the week when nobody is around. My chances of being staked out on the 1-3 days a year a thief comes prowling are pretty small.
That being said, I'm focusing on prevention. I'm going to put game cameras up higher (20') with the idea that if noticed these guys might get camera shy and go somewhere else. I'll have a mix of working and non-working, non-working just to overwhelm them with numbers. But they might come back with a tree-climbing deer stand... I'm not guaranteed to win!
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Donkeydave
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# Posted: 29 Jan 2016 03:19pm
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I'm still waiting to hear opinions on hiding a cellar under the shed.
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RichInTheUSA
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# Posted: 29 Jan 2016 04:59pm
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Ohio... Makes sense to focus on prevention then...
Donkeydave... on the hidden cellar.... I like the idea of a cellar under the shed. But you really couldn't put too much heavy stuff in it... unless you were prepared to do the lifting.
I thought of a small shipping container buried into the side of a hill in the woods... then cover the front of it? Kinda like the bat cave. haha.
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SteveN
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2016 09:50am
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Things like this make me soooo angry:
http://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/news/thieves-strip-new-brunswick-cottage-of-windows-a nd-doors/ar-BBoINc8?ocid=spartandhp
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kittysmitty
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2016 04:49pm
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The key is to focus on prevention and deterrent. Most thieves are lazy. First do as much as you can to make them work hard. Multiple locks with protection, windows protected with steel grids, shutters, etc. Slow them down. Hopefully they will realize it's too much time consuming work and leave.
I have a 3 Stage approach. First, visible deterrents. Have your trail cameras, web cams, alarm sensors and status lights visible, so they think twice before coming on your property. Second, have things that make them think twice, before they try to get in. A motion sensor light, a motion sensor that triggers a radio. A friend of mine has one of those driveway sensors that sounds an alarm if someone come in the driveway. Anything to make them think twice. Simple alarm on the screen door, etc. Third is what I call my "3 strikes and your out". If they are stupid to get in, be prepared! I won't go into details, but be creative.
You want to stop them before they break in. Little good is a picture of someone walking out with your stuff with the doors and windows smashed out. We know how the courts work.
This might sound a little over the top, but I work hard for my stuff.
On a side note, I set up all but one of my mouse traps outside the cabin. Only one inside that has never been tripped in twelve years. The outside ones are always "full" any time I check them.
Moral of the story; "Stop them before they get inside"
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Jebediah
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2016 06:14pm - Edited by: Jebediah
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Quoting: SteveN Things like this make me soooo angry
SteveN, Its almost like it was an inside job, meaning someone new the owners wouldn't be there for some time. I don't even like having contractors come onto my cottage property, but there are things I can't do by myself.
Before I bought this cottage it was broken into while it was for sale. The thief was caught, but for months afterwards I used to pack up my truck with things I thought thieves would like to steal when I left, unload it at home and then pack it all into the truck when I wanted to go back to the cottage. It got to be a real headache after a while and when I thought about it there was always stuff left behind as I couldn't pack up everything. Now I don't worry about it, its just stuff and I can sleep at night! If they want it they are going to get it no matter what I do.
When I was living in Ontario my house was broken into once and a few family heirlooms were taken. I actually led the police to the culprit. I was a Firefighter working nightshift when my place was broken into, a week later another firefighters place was broken into while he was working nightshift (on a different crew), I wouldn't have known if he had not called me to help him move some furniture....long story short, I knew a firefighter who's son was in and out of jail for theft and that firefighter knew our schedules and that we were both single and living alone at the time.
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Donkeydave
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2016 06:42pm
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With the exception of stealing to eat, thieves should be publicly horse whipped.
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Jebediah
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2016 06:49pm
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Donkeydave, that cellar idea sounds like it might be just as much work I had loading up my truck all the time. But you are right, I don't think the thieves would ever find it.
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 7 Feb 2016 05:35pm
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I mentioned the Straight Talk remote alert system here a few weeks ago. I noticed the other day that Straight Talk had reduced its price to $50, so I took one for the team and ordered a system. Here's where they're for sale:
[url= https://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/shop/otherdevices/remotealert][/url]
Free overnight shipping, includes the control box and one remote motion detector. You also have to purchase a service plan for either $10 a month or $100 for a year.
It works, with some caveats. My situation is that I'm a weekender and my cabin is off-grid. There probably are better choices if you're in your cabin full-time and/or have a land line telephone or full-time broadband connection, which some other systems use in place of the cell phone service the Straight Talk unit uses.
Straight Talk is Wal-Mart's cell phone service. Like all second-tier phone carriers, Straight Talk buys service from the main guys (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon or Sprint). I'm not going to get into this in depth—there are sites that explain this in detail and it's kinda interesting—but when you sign up for a Straight Talk phone, Straight Talk uses your Zip Code to determine which of the main guys is actually going to be the carrier your phone uses and whether or not it's GMS or CDMA.
The Straight Talk remote alert control unit uses only Verizon CDMA cell phone towers to call out. If you don't have a Verizon CDMA tower near your place you're out of luck. From a lot of painful experimentation over the years, I've learned that Verizon CDMA service kinda/sorta works better than any other cell phone service where my cabin is located, so I decided to give it a try.
The instructions said that I needed to register the unit with Straight Talk before powering it up. That process was as hair-pulling as getting any new cell phone registered, but I managed to get through it and bought a one month service plan in about 10 minutes. They I powered up the control box and remote, and I was in business.
When the motion detector senses movement, it lets the control box know, and it then calls the phone numbers you program into it and either sends a text or a voice call. I had hoped you could enter a personalized text message or voice recording but you can't—all it sends out is a generic text saying motion has been detected, or a warbling siren sound for the voice call. Oh, and when you test it, make sure the phone you're having it call displays incoming phone numbers; that's the only way you're going to know what phone number Straight Talk has assigned to your alert system. You'll need to know what this number is.
The reason you need to know the alert system's phone number is there's a smartphone app you can use to arm and disarm the device remotely. It works, but it's ugly. Each time you use it, you have to enter the phone number for the Straight Talk device and a four-digit security code. (You use this code to disarm the device). As instructed, I changed the generic default security code right after I tested the system to see that it worked, however, the smartphone app insisted that I enter the default security code, rather than the new one I had created, which threw me for a while.
What can I say, it works. As soon as my 12-volt to 9-volt step-down converter makes its way here from China (the control unit uses a 9-volt wall wart), I'll hook it up in my cabin, which is two hours away from my home. If I get an alert, about all I can do is call the county sheriff and ask if someone can do a swing by, but what the heck, ten bucks a month for a little more peace of mind is cheap enough.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2016 03:40pm
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Bucky, good info, that's for being the guinea pig too. Report back in a few months and let us know how it holds up etc.
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SE Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2016 03:52pm
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Bucky, looks like Straight Talk system also has a keyfob activator per your link. Might be more convenient to arm/disarm system than entering security code via phone? Now if I could just figure out where to place the motion sensor so that the raccoons and deer don't give me a false alarm. I'm sure the deputy sheriffs like wildlife, but there are limits...
I wonder what the range is on the remote sensor, e.g. how close to the base controller it needs to be?
This could be just what I'm looking for- If a scavenger has a run in with the sheriff at my place, he might not come back for another try.
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2016 05:39pm - Edited by: buckybuck
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Quoting: SE Ohio I wonder what the range is on the remote sensor, e.g. how close to the base controller it needs to be?
Edit-My bad. I mistook your mention of remote for remote fob. The remote sensor works at least 30 feet from the base.
Dunno about the range, but when you're at your cabin, you can just enter your security code on the remote's keypad to disarm it before an alert is sent. Default time is 30 seconds, but you can make it longer, in case you've got a yuge cabin . Smartphone app is a POS, but it does work--I can sit in my house and arm and disarm the device all day long in my cabin, which is 100 miles away.
The remote looks like it's for inside use only. It has a fairly wide coverage range; it shouldn't have any trouble detecting someone inside your cabin. (I can attest that it will detect house cats, so you're probably going to get an alert if raccoons sneak in).
I traveled over to my cabin yesterday; one of the reasons other than it was a nice day was to verify that the Straight Talk remote alert would actually work and call my cell phone, which it did. I know that your cabin is also in my cabin's 'hood, so hopefully Verizon's CDMA antenna (it's on top of a hill off US 50 near Allensville) will reach you.
After I've had mine set up and running for awhile to see how prone it is to false alarms, I plan to stop in at the Vinton County sheriff's office (it's in the back of the county building) and explain what I've got. I haven't talked to anyone there in a couple of years, but last time I did the deputy was helpful and promised to have deputies check on my property whenever someone was in my area.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2016 07:03pm
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Bucky,
My thieves are outdoors, so would like to setup there. Would be great if additional detector could be programmed for a different call or text, the idea being to denote outdoor from indoor detection. I'd be a bit more excited if I knew something was inside my (14x24) cabin.
I do think it is a good idea to let the sheriff's office in on the setup, and stop back occasionally to remind. They seem a bit lax on record keeping, etc. Local police dept is under investigation due to missing property room items!
SE Ohio
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