Worried about intruders in your property? Guardline may have the solution for you. Their long range detectors can find potential burglars from far off.
For most home security systems, the solution offered is to alert you when burglars are already inside your home. Sure, they also offer outdoor cameras, but then they’re often used for just the immediate area around the house. But Guardline offers a different strategy.
Guardline specializes in motion detectors, and some of their models have ranges that work very well in the open country. If you have a large property to oversee, then these motion detectors and driveway alarms can make sure you’re alerted well before they even approach your home.
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Guardline ¼ Mile Range Outdoor Motion Alert Set
This is a set that’s made up of 2 items. First you have the receiver, and then you have the sensor. The set also includes an AC adapter for the receiver, a sun shield for the sensor, and the mounting hardware.
All these go for a total of about $160. However, you can pay extra and get extra motion detectors. Add another sensor and the price goes to $230. That’s actually a bargain, since you only pay an extra $70. If you buy the ¼ mile sensor separately, it’ll cost you $90.
Get a total of 10 sensors for the receiver and the total cost is only $682. Do the math and you’ll find that the extra 9 sensors only cost $58 each. However, the most popular is to get 4 sensors with the receiver, and that set will cost $358. The 4 motion detectors should be enough to watch over all general directions.
These sensors can be installed up to a fourth of a mile away from the receiver. The sensor uses passive infrared, so it detects heat movement. The range of the sensor detection is 40 feet, with a viewing radius of 9 to 12 degrees. Basically, it acts like an invisible tripwire.
Each receiver can actually support up to 16 sensors. You can program them to work in 4 zones, with 4 sensors for each zone. Your receiver notes which sensors detected the possible intruder and you’ll have a general idea of where they are. There are 30 different alarm tones and you can adjust the volume of the alarm. You can match a different chime to a particular sensor so you which detectors have sent an alert. Don’t worry, those alarms are loud.
Installation
With the mounting hardware included, you can mount the sensors to posts, trees, fences, and walls. These are all weatherproof, and they’re able to work in temperatures ranging from 140 down to -4 degrees. These have hoods for additional protection.
The sensors are powered by batteries, and when they need replacement the receiver flashes lights for low battery power. The sensors need 4 AA batteries, and you may want to check out ways on using solar panels to power your batteries.
The receiver is mainly powered by the 12V AC receiver, though you can put in 4 AAA batteries for backup in case of power outage.
Reliable Range
It’s easy enough to assume that the supposed ¼ of a mile range of the sensors (measured from the receiver) may be somewhat exaggerated. That’s a common enough practice with marketing and advertising pros.
Maybe it’s even true, in a perfect setting that’s not so realistic. But the truth is that the Seattle-based Guardline actually tested their devices in real world conditions. The range holds true, even with buildings, walls, and trees in between the sensors and the receivers.
However, it is also true that the some situations can decrease the wireless range. Extremely heavy interference is always a problem. This can be due to extra-thick walls and metal sidings. The wireless range may also shorten if there’s a hill or lots of trees in between your sensors and your receiver.
If you do get to shorten the range a little bit, you’ll find that it doesn’t raise too many false alarms. It’s been tested to work in forests, and in heavy rains, gusty winds, and even hailstorms. You can expect it to work in snowy or extremely hot environments.
FAQs
Are there other types of sensors?
Yes. There are shorter range detectors that are more affordable, and work best in your driveway.
Then Guardline also has systems that detect metal (which helps in detecting approaching vehicles). One has a range of 2500 feet, and another has a range of 4 miles. There’s even a solar-powered version, so it can take advantage of how it’s out in the sun day in and day out.
What’s the warranty?
If you buy a Guardline-branded gadget, the warranty is for 2 years. However, Guardline sells a number of other gadgets from other brands, and most of those come with a 1-year warranty.
You do have a 3o-day return or exchange guarantee, regardless of what brand you bought from the Guardline seller website.
Is 16 sensors the limit?
That’s the limit to each receiver. However, there’s no limit to the number of receivers you can get. So potentially, there’s no limit to the number of sensors you can use either.
What are the other gadgets for sale from Guardline?
Guardline offers indoor and outdoor motion sensors, along with the batteries and accessories. It also sells intercom systems and wireless doorbells.
Are there any discounts?
There is if you are currently serving or have served in the military. You can then enjoy a 10% discount on all items, even if you’re just a reservist or retired. The discount also is available for the immediate family of current and former military personnel.
What if I have other questions?
You can have them answered by reaching out to the Guardline customer support. You can send them an email to [email protected], or visit the Guardline website and have a live chat. You can also call at 888-519-0413.
However, they’re only available during business hours. That’s Monday to Friday, from 7AM to 3PM. Outside business hours, you can leave them a message and they’ll send a reply the day after.
Pros
- It’s very easy to install. You get a manual to help you out, and the Guardline website has all types of troubleshooting advice to help. You can also contact the Guardline customer support, though you won’t really have any difficulties. It’s easy enough to pair the sensor with the receiver. Then you just pick the chime for the particular sensor and adjust the volume.
- It can work through types of weather. It’s really built to last, regardless if you live in Alaska or in Texas. It deals with heat or the cold equally well.
- It works with a reasonable number of obstacles between the receiver and the sensors. Walls and the occasional trees don’t lessen the quarter-mile range.
- The sensors have internal switches that let you adjust the sensitivity of the sensor. This means you can make it pick up fast-moving or slow-moving objects that go through the detection range. You can also set the effective distance of the sensor, so that animals far outside your property aren’t detected. There’s even a night mode, so that it doesn’t work during the day and it only goes active at night.
- False alarms are rare. Yes, they happen now and again but not too frequently as to be annoying. You can adjust the angle and position of the sensors to minimize the false alarms. For example, you may want to put the sensors away from flowers that attract bees which can then set of an alarm.
- Guardline doesn’t require any monthly dues, and there are no annoying 3-year contracts either.
Cons
- You may need to replace the batteries often. That’s why it’s best if you use solar-friendly batteries so you can also put in a solar panel.
- This works mainly as an accessory for other home security sensors. There aren’t really any cameras and door sensors for your home. It’s all about motion detectors.
- On its own, it doesn’t send alerts to your smartphone. That means there has to be someone inside the home to respond to the alarm. However, you may have a home security system that can send you an alert if the Guardline alarm sounds.
Conclusion
If you live in the city, then you will find the indoor motion detectors useful. These can alert you someone somehow enters your home.
If you live in the country then you’ll love the outdoor motion detectors. You can be alerted if people or animals approach your property so you can be prepared.
On its own Guardline systems are best for homebodies, as the alarms are for the residents inside the home. But if you already have a home security system that alerts you through your smartphone, then this can be set up to work within that system. As long as your home security panel can send you an alarm if your Guardline receiver squawks, then you’re set even if you’re in the workplace.