Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Headlight/alarm system

Has anyone considered incorporating an alarm system into their DIY lighting system?

I was thinking of something like this:

Bicycle back Safety Light (http://www.redcircuits.com/Page24.htm)

With a circuit added to include some sort of motion sensor and to drive a piezo element and flash the LEDs.

I was also thinking that it could be armed (and possibly even the lights turned on) with one of those car keyless/alarm systems.

There are some alarms noted in this thread...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=596219

There are some alarms noted in this thread...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=596219

Thank you for the link. I was thinking that something that was both head/taillight and an alarm would camouflage the alarm aspect of things.

I have this motion sensor alarm, which is very inexpensive. I'm very happy with it. Set to the highest sensitivity level, it will go off if I walk to quickly toward the bike. Heck, when I start my chainsaw in the garage to warm it up before taking it out to the forest, the vibration is enough to set off the alarm, even though the bike is parked in another room in the garage.

http://i.suntekstore.com/images_catprod_cache/10007628/i1245908696_image.jpg

I have this motion sensor alarm, which is very inexpensive. I'm very happy with it. Set to the highest sensitivity level, it will go off if I walk to quickly toward the bike. Heck, when I start my chainsaw in the garage to warm it up before taking it out to the forest, the vibration is enough to set off the alarm, even though the bike is parked in another room in the garage.

http://i.suntekstore.com/images_catprod_cache/10007628/i1245908696_image.jpg

I have to ask how is that armed/disarmed? How long is the battery life? How easy is it for a would be thief to bypass it? How heavy is it?

The "A", "B" and "C" are keypads. You input your code, arm, disarm and set sensitivity by using these keys. Instructions are included with the alarm--I'd recommend changing the factory default code immediately since copies of the instructions have been posted on the web. (You arm the alarm by pressing the "B" keypad for several seconds until you hear a chirp).

The alarm uses 1 9V battery, I'm still using my original battery. I would expect that the battery will last anywhere from 6-12 months, depending on whether it's exposed to extreme cold (mine will be this winter so the battery may die more quickly). The alarm doesn't weigh much at all, we're talking ounces. If you have the sensitivity set on high (there are 3 sensitivity levels on the alarm) minor vibration, including walking up to the bike quickly will set it off. A thief not knowing the alarm code will also trigger the alarm touching the bike or the keypad. You mount the alarm on your seat post so if your seat post has a quick release mechanism, the thief could take the alarm off by removing the stem post and unscrewing the alarm or just discarding your seat post altogether. I would recommend that you not have a quick release mechanism on your seat post and that you put some epoxy in the head of the mounting screws to help deter anyone wanting to remove the alarm from your bike.

I have this motion sensor alarm, which is very inexpensive. ...
I just made out the photograph 'watermark' word "Suntekstor" and Googled up THIS LINK (http://www.suntekstore.com/motor-alarm-code-security-steal-lock-mope.html). Is this the vendor you purchased it from? No information on weight but at $7.34 shipped, it would not be a major investment. Description states "... 3 sensitivity levels ... When triggered alarm sounds 5 times, If triggered again within 5 seconds it will sound continuously for 15 seconds. Waterproof: attach permanently ..."

Another alternative is a notebook computer alarmed cable lock such as the DEFCON 1 Notebook Security Device (http://www.provantage.com/targus-pa400u%7E7TGUS126.htm). Loud at 110 dB but not waterproof.

Edit: Come to think of it, I should have viewed the HTML and picked out the link to Suntekstore.

The "A", "B" and "C" are keypads. You input your code, arm, disarm and set sensitivity by using these keys. Instructions are included with the alarm--I'd recommend changing the factory default code immediately since copies of the instructions have been posted on the web. (You arm the alarm by pressing the "B" keypad for several seconds until you hear a chirp).

The alarm uses 1 9V battery, I'm still using my original battery. I would expect that the battery will last anywhere from 6-12 months, depending on whether it's exposed to extreme cold (mine will be this winter so the battery may die more quickly). The alarm doesn't weigh much at all, we're talking ounces. If you have the sensitivity set on high (there are 3 sensitivity levels on the alarm) minor vibration, including walking up to the bike quickly will set it off. A thief not knowing the alarm code will also trigger the alarm touching the bike or the keypad. You mount the alarm on your seat post so if your seat post has a quick release mechanism, the thief could take the alarm off by removing the stem post and unscrewing the alarm or just discarding your seat post altogether. I would recommend that you not have a quick release mechanism on your seat post and that you put some epoxy in the head of the mounting screws to help deter anyone wanting to remove the alarm from your bike.

Changing the default settings is always a good idea when purchasing a piece of hardware like this. All one has to do is take a ride around their neighborhood with their WiFi enabled laptop to see how many of their neighbors haven't changed the default settings on their routers. Or "worse" have, but used easily guessed passwords. There's at least one of my neighbors who has the same word for the SSID and the password. So even thought it's a "secured" access point, it isn't a "secured" access point.

Sounds like a nice little alarm system.

I have a quick release clamp on my seat post, but it wouldn't be a problem as I also have an On Guard cable attached to both my saddle and to my bike's frame.

Filling the screw heads with epoxy or some other form of glue sounds like a very good idea. How far away from the bike can you be and still hear the alarm?

I just made out the photograph 'watermark' word "Suntekstor" and Googled up THIS LINK (http://www.suntekstore.com/motor-alarm-code-security-steal-lock-mope.html). Is this the vendor you purchased it from? No information on weight but at $7.34 shipped, it would not be a major investment. Description states "... 3 sensitivity levels ... When triggered alarm sounds 5 times, If triggered again within 5 seconds it will sound continuously for 15 seconds. Waterproof: attach permanently ..."

Another alternative is a notebook computer alarmed cable lock such as the DEFCON 1 Notebook Security Device (http://www.provantage.com/targus-pa400u%7E7TGUS126.htm). Loud at 110 dB but not waterproof.

Edit: Come to think of it, I should have viewed the HTML and picked out the link to Suntekstore.

That isn't a bad price for the piece of mind that it would provide.

I just made out the photograph 'watermark' word "Suntekstor" and Googled up THIS LINK (http://www.suntekstore.com/motor-alarm-code-security-steal-lock-mope.html). Is this the vendor you purchased it from? No information on weight but at $7.34 shipped, it would not be a major investment. Description states "... 3 sensitivity levels ... When triggered alarm sounds 5 times, If triggered again within 5 seconds it will sound continuously for 15 seconds. Waterproof: attach permanently ..."

Another alternative is a notebook computer alarmed cable lock such as the DEFCON 1 Notebook Security Device (http://www.provantage.com/targus-pa400u%7E7TGUS126.htm). Loud at 110 dB but not waterproof.

Edit: Come to think of it, I should have viewed the HTML and picked out the link to Suntekstore.

Yes, this was my first purchase from this vendor and I was very impressed. I ordered 2 sets of amber super bright LED strobes (22 LEDs per unit) and a super bright red LED strip for the turn signals and brake light I made for my bike. I also ordered the alarm and a universal bike mounting bracket for my GPS unit. I chose free shipping for everything and was surprised to receive my order in about 14 days. I had read about slow shipping by DX and wasn't expecting to receive my order as quickly as I did. Everything arrived in fine order, too. I will buy from them again.

Changing the default settings is always a good idea when purchasing a piece of hardware like this. All one has to do is take a ride around their neighborhood with their WiFi enabled laptop to see how many of their neighbors haven't changed the default settings on their routers. Or "worse" have, but used easily guessed passwords. There's at least one of my neighbors who has the same word for the SSID and the password. So even thought it's a "secured" access point, it isn't a "secured" access point.

Sounds like a nice little alarm system.

I have a quick release clamp on my seat post, but it wouldn't be a problem as I also have an On Guard cable attached to both my saddle and to my bike's frame.

Filling the screw heads with epoxy or some other form of glue sounds like a very good idea. How far away from the bike can you be and still hear the alarm?

The alarm is supposedly 150decibals. I can hear it standing outside my garage/shop when the bike's inside and the alarm has been triggered. I have set the alarm when I have parked in remote areas of the forest where I live to take photos and have heard it from fairly far away (in fact the sound really penetrates a quite area like a forest). I always use locks, too. I just thought at the low price point that I'd get the alarm. When I ordered it, I didn't know how well it would work, but I'm very happy with it. There's another reasonably-priced one that uses a remote for arming and disarming that gets good reviews (I think it may be designed for a motorcycle but some bike owners have begun using it). The manufacturer suggests that you hide it out-of-sight. I didn't really have a place to mount it so I chose this alarm since it's made to be easily mounted on a bicycle and is so inexpensive.

The alarm is supposedly 150decibals. I can hear it standing outside my garage/shop when the bike's inside and the alarm has been triggered. I have set the alarm when I have parked in remote areas of the forest where I live to take photos and have heard it from fairly far away (in fact the sound really penetrates a quite area like a forest). I always use locks, too. I just thought at the low price point that I'd get the alarm. When I ordered it, I didn't know how well it would work, but I'm very happy with it. There's another reasonably-priced one that uses a remote for arming and disarming that gets good reviews (I think it may be designed for a motorcycle but some bike owners have begun using it). The manufacturer suggests that you hide it out-of-sight. I didn't really have a place to mount it so I chose this alarm since it's made to be easily mounted on a bicycle and is so inexpensive.

I also have this set up but I found I struggle to deactivate it. Any suggestions please?

bhkyte,

If you personalized the deactivation code per the instructions that come with the unit and the alarm won't stop sounding, it may be a sign that your battery is dying. If you enter the factory default deactivation code (ABCA) and the alarm stops sounding then it's time to replace the battery; replacing the 9V battery should get it working again. (When the battery dies or is out of the unit, the deactivation code reverts to the default setting. Once you've put a new 9V battery in, remember to reset a personalized code by pressing "A" for 2 seconds until you hear a single beep--put in the default code, ABCA)--if you entered it correctly, you'll hear 2 beeps, then enter your personalized code, you should then hear 2 beeps to confirm that your personalized code has been accepted.)

I haven't had problems deactivating the alarm. Other than it being a dead or dying battery, I'm not sure what the issue could be. Has the unit been exposed to a lot of moisture? I haven't left mine out in the rain and I carry a tarp to cover the bike in bad weather. Even though the unit is supposed to be water resistant, I suspect over the long haul, getting soaking wet may have an adverse affect on it.

The alarm is supposedly 150decibals. I can hear it standing outside my garage/shop when the bike's inside and the alarm has been triggered. I have set the alarm when I have parked in remote areas of the forest where I live to take photos and have heard it from fairly far away (in fact the sound really penetrates a quite area like a forest). I always use locks, too. I just thought at the low price point that I'd get the alarm. When I ordered it, I didn't know how well it would work, but I'm very happy with it. There's another reasonably-priced one that uses a remote for arming and disarming that gets good reviews (I think it may be designed for a motorcycle but some bike owners have begun using it). The manufacturer suggests that you hide it out-of-sight. I didn't really have a place to mount it so I chose this alarm since it's made to be easily mounted on a bicycle and is so inexpensive.

I've recently seen some that mount to the disc brake of a motorcycle which would work for me. I like the idea of the remote to arm/disarm the alarm.

I've recently seen some that mount to the disc brake of a motorcycle which would work for me. I like the idea of the remote to arm/disarm the alarm.

There are also some moderately-priced, decent alarmed chains. I like redundancy and might well add an alarmed chain to my kit at some point. I already have a good U-lock and cable lock, but another chain lock with an alarm couldn't hurt. The more you throw at a potential thief, the more likely it is that he or she will choose another bike to steal. Two alarms sounding simultaneously draws more attention and requires additional time to tackle before working on trying to destroy the locks.

There are also some moderately-priced, decent alarmed chains. I like redundancy and might well add an alarmed chain to my kit at some point. I already have a good U-lock and cable lock, but another chain lock with an alarm couldn't hurt. The more you throw at a potential thief, the more likely it is that he or she will choose another bike to steal. Two alarms sounding simultaneously draws more attention and requires additional time to tackle before working on trying to destroy the locks.

That is my philosophy as well, which is why I use a cable lock through both wheels, a u-bolt lock, and a Topeak mountain bike cover. And it has paid off, as several times while I've been at my local library bikes have been stolen (sadly some of them weren't locked asking to be stolen) but mine has remained untouched. One of the last times bikes were stolen the thieves looked at mine, but didn't touch it.

I know that my bike was looked at but not touched because friends of mine who work at the library have let know because there is a security camera that watches the bike racks.

Adding one or more alarms, be it like the one you're currently using, and/or a chain with an alarm. Anything to help deter thieves from stealing our bikes.

bhkyte,

I haven't had problems deactivating the alarm. Other than it being a dead or dying battery, I'm not sure what the issue could be. Has the unit been exposed to a lot of moisture? I haven't left mine out in the rain and I carry a tarp to cover the bike in bad weather. Even though the unit is supposed to be water resistant, I suspect over the long haul, getting soaking wet may have an adverse affect on it.

Thanks for your input.
I have worked out the problem. I was not holding down the B button to set long enough. The problem was that I was not sure if I had set the alarm as I did not wait long enough for the secound "alarm active " beep. YEs,this system seems to work OK now I am doing this, and has a better mount than the other 3 types I have tryed. See my "alarm good idea on a folding bike....." thread.

I have this motion sensor alarm, which is very inexpensive. I'm very happy with it. Set to the highest sensitivity level, it will go off if I walk to quickly toward the bike. Heck, when I start my chainsaw in the garage to warm it up before taking it out to the forest, the vibration is enough to set off the alarm, even though the bike is parked in another room in the garage.

http://i.suntekstore.com/images_catprod_cache/10007628/i1245908696_image.jpg

I've been thinking about getting something like this but rewiring it so it triggers a cell phone to call my cell phone (kinda like those pager car alarms, I think) and turns the horns on (they're kinda like truck horns but for a car... on my bike).

No idea really how to do that but... I've been thinkin about it.

has a better mount than the other 3 types I have tryed. See my "alarm good idea on a folding bike....." thread.

I could not get this type of alarm to disalarm at all last time I was out . Most inconvenient!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will not be using again for the forseeable future.
I will continue to use the other 2 remote alarms I have ,they have preformed faultlessly thus far.