Driveway Alarm Help

DEL,The one that I bought cost $150.00 + 13% Tax, so if that's cheap then what would you recommend then? And thanks for the advise to burying it in the middle of the driveway.
 
Here just googled for best prices on Cartell sensors.  Noticed on Amazon Cartell is not spelled correctly.
 
Here is one place with good prices.
 
Automation source dot com.  Once there do a search on Cartell driveway sensors.
 
With a new driveway just remember what was suggested above for installation in the middle of the driveway.
 
Good communications with the installer of the new driveway or even a suggestion of being there and watching to make sure it is done right would be ideal.  Note if the contractor is puzzled by your request then you will be paying him to learn how to do this even though it is relatively simple.
 
Ideally draw a picture with some measurements and look at your driveway with the sensor installed before they put cement or asphalt over it or even take the drawings of your contractor (if there are any), sit down with the subcontractor and pencil in what you want to do and make sure the contractor understands.
 
Personally here on a few commercial endeavors not watched I have seen fiber cuts causing much grief.
IE: one example was digging and knocking out telecommunications in LA, SFO and OAK once a few years back.
 
It truly can be a PITA to micromanage something like this; but it is only time.
 
With other driveways so close you will definitely want some way to adjust position and sensitivity. Best location is likely equal distance from each of the other drives which would put it slightly off center of your drive but still under the drive. A large enough pipe allows re-positioning or even replacement later if (when) needed.
 
JimS said:
So you sell Cartell and think its the best - no problem with that. Not sure where you got the $40 figure. The one I am referring to costs about $130 for the 50' cable version and more for longer cables. I agree it doesn't have any timing adjustments but for many applications that isn't needed. The cartel has an additional relay in the control box so that offers a bit of isolation from lightening. That could easily be done with other probes by the installer but would need a few extra parts.

For anyone interested heres a link to a Cartell manual: http://cartell.com/pdf/manuals/ct2b_m.pdf
I found the unit you posted for literally $47. No adjustment and line powered. Designed to be integrated as a free egress loop into a gate operator. I googled Cartell, as I know what trade is vs. MAP.
 
No, I don't think Cartell is the best. I think it works and works well for what it does, and I've had very few callbacks on their units and you can order probes at almost any length. It has transient protection, isolation and other items, even on the basic units. It could be a Mier products, Sure action or similar. The units designed for this specific purpose tend to have a lot more options.
 
Preferably, I'd rather put in a loop based system with loop detectors, and have that installed before the drive or saw cut afterwards, but most won't spend for them. Smart integrators install a few loops under the ground before the drive goes in to avoid issues and having to touch the driveway or go magnetic based detection afterward. I'd put in 2 for detection and 2 as "spare" to avoid having to touch the driveway afterwards. Far better performance and options out there, only trade off is you need to provide a handhole, pedestal or other place to locate the detector.
 
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