So I have 2 gates on my fence as well as the motorized gate across my driveway. I would like to put sensors on each of them to alert me and log when they have been opened. I thought about just using something like an X-10 DS10A, but I do not think they are going to last outdoors (Contact on gate, main unit inside garage or under cover), so can you guys suggest anything for me? I currently have Z-wave modules around the house and will be putting in some RF soon (Either W800 or RFXCom unit.
Outdoor contact sensors?
- Thread starter kertofer
- Start date
A lot depends on the distance - how far are the locations from the house?
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
I've been using a DS10a for about five years outside that I just put in a plastic box I purchased at Frys and used a rubber grommet and sealed the wires coming out of the bottom (rain protection) to regular magnetic contacts.
As far as range, check out my How-To on building an antenna to extend the range of a W800.
As far as range, check out my How-To on building an antenna to extend the range of a W800.
Using a DS10A in my mailbox as well (stuck on the inside, using velcro strips), distance is probably about 80 ft away from the receiver. The only thing I had to do was switch to Lithium batteries in order to deal with the cold weather, no problems otherwise.
Do you have a security system? Most of them support wireless sensors, and will last years.
Do you have a security system? Most of them support wireless sensors, and will last years.
Micra-G sensors? They are like $26 each, and in my testing, I could get them to work 600 feet away.
drozwood90
Senior Member
Neat idea about the Lithiums...one reason I didn't put one out there, the cold.
I might put a DS10A out there, putting the better batteries in there. It would be nice (ESP. in the cold like this) to know if I have to stop at the mail box on my way IN to the garage (get home from work).
That is, have HS send me a text or e-mail when I get within my neighborhood (Google Lattitude location tracking) if I do NOT have to stop (i.e. fail safe, at least I'll look if Homeseer fails to send a message for some reason...I've been known to accidentally turn off Google Lattitude, or do some other bad thing!).
--Dan
I might put a DS10A out there, putting the better batteries in there. It would be nice (ESP. in the cold like this) to know if I have to stop at the mail box on my way IN to the garage (get home from work).
That is, have HS send me a text or e-mail when I get within my neighborhood (Google Lattitude location tracking) if I do NOT have to stop (i.e. fail safe, at least I'll look if Homeseer fails to send a message for some reason...I've been known to accidentally turn off Google Lattitude, or do some other bad thing!).
--Dan
drozwood90
Senior Member
DS10'a are like $5 each 
the op also specified W800 or RFXCOM compatible.
--Dan
the op also specified W800 or RFXCOM compatible.
--Dan
WayneW
Senior Member
Are these weather-resistant? If not, how are you using them outdoors?
tmbrown97
Senior Member
Try $3.33DS10'a are like $5 each
http://www.x10packagedeals.com/productdetail.aspx?parentid=0&cid=33&pid=111
Wayne - they're not weather resistant on their own, but some people just use silicon or hot glue and seal up the openings; others put them inside a waterproof cases - Fry's has a good selection. The boxes are likely not UV stabilized so getting them out of direct sunlight is best.
I have 2 outdoor questions related to wiring. I am planning on the HAI OmniPro, UPB lighting and standard alarm stuff.
The first is a mailbox. The mailbox is attached to house directly. What wire should i run here, I essentially want to know if mailman opened/closed it. Should I use cat5? Are there other external house uses for cat5 that I may be overlooking?
Also I have a metal gate about 15 feet from the house. It overlooks the waterfront, so I want to know if my kids unlatch it. Should i plan to wire that underground in pvc or is there something I can do wirelessly? NY weather
The first is a mailbox. The mailbox is attached to house directly. What wire should i run here, I essentially want to know if mailman opened/closed it. Should I use cat5? Are there other external house uses for cat5 that I may be overlooking?
Also I have a metal gate about 15 feet from the house. It overlooks the waterfront, so I want to know if my kids unlatch it. Should i plan to wire that underground in pvc or is there something I can do wirelessly? NY weather
PVC always, direct burial is only if PVC isn't practical. I'd go hardwired first, and RF only if that is not possible.
I'd run a 22/4 CMX/sunlight resistant cable to the mailbox over a piece of Cat. 5. PVC would be stubbed up to a 2 X 4 Hubbell box and then I'd look for a cable grip/clamp for the threaded knockout and then move to an aluminum armoured contact and get the appropriate hardware kit to mount on the gate, since they already make it for them, no use to re-invent the wheel.
I'd run a 22/4 CMX/sunlight resistant cable to the mailbox over a piece of Cat. 5. PVC would be stubbed up to a 2 X 4 Hubbell box and then I'd look for a cable grip/clamp for the threaded knockout and then move to an aluminum armoured contact and get the appropriate hardware kit to mount on the gate, since they already make it for them, no use to re-invent the wheel.
