Cheap and easy alarm for a caravan

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Cheap and easy alarm for a caravan

martyyn

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#142520 15-Mar-2014 14:36

I recently stripped out a caravan and turned it into an office and I thinking about how I could alarm it.

It has power and network but it seems a waste to use a raspberry pi. An ip camera might work, but my main concern is how easy it is to cut the power before entering the van. I just need something to wake everyone up if something tries to get into it. I switch my mobile off at night but during the day it would be cool if it did video though a webpage.

Anyone have any ideas ?

Cheers

Sideface

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#1006229 15-Mar-2014 14:46

Install a cheap DIY (audible) alarm kit with a small UPS. Both would be Dick Smith items.
Every office should have a UPS anyway.

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Buzz Bumble

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#1006299 15-Mar-2014 17:43

I installed a simple wireless alarm kit from Jaycar Electronics a few years ago. Basically just a code panel with a siren in it and a few door / window magnetic switches, all using AA batteries. Very easy and worked well (when the house owner remembered to use the code and turn it off before the alarm started!).

Of course it depends on how much you want to spend. You could add things like window break detectors, movement detectors (if someone tries to tow the caravan away), etc.

Or, you can got the cheap route and install a fake camera.

Sideface: Every office should have a UPS anyway.

I guess having a United Parcel Service worker sitting in the office 24-7 would work, but could be expensive. ;-)

teamsteve

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#1010692 21-Mar-2014 16:21

Buzz Bumble: I installed a simple wireless alarm kit from Jaycar Electronics a few years ago. Basically just a code panel with a siren in it and a few door / window magnetic switches, all using AA batteries. Very easy and worked well (when the house owner remembered to use the code and turn it off before the alarm started!).

I've got a similar thing from JayCar, it works great

It's powered by the mains, but has 9 volt battery which kicks in if the power goes down

throbb

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#1010715 21-Mar-2014 16:30

A shotgun and a piece of string

Coil

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#1010716 21-Mar-2014 16:36

A shotgun and a piece of string

You kinda beat me to it.

martyyn

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#1010722 21-Mar-2014 16:45

I'll need a rocking chair out the front, a spittoon and a piece of straw :)

I'll check out Jaycar to see what they have.

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Buzz Bumble

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#1010760 21-Mar-2014 18:35

throbb: A shotgun and a piece of string

Nah, just wire the whole caravan up to the mains ... anyone touches it an "ZAP!". ;-)

martyyn: I'll check out Jaycar to see what they have.

Dick Smith will probably have similar systems too.

tchart

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#1010964 22-Mar-2014 10:15

Also dont forget Ebay. Recently bought a new alarm that way. All wireless. Panel had backup battery. Also sends out SMS if power is disconnected or alarm is triggered.

If you are really on a budget Ebay has SMS enabled PIR sensors for about $20 which are all self contained.

raytaylor

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#1011027 22-Mar-2014 12:49

Yeah most alarms (like paragon? etc) have a sealed 12v 7ah battery within them that will run the alarm system for a few days if there is no power.

Personally I would go for something like this on trademe
http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/security-locks-alarms/doorbells/auction-708594912.htm

But look for a smaller kitset that doesnt have 2x code panels, or multiple sensors. You really want to just see if you can get a glass break sensor, a door sensor and a single infrared motion sensor

On trademe they also have ones that will txt you.

Dick smith for years used to sell all-in-one wall mounted ones - they would also be ideal and I think jaycar sell them too now.
You just have two remotes like a car alarm and its got AA backup batteries / siren within it so you just mount it on the wall. The important thing I would stress with these and wireless ones is that you make sure you can mains power it - replacing batteries is a pain in the a$$

Ray Taylor

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floydie

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#1011117 22-Mar-2014 19:33

buy one of those TK103b GPS tracker units. that way if anyone breaks in you'll have a text within 5 seconds. easy to hook up and works just like a car alarm. hook up a shock sensor or microwave sensor and a door switch just like a car. runs off 12v so have a battery somewhere and maybe even charge it via one of those solar panels