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🛡Home Security => Home Security General => Topic started by: skate on November 23, 2006, 08:21:39 PM

Title: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: skate on November 23, 2006, 08:21:39 PM
How hard could it be to make the DS10A more secure?  If they added a switch to the battery door the bad guys could not break a window and remove the batteries and then open the window.  As soon as they opened the battery door the transmitter would set things off.

Hey X10 throw me a bone if you actually pick this up as an idea.

...S
Title: Re: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: KDR on November 24, 2006, 07:16:13 AM
How hard could it be to make the DS10A more secure?  If they added a switch to the battery door the bad guys could not break a window and remove the batteries and then open the window.  As soon as they opened the battery door the transmitter would set things off.

If they knew enough to reach in and pull the batteries then they would know if the battery door had a trigger I would think. If the window is already broken just clear the glass and climb in. Why would they open the window? Although crooks do strange things sometimes.

Maybe when used for doors this would be a nice feature. I got a couple of window/door sensors with my Radio Shack 49-1000 and they have a trip switch on the battery cover.
Title: Re: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: skate on November 24, 2006, 07:50:18 AM
If the window had mutton bars (? bars within the window frame)  the would still be looking to open the window.
...S
Title: Re: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: KDR on November 24, 2006, 08:52:23 AM
Yep... I just had to comment on the broken window thing ;D

It is a good idea and other brands do what you suggested. I know X10 makes the console for Radio Shack and I think their security modules. So if they have the cover switch on those it shouldn't be hard to put it on their brand. But I doubt we will ever see it.
Title: Re: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: Brian H on November 24, 2006, 11:32:09 AM
The Radio Shack 49-1001 Door Window sensor, has a screwed on cover and can't be opened to remove the batteries. Is slightly different than an X10 sensor as it has a built in magnetic switch that is mounted next to the magnet. Normally no wires from a external magnetic switch. It also has a set of terminals inside where an added external magnetic switch can be connected.
Note the RS 49-1000 kit is an OEM from X10. The FCC ID traces back to X10. The console has different features than the X10 unit.
I believe others have intermixed the two brands with no serious problems. Except the RS unit didn't work correctly with the Powerhorn Sirens.
Title: Re: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: vhoang on November 24, 2006, 11:44:02 AM
Great idea.
The unit currently reports three states I believe,
Active / Normal / & Low battery.

Generally a missing normal will indicate a problem including battery removal.

But having a little button depressed by the battery cover is a great idea to
signal "Battery Removal".
Title: Re: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: HA Dave on November 24, 2006, 05:43:32 PM
How hard could it be to make the DS10A more secure?  If they added a switch to the battery door the bad guys could not break a window and remove the batteries and then open the window. 

I was under the impression that burglars generally ether pry or break. Pry open (windows or doors) with a prybar or large screwdriver, or break out windows (using the residents lawn furniture, flower pots, or doormat and fist), or just kick a door (or window) open.

It would be nice (and interesting) if someone (that would want to steal your stuff) was also conciderate enough to gently break a window pane then remote the sensor batteries. Since all thiefs are fully aware that they will be long-gone before the police arrive.

That said....... why not use a little rainbow wire to place the "business end" of the DS10A out of reach of the window.
Title: Re: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: skate on November 25, 2006, 08:52:52 AM
Hmmm, if all they do is break glass and climb in the DS10A doesn't protect anything.  It only detects the window frame moving.

If there is something that the burglars want, they see the magnetic switchs, know it is an X10 system, and know the can pop the batteries out and take their time ... why not.   Of course, you hope the motion sensors eventually pick them up.  But I think they would pull the batteries to have a better chance of not getting caught.

My wife doesn't like wires.  The shorter the better.  We are trying to be creative on hiding the transmitter in/under things on the window sill.

And if you have enough power horns and you don't live in the country they just might not get away before before someone arrives!

...S
Title: Re: Higher Security Transmitter
Post by: HA Dave on November 25, 2006, 02:52:26 PM
If there is something that the burglars want, they see the magnetic switchs, know it is an X10 system, and know the can pop the batteries out and take their time ... why not. 

Sorry skate ....I was just trying to be helpful. I only recently learned about peoples (more emotional side of) security corncerns at:Why I decided against X10 (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10915.0;topicseen)

The sad part is I am married too!