Simple cheap alarm design.

woodlandfarms · Jan 18, 2008

Soundguy.

For an entirely different project I need to replace mercury switches. I have rummaged around at my usualy haunts and don't really see an alternate. I was hoping for something electronic. The switches are used to keep the seat on the tractor level.

You have any other suggestions?

patrick_g · Jan 18, 2008

Woodlandfarms,

Maybe this will help => SignalQuest, Inc. Precision Microsensors

Pat

ptonce · Jan 19, 2008

OK, I had another thought about this trailer alarm. Actually, two.
1. Can I and does it make sense to install a solar panel to keep the battery for the alarm system charged?
2. The trailer will have a electric brake. Can I tie the alarm in to energize the brakes if tripped?
If somone wants my stuff I'd like to make them work for it.

Defective · Jan 19, 2008

1. Sure...why not? One of those cheap solar battery maintainers mounted on the roof.

2. I'd do it. Just add a relay into the circuit that powers the noise maker. Then run power to the brakes. Should slow them down pretty good.

ptonce · Jan 21, 2008

Once again, Thanks for the feedback!
I do not expect battery/breakaway hardware with this trailer. It is only a 5 x10x6 V-nose single axle.
I got word that it came with brakes on the upgrade axle I wanted, a torsion flex rather than leaf spring.
My pop up camper had a simple setup, I expected that for this too.

I hit another larger shack in a local mall over the weekend. I did find the "drawers" that were talked about. They were a mixed mess with little inventory. The interest at the moment I was there was on someone walking out with two 150.00 radar detectors.

patrick_g · Jan 21, 2008

ptonce said:
Once again, Thanks for the feedback!
I do not expect battery/breakaway hardware with this trailer.

I hit another larger shack in a local mall over the weekend. I did find the "drawers" that were talked about. They were a mixed mess with little inventory. The interest at the moment I was there was on someone walking out with two 150.00 radar detectors.

digikey.com site seems to be a bit complicated to use but will provide you with choices and one of the "filter factors" you can use in your search is that the product is IN STOCK.

The lower the coil current of the "small" relay that operates the larger relay which turns on the noisemaker the less solar panel you need and the smaller battery you can use so long as the battery has the storage to run the alarm noise maker you select.

Check the current requirements of the noisemaker. If the noisemaker uses less current than the small relay's contacts are rated for you only need the one small relay wired as in the circuit I posted.

The siren I have was purchased at the Shack decades ago. It has a built in relay to provide current to its motor directly from the battery and not through the alarm circuitry. The alarm circuit just provides current to trip that relay. If you can find a modern electronic siren (intended for alarm systems) with that sort of arrangement then the alarm circuit's relay can be one with a very low coil current and the total solar requirement will become quite small and pretty inexpensive.

Another option is to use NiCads or similar rechargeable battery technology instead of lead acid. Since you will not have a lead acid battery handy (such as for electric brakes.)

When you get serious and are ready to build the alarm, don't be bashful. Some of the electronic types hereabouts can help you out. I would be happy to help you select components or provide a schematic diagram to connect your components or...

Pat

ptonce · Jan 21, 2008

I'm starting to visualize what I want and what makes sense for this alarm set up. By the way, I like your way of thinking. If it's mine and I don't plan on giving it away, lethal crosses my mind as well. With the info here and a friend I will test his limits on, I hope to be able to pull this together. If not I will be posting for help.

ptonce · Jan 21, 2008

As much fun as the solar panel would be to work with, I found this at a local PEP Boys store. Can't beat the price and labor savings.
Battery Tender ｮ Junior
12V 0.75A Battery Chargers

Our Part #: 021-0123 - The Best Way to Eliminate Sulfation is to Prevent it!
Battery Tender Junior offers 3-Step Charging with "Super Smart" technology. It will automatically charge any type 12 volt storage battery without ever over-charging. Including AGA, SLA, Flooded, Conventional Automotive and Motorcyle batteries. Brands such as Optima, Hawker, etc.

Great for any 12 volt battery. Leave it on any battery/vehicle while in storage and never have to worry about a dead or sulfated (ruined) battery ever again. Works on cars, motorcycles, ATV's, watercrafts, boats, and generators. Brochure Download (PDF Format)

12 Volt, 0.75 Amp, 5 Year Warranty
30 Day Satisfaction Return Policy
PRICE: Only $24.90

Soundguy · Jan 21, 2008

woodlandfarms said:
Soundguy.

For an entirely different project I need to replace mercury switches. I have rummaged around at my usualy haunts and don't really see an alternate. I was hoping for something electronic. The switches are used to keep the seat on the tractor level.

You have any other suggestions?

Are you trying to refit merc switches with something else.. or put in new/more merc switches and can't find any?

soundguy

patrick_g · Jan 21, 2008

ptonce said:
As much fun as the solar panel would be to work with, I found this at a local PEP Boys store. Can't beat the price and labor savings.
Battery Tender ｮ Junior
12V 0.75A Battery Chargers

Our Part #: 021-0123 - The Best Way to Eliminate Sulfation is to Prevent it!
Battery Tender Junior offers 3-Step Charging with "Super Smart" technology. It will automatically charge any type 12 volt storage battery without ever over-charging. Including AGA, SLA, Flooded, Conventional Automotive and Motorcyle batteries. Brands such as Optima, Hawker, etc.

Great for any 12 volt battery. Leave it on any battery/vehicle while in storage and never have to worry about a dead or sulfated (ruined) battery ever again. Works on cars, motorcycles, ATV's, watercrafts, boats, and generators. Brochure Download (PDF Format)

12 Volt, 0.75 Amp, 5 Year Warranty
30 Day Satisfaction Return Policy
PRICE: Only $24.90

Great idea but the Harbor Freight unit costs less than $10 and I have used several with no failures or malfunctions. I also have a NAME BRAND Shauer (SP?) and except for putting out more current than I need, it does nothing the cheaper unit doesn't do. The HF unit will be cheaper even after shipping than lots of the off the shelf at the store models.

Pat

ptonce · Jan 22, 2008

Question: Is the 4.99 batt. maintainer adequate or are you referring to the 9.99 one? Thanks for turning me on to HF! I found a bike wheel chock that is self positioning for 39.00 compared to everyone else at over 100.00. Do you know from experience if they have good quality or would I get what I pay for in workmanship? I would like to order this week.

patrick_g · Jan 22, 2008

ptonce said:
Question: Is the 4.99 batt. maintainer adequate or are you referring to the 9.99 one? Thanks for turning me on to HF! I found a bike wheel chock that is self positioning for 39.00 compared to everyone else at over 100.00. Do you know from experience if they have good quality or would I get what I pay for in workmanship? I would like to order this week.

Their batt maint units work for me. Check the current output rating. If it is definitely above the coil current rating of the relay it should be OK. It isn't to charge the battery so much as to keep it charged.

Pat

ptonce · Jan 24, 2008

Patrick, Ordered the charger and wheel chock, talked to a friend a few minutes later and found out there is an outlet store 20 min. from me. Guess it's a stop for Saturday!

patrick_g · Jan 24, 2008

ptonce said:
Patrick, Ordered the charger and wheel chock, talked to a friend a few minutes later and found out there is an outlet store 20 min. from me. Guess it's a stop for Saturday!

Lucky you. HF was a 60 mile trek into OKC for me but recently they opened one in Norman, Oklahoma (home of the OU Sooners) and it is a few miles closer.

Pat

ptonce · Feb 1, 2008

FYI - Check out Autotoys.com

patrick_g · Feb 1, 2008

Cool, lots of iPod stuff. The main reason I don't want any iPod accessories is I don't have/want an iPod. Kinda like pornography, it doesn't do much for me because I don't have a pornograph to play it on.

Actually a neat site, especially if your ride is old enough to have much stuff there about/for it.

Pat

ptonce · Feb 3, 2008

Not an ipod owner either. I can't even spell it.
I did find good selections of sirens, sensors and switches @ reasonable prices.
Also found a nice DPST round key switch to arm/disarm @ marineconnect.
I will pick up the trailer on the 9th so I can start playing with it next week.
Rc'vd the self locking wheel chock from HF,looks good! $39.00 vs. about $125 everywhere else.

patrick_g · Feb 3, 2008

ptonce said:
Not an ipod owner either. I can't even spell it.
I did find good selections of sirens, sensors and switches @ reasonable prices.
Also found a nice DPST round key switch to arm/disarm @ marineconnect.
I will pick up the trailer on the 9th so I can start playing with it next week.
Rc'vd the self locking wheel chock from HF,looks good! $39.00 vs. about $125 everywhere else.

KU-EL DUDE, Let us know how it turns out for you. If it works out well we can share the praise and if there is a big problem you and the Sound Guy can share the blame!

Pat