Home & Yard Alert ELR Instructions

INFRA RED SENSOR OPERATION

The infrared detector is positioned behind the round lens. It has a horizontal detection angle of 40 degrees. The effective detection range of the sensor is from 0 feet to 30 feet,, with 10 feet being the optimum range.

The infrared sensor detects vehicles, intruders, quests etc., by sensing their heat and motion. When someone or something moves through the detection zone, the sensor detects the intrusion and transmits a signal to the receiver.

INFRA RED SENSOR INSTALLATION

First, install a high quality, 9 volt, alkaline battery in the compartment located in back of the sensor. Securely close the battery hatch

Mount the sensor approximately 2-2 1/2 feet above the ground to a tree, wooden post or side of a building. A metal bracket is provided. The lens must have an unobstructed view of the coverage area. Extend the flexible antenna upward. Some objects may not be detected if the sensor is placed too high or too low. Adjusting may be required prior to calling technical support. Keep the sensor approximately 10 feet from the target

The sensor should be strategically located so that it detects objects moving across the detection zone. Do not mount the sensor facing the sun, bodies of water or any reflections. This causes variations in the temperature pattern “seen” by the sensor and may cause false alarms

PLEASE NOTE: A shorter transmission range may occur when the outside temperature is below 20 degrees F. This is due to a natural drop in battery voltage. Low sensitivity may occur during periods of fog or rain. This is due to the moisture diffusing the infrared energy.

RECEIVER OPERATION

Prior to permanently mounting receiver, test entire system to ensure proper performance. Relocation of receiver may be necessary to avoid interference with other devices. Screw two provided mounting screws to wall, 6 inches apart and leave a .10 inch gap between head of screw and wall. Align mounting holes on back of receiver to screws in wall and hang receiver in place. Plug the transformer into a 110 volt, indoor outlet. Attach antenna to the mounting bracket on receiver.

The receiver will sound when activated by the sensor. It will continue to sound as long as objects are moving in the detection field. The volume control can be used to change the sound level. The light emitting diode will light when the receiver is activated and will remain lit until the button is manually reset.

The receiver has 5 internal terminal boards for the easy addition of accessories (1 for each zone and 1 for all zones), a jumper to enable the internal relay transmitter (optional), terminal boards for hard wired devices (8 volt, normally open) and 4 jumpers to increase the alert tone duration for each zone, from 6 seconds to 12 seconds.

In unobstructed space, the reception range is typically up to 2500 feet. Range may reduced by certain obstructions. For instance; metal buildings, dense woods, etc. For maximum range, locate the receiver in an area in your home with some direct visibility to the sensors.

WALK TEST

The walk test allows you to check the operation of your system. After you have installed the sensors, walk and drive through the detection areas and have someone listen for the receiver to sound. The sensor can then be positioned correctly and the transmission range can be checked.

CODING ADJUSTMENT

The system coding can be altered in the event transmissions from another source are causing poor performance or you wish to change which zone is receiving the transmitted signal. The coding is changed by changing the DIP switch settings. A five position DIP switch is located under the battery compartment cover of each sensor (the 2 position DIP switch is set at the factory and should not be changed).

There are 5 DIP switches in the receiver, one for each zone and one for the internal relay transmitter. Determine which sensor will activate a particular zone and set the DIP switch in the sensor to match the corresponding zone’s DIP switch in the receiver.

The switch settings in the sensor/transmitters must match the respective zone’s switch settings in the receiver. If you enable the internal relay transmitter you must ensure a coding is used that is different than the coding of the four zones.

TROUBLESHOOTING

As with all passive infrared devices (PIR), from time to time certain weather conditions and other acts of nature can cause false alarms or lack of sensitivity. The following sections will explain how to minimize problems.

FALSE ALARMS can be caused by:

  • A low quality battery
  • An old, weak battery
  • The sun shining into the sensor lens
  • The sun reflecting off leaves or shiny objects

SOLUTIONS

  • Locate the sensor so it has a clear field of view and so the sun does not shine into the sensor window.
  • Aim the sensor in a northerly direction if possible
  • You can also elevate the sensor and aim it down so that its detection range is reduced

LACK OF SENSITIVITY can be caused by:

  • Objects moving directly toward or away from the sensor
  • Trees, shrubs, etc. blocking the field of view
  • Condensation on the sensor lens fog, rain, moisture or other weather conditions

SOLUTIONS

  • Locate the sensor so that the object is moving at a right angle to the sensor
  • Locate the sensor so that it has a clear field of view
  • Perform a walk test as described above
  • Replace the battery with a high quality alkaline type battery only

TRANSMISSION RANGE problems:

  • Sensor is improperly positioned
  • The infrared sensor is located too far from the receiver
  • Trees, rock, earth, building, etc. are blocking the transmission signal
  • The receiver is placed on the opposite side of the house from the sensor
  • Old or weak battery
  • Receiver and transmitter antenna wires are not extended upward and are not in a vertical position
  • Transmitter mounted on or near metal object

SOLUTIONS

  • Move the sensor and receiver closer together
  • Locate the sensor so that it has line of sight with the receiver
  • Position the sensor and/or receiver to improve reception
  • Replace 9 volt battery
  • Position flexible antenna wires to extend upward
  • Mount transmitter on wooden post or tree

Driveway Alert® is a registered trademark of Miltronics Manufacturing Services, Inc., 95 Krif Road Keene, NH 03431 USA
Toll Free - (888) NH-ALERT or (800) 828-9089 Fax: (603) 352-4444