Editorial Review

Right up there with "Did I leave the burner on?" on the list of nagging questions, "Did I leave the garage door open?" vexes even the most responsible of homeowners. That's why anyone with a garage should consider hiring a sentry--a Garage Sentry, to be specific. With a wireless range of up to 300 feet, the Garage Sentry monitors whether a garage door is open or closed, then alerts the homeowner of the door's status with a single beep. Installation is easy, too--simply attach the battery-powered sensor to the inside of a garage door and plug the receiver into an electrical outlet. One receiver can monitor up to four garage doors at once. Considering the number of valuable items stored in a garage, why not rest easy and let the Garage Sentry keep an eye on things? ... Read more

Features

• Know whether your garage/shop/business overhead door is up or down from anywhere in your house
• Prevent the number one method of home theft by keeping your garage door closed
• Up to 300 feet of range without wires between the receiver and sensor
• Easy installation - just mount the sensor on your garage door and plug the receiver into any electrical outlet inside your home

Reviews (5)

Garage Safety
I love this item.Have had it for two years.My garage door was left open all night lots of times because I forgot it was open.Now the sentry tells me when the door is open.It works really good.I consider it a "must have" for folks with attached garages where they can't see their garage doors to know if they are open or not.Have also given this as a gift and everyone we give it to loves it.

Now I geta good nights sleep
With 2 teenage boys who use the garage door as the main entry in the house, I now know when they get home and that the door was closed behind them. Great product, easy to install.

Disappointed
This item is not dependable. I needed a device that worked as this one is described however after numerous false readings over 2 days it became clear that this item is not effective.Save you money and manually check to see if the door is open, this item is sure to disappoint. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Home Safety   

Features

• No more unannounced visitors driving up to your home or office
• Indoor receiver chimes when you drive past the sensor in your driveway
• Unlike other driveway motion detection systems, Driveway Monitor does not get false alarms from pedestrians, animals, or shadows
• Easy installation - just mount the sensor next to your driveway on the included stake and plug the receiver into any electrical outlet inside your home

Reviews (10)

Wish it would ship so I could find out.
Ordered 27JAN05, with an expected ship date in "up to" 2 Weeks.
On 16FEB05, received an email from amazon.com that I needed to check my order. Now ship date is 11MAR05, if you care to believe that.

Other vendors are quoting immediate ship.Amazon you let me down on this one.

Great Product
The DesignTech model 33370 driveway monitor is a great product.Clear and concise instructions made the installation quick and easy.

The sending unit is located 500 feet from our house at the entrance to our driveway.It has detected every vehicle using the factory supplied sensitivity settings.We have not had any false alarms.

We first mounted the sending unit on the supplied stake.To make it less visible, we remounted it on the side of a small building close to the driveway entrance.It works perfectly in either location.

I would recommend this monitor to anyone.

Vince
Missouri Ozarks

A reliable driveway monitor that actually works!
I have spent several hundred wasted dollars and many trial-and-error hours over the past few years trying to get a reliable driveway monitor. Problems encountered in past have included short-range/unreliable wireless transmitter function, many false alarms caused by animals, wasps, wind moving tree branches, even fast moving clouds causing rapid sun heating changes, etc. Finally, got one that works satisfactorily. This specific unit (don't know about their other models which ARE different), the DesignTech "Deluxe Driveway Monitor model 33370," is excellent. Well designed, well constructed, very simple/easy/quick installation, unique patented technology (different from all other motion sensors I've tried); and most impressive, it really does what it is advertised to do. Plenty of reliable range between the transmitter and receiver, zero false alarms, and always detects cars in the driveway. Some suggestions for anyone purchasing one of these: 1) If possible, install the transmitter/motion sensing unit on the side of the driveway nearest your house so that the passing car will not tend to block the path between the receiver and transmitter. 2) Don't unfairly judge the unit by testing it inside the house; nearby indoor metal (stove, conduit in walls, overhead lights, nails, steel springs in sofa, etc.) will distort the magnetic field, and result in a negative (false) impression that it is not as sensitive as it should be. Just install it per the manufacturer's instructions, and it will detect passing vehicles as advertised. 3) The outdoor sensor is waterproof, but just to be safe I put a zip-lock bag over mine. The only question still open is battery life. I'll update this report if that (or anything else) proves to be a negative in the future. UPDATE:July 26, 2004 - Things I've learned: 1) be sure to fully tighten the case screws, otherwise unit may not be waterproof. Look into crack between front & back of case with a flashlight to be sure screws are tight enough and no water can enter. 2)don't mount sensor on a tree, even a big one. Even the slightest movement of the tree by winds can cause a false alarm. Use the mounting post provided with the unit. 3) The unit still works great, and I still recommend it.UPDATE: Feb 9, 2005 - The original batteries had to be replaced after about nine months in service.I have the unit set on the most sensitive setting, which drains the batteries the most.Next time if I only get nine months battery life, I will lower the sensitivity setting to extend battery life.When the batteries become weak, you will start getting false alarms; not a bad way to be alerted to need to change batteries.I'm still pleased, and recommend the unit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Home    2. Automotive   

Features

• Lamp controller module lights the building when a vehicle passes the sensor
• No more unannounced visitors driving up to your home or office
• Indoor receiver chimes when you drive past the sensor in your driveway
• Unlike other driveway motion detection systems, Driveway Monitor does not get false alarms from pedestrians, animals, or shadows
• Easy installation - just mount the sensor next to your driveway on the included stake and plug the receiver into any electrical outlet inside your home

Reviews (7)

I am not happy
I received my first Design Tech Driveway Monitor the first of June.It only worked for one day.I called Design Tech and they were very helpful and sent a new unit to me.It took a while for the new unit to arive.It worked great for about 3 weeks.Now it has also quit.I am waiting on a response from Design Tech now.I would look for something else.

It works for about a year
This thing worked flawlessly for about a year.In the beginning, the only thing I didn't like was the sound of the chime (had I written this review then, I would have given it 4 or 5 stars).It would be nice if you could change the chime to a more-plesant doorbell-like tone rather than a warning-like tone.However, the functionality was so good we bought another one for my mother-in-law.After about a year, ours stopped working consistently.It would miss about every third car.I tried moving it, I tried increasing the sensitivity jumper, I replaced the batteries and nothing worked.I was convinced of some kind of "user-error" until my mother-in-law's started to become inconsistent as well.Now hers doesn't even work at all.Ours still misses quite a few cars but it does work on occation.

I'm currently looking for a replacement.

It works well enough
For the price it can't be beat.This unit works as advertised but don't expect more than about 250 foot of range.Keeping the unit on the default detection range I get about 1 year out of the batteries.Just remember to change them in the fall so the batteries are fresh going into the winter months.I had no problems keeping water out of the unit.Anyone who experiences moisture problems can probably put a piece of duct tape over the seam between the two halves.Overall, a good product for the price.P.S.I vaguely remember reading somewhere that a repeater was available to extend the range. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Home    2. Automotive   

Features

• No more unannounced visitors driving up to your home or office
• Indoor receiver chimes when you drive past the sensor in your driveway
• Unlike other driveway motion detection systems, Driveway Monitor does not get false alarms from pedestrians, animals, or shadows
• Easy installation - just mount the sensor next to your driveway on the included stake and plug the receiver into any electrical outlet inside your home

Reviews (4)

does product do what it saids?
excellant item purchased 3months ago works 99% of time very happy with results.

Detection is a problem
I've had my unit for about a year. I'm 80% pleased with the product. I have the detector set on high, but sometimes miss the incoming vehicle. I have tried different locations and angles without much change. The distance is about 600 feet from the receiver. It seems like the dector needs to be set at a higher sensitive level.

Good range, but unreliable detection
I've had this unit for 6 months now, always trying to adjust it and put it in different locations, high and low, far and away to get a reliable signal when someone arrives in the driveway. Range does not seem to be a problem. I have the unit currently about 600 ft. from the receiver in the house. However, detection does seem to be a problem. Even with the jumper setting adjusted to high sensitivity (I think the range is then 11-15ft. away), I have to get within about 2-3 feet of the unit with a vehicle to get it to detect. If it detects, the chime immediately goes off in the house. And I also think the speed of the vehicle travelling by the unit has something to do with it. It's about a 50/50 hit whether or not it actually detects the vehicle. I'm going to try the company themselves (1yr. warranty) to see what the problem is. I WANT it to work. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Just because those who deliver the mail don't let rain or sleet stop them from their appointed rounds doesn't mean you have to trudge out in bad weather several times a day to see if the mail has arrived. Ideal for those with mailboxes at the end of long driveways, Design Tech's wireless Mail Alert notifies homeowners or renters when their mailboxes are full. Once the mail person opens your mailbox door, a receiver inside your home chimes once every five minutes for two hours and a light constantly flashes until you reset the unit. The unit's 300-foot range should cover most driveways, and you can adjust the sensitivity of the receiver--an especially valuable feature if your mailbox is frequently rattled. Make sure your trips to the mailbox are infrequent during cold and wet winter days by welcoming the Mail Alert into your household. ... Read more

Features

• Mail Alert is designed for mailboxes using pull down doors
• Indoor receiver chimes and flashes to alert you that the mail has arrived
• Up to 300 foot of range between mailbox sensor and receiver
• Don't get cold or soaked only to find the mail has not yet arrived
• Easy installation - just mount the sensor on the mail box door and plug the receiver into any electrical outlet inside your home

Reviews (2)

Worked as expected
Having read another review of this product, I had some trepidation before ordering. I called the manufacturer's Technical Department. and was encouraged by what I heard. I decided to order, largely because of Amazon's liberal return policy. Now that I have it, I find the product to work admirably. Each time the postal deliverer opens my mailbox, the system alerts me. There have been no false alarms. I would recommend this product to anyone who is tired of repeated trips to the mailbox.

Mail Alert didn't alert!
I installed the Mail Alert receiever inside my house behind a window with clear view of the mail box. The glass and window screen were the only thing between the transmitter and receiver. Distance about 175 ft. Installed transmitter as specified on mail box. The receiver would light up and beep once about 1 out of 5 times I opened the mail box door. Otherwise nothing happened. I checked the battery with a digital VOM and voltage was 3" VDC which indicated a new battery. I returned the Mail Alert device as it would not work consistantly. I did receive superior service from Amazon with full refund including postage both ways. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Home Safety   

Features

• Simulated rattle snake sound- takes advantage of nature's best warning system
• Warns animals and pets of oncomming vehicles
• 1500' range ? loud enough for animals to hear more than a quarter mile away
• Unlike wind powered animal alerts Deer Alert is sonic and ultrasonic enabling all animals to hear the alert
• Sonic sound can be turned on or off with included switch

Features

• CarFinder mode
• 1200 feet of range
• Indiglo style backlit LCD screen on handled tranceiver shows status of vehicle
• User selectable engine run time, timed start, and turbo timer
• Quickstop mode allows engine to remain running without the ignition key

Reviews (2)

Nearly as good as advertised
I purchased this remote starter and installed it myself on my Subaru Forester (automatic transmission).Installation ranged from easy to moderately difficult based on the particular feature I was installing.Installing the remote starter portion was easy and can be done in less than an hour - just find out which wires your ignition system uses and connect and then also find the tachometer wire to your gages and connect.When it came time to install the other features such as the door lock/unlock feature, parking light connection, and horn (I used the car horn in place of the optional siren), installation was more difficult.Because the remote starter can handle a variety of door locking mechanisms, you have to determine which type your vehicle uses and then determine the location of the applicable wires; this can be done using Design Tech's website.Hooking up the horn and lights became much more difficult - I had to use relays to have the remote starter's output connect the horn's wiring and light's wiring to ground after searching for a good place to tap into their wiring; this method was explained in the instructions well enough to follow.If your vehicle has a trunk, it may also require hooking up a relay depending on the model.I also used the two auxiliary outputs to hook up to the climate control system so that I can also activate the climate control's air conditioning and rear window defroster if I desire.

Once everything was hooked up, the system functions superbly.I haven't quite determined the range yet, but it seems to be a good distance.Once started, the car runs up to 25 minutes (user selectable) and will periodically (approximately every 5 or 10 seconds) flash the lights to indicate that the vehicle is running.The car doors will also automatically lock (read below about opening a door)

One item that is not as advertised, though, is there is no "quickstop" feature.You can stop the car and restart the car using the remote or you can fumble with the remote and activate a feature called "Turbo Timer" that keeps your car running (for up to 20 minutes) after every stop until you deactivate the feature; the feature takes about 10 seconds to change on the remote and then an additional 10+ seconds to transmit from the remote to the remote starter device in the car.

Whether the car is running because of the remote start or the Turbo Timer, pressing the brake pedal, opening the car hood, or even opening the car door without unlocking the door via the remote starter's transmitter will cause the car's engine to turn off.You can put your key into the ignition and turn the key to "run" and then the car will continue running after pressing the brake.

The transmitter will also warn you if you leave your lights on.

The remote starter can also be configured to start your vehicle at a preset time of day [the transmitter actually starts the car at a user selected preset time] and started every 2 to 12 hours automatically (to keep the engine warm in extremely cold weather).You can also have the remote starter lock all car doors automatically at 2000 engine RPM and unlock upon turning off the car.You can also selectively turn off the horn/siren.

After some (unknown) period of time, the transmitter will not indicate a signal strength to the car.There is not a method to check for connectivity without causing the car to respond somehow - the least intrusive is the "car finder" feature that flashes the lights and sounds the horn three times.The good part about the two-way feature, though, is that if you are too far away your transmitter will let you know so you'll never think you started your car when in fact you didn't.

It's hard to tell from the pictures, but the remote transmitter is decently small.It's approximately the size of my car's original keyless entry device except it's slightly longer and is about 1 1/2 times as thick.In addition, it has an antenna that's just over half the length of a "AAA" type battery.(Actual dimensions are about 2.25 inches tall, 1.5 inches wide, 0.5 inches thick with an antenna that adds another inch).It weighs slightly more than my original keyless entry device as well but only about another key's worth.It can be attached to your keychain or worn like a cell phone using the included pouch and belt attachment device.The transmitter will also show the length of time the vehicle has been parked or has been running.

All in all I'm fairly happy with the product and its features.I just wish installation were a bit easier.The device is intended for use on both automatic and manual transmission vehicles but use on manual transmission vehicles requires not keeping your car in gear, so I wouldn't recommend using this in hilly areas with manual transmission vehicles.

Additional information on the product is available at the manufacturer's website of www.designtech-intl.com

MY Personal Custom Install
This is what you call ultimate protection for you car or motorcycle . I was so happy to have chose this brand and model alarm system it has all the versitality and optional fuctions that work for all your protection and convenience needsand it also is very reliable and trusting. With an awsome remote range. so as me being a professional Tech/Installer I would have to say there is no other like it foreven double the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Home    2. Automotive   

Features

• Panic alarm, CarFinder, Remote Headlight Control
• 1000 foot remote range
• Built-in self-diagnostic system
• Anti-Code Grabbing transmitter, No Tach installation
• 2 transmitters with multi vehicle capability

Reviews (2)

NOT AS GOOD
EASY AND CLEAR STEPS TO FOLLOW IN INSTALLATION, ALTHOUGH THE UNIVERSAL REMOTE IS REALLY BAD, FEELS VERY CHEAP...TACHLESS MODE WORKS GREAT, BUT FINDING SERVICE AND TECH SUPPORT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE...GOOD LUCK CONTACTING THEM!

Excellent features but...
The Design Tech Deluxe Remote Car Starter comes with excellent features and a compact remote.The problem is, the item I received did not work.

All wires were hooked up appropriately and double check with a test kit.Once hooked up, there was no response from the unit.After hours of attempting to troubleshoot, I looked online at Design Tech's website for local authorized installers in the hopes that they might be able to answer my question.

Unfortunately the three "authorized" installers in my area REFUSED to touch Design Tech's equipment because, and I quote "they're too difficult to work with.We haven't had much success."

A little alarmed by this response, I attempted to contact the company using their 800 number during their live tech support hours.After waiting 1/2 on hold with no approximate wait time and no end in sight, I hung up and decided instead to return the defective unit back. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Home    2. Automotive   

Features

• 2 transmitters with multi vehicle capability; panic alarm, carfinder, remote headlight control
• start your car with your heater, defroster, or air-conditioner turned on from the comfort of your home or office
• Built-in self-diagnostic feedback system; normal/extended crank option for hard-to-start vehicles
• Anti-code grabbing transmitter, no tach installation, factory alarm disarm capability
• Quick Stop option lets you leave the car running without the key while you temporarily run into a store

Editorial Review

For those who have always admired the bing-bong noise one hears when entering a convenience store, here comes the Design Tech Deluxe Door Announcer, a motion sensor that either chimes or sounds an alarm anytime someone opens a monitored door. Suitable for either business or home use, the unit allows users to monitor an entrance from another room, across an extremely large room, or within a warehouse. Hoping to improve service by meeting customers at the door as soon as they enter the shop? Just listen for the tone. Worried the kids might sneak into the family room before finishing their homework? Install a sensor at the entrance. Users can set the door sensor and receiver to chime together, sound an alarm together, or chime only on the receiver's end (while the door sensor stays silent). The sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted so suit various applications, and the receiver plugs into any standard wall outlet and has a 300-foot range. ... Read more

Features

• No more unannounced visitors
• Chimes or sounds an alarm anytime the door is opened
• Chime, alarm or silent mode
• Patented technology does not require read switches or magnets like most comparable systems
• Set includes receiver, which can be placed up to 300 feet from the sensor/transmitter

Reviews (1)

does just what i wanted
I got the door annoucer about a yr ago because I wanted to know when the garage door was be opened. At first I put it on the door and it worked but I found that it was better to just place it above the door on the wood . It has been working great ever since. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Lighting    2. Outdoor Lighting    3. Motion Sensor    4. (Lights)    5. (Senser)    6. Home Safety   

Editorial Review

Are you a little worried about dinner guests opening your medicine cabinet? Do you have a yard that attracts trespassers, despite the imposing-looking gate that protects it? If so, consider Design Tech's Motion Alert, which alerts users whenever a monitored object is moved for any reason. Whether your concern is home security, protecting your children from dangerous household items (such as cleaning supplies), or simply frustrating would-be snoopers, the Motion Alert monitors doors, gates, cabinets, furniture, equipment, or any other object you deem worthy of supervision. Mounted horizontally, the transmitter activates with even the slightest movement; mounted vertically, the transmitter requires a tilt of 20 degrees or more to activate. Once it detects movement, the receiver sounds either a continuous alarm or a door chime sound until reset. Users can program up to 16 additional sensors to monitor several objects at once; each sensor is miniature and weatherproof and has a 500-foot range. In addition, each sensor can be set to either low or high sensitivity. Simply secure sensors to objects with the double-sided foam tape or screws, plug the receiver into a wall outlet, and monitor away. ... Read more

Features

• Receiver chimes and flashes when the monitored object is moved
• Great for pool gates, tool sheds, or anything you want to monitor inside or out
• Waterproof sensor can be placed up to 500 feet between sensor and receiver, inside or out
• Siren available as an accessory

Subjects:  1. Lighting    2. Outdoor Lighting    3. Motion Sensor    4. (Lights)    5. (Senser)    6. Home Safety   

Features

• Panic alarm, CarFinder, Remote Headlight Control
• 1000 foot remote range
• Built-in self-diagnostic system
• Anti-Code Grabbing transmitter, No Tach installation
• 2 transmitters with multi vehicle capability

Subjects:  1. Home    2. Automotive   

Features

• 200 foot range from receiver to sensor
• Add additional secure zones to your existing vehicles alarm system
• Arm your truck toolbox, workshop door, topper, RV, or other unprotected area within 200' of vehicle when you set your alarm system
• Monitor up to four additional zones with your current vehicle alarm
• Wireless signal from sensor to the receiver-no wiring required

Features

• Extra receivers, transmitters, wireless sensors and long range antenna available if needed
• 400 foot range to arm or disarm vehicle security system
• Remote sensitivity 8 stage shock sensor with starter kill option.
• Locate your car, control your headlights or trigger the panic alarm remotely
• The only alarm capable of using wireless sensors to trigger the alarm (sold separately) within 200' of the vehicle alarm

Features

• Installation video included
• 1000 foot range to remote start, lock/unlock or locate your vehicle
• Self Diagnostic system simplifies installation along with tech assistance
• Pit stop option allows vehicle to remain running without the key
• 3-zone alarm system and keyless entry

Editorial Review

Have you ever walked out to your vehicle on a brisk January night or on a hot, muggy July afternoon and wished you had a remote car starter? While some models require (costly) professional installation, Design Tech's 20021V remote car starter is great for both cold and hot weather use and is fairly easy for most people to install themselves. The starter includes a built-in self-diagnosis system and Cold Start option that automatically starts your vehicle whenever the temperature drops below 0 degrees F. It also monitors the battery voltage and fuel level to help prevent dead batteries and an empty fuel tank. Additional safety checks include making sure the vehicle is in park and the hood is down before attempting a start, a good thing to have if you ever find yourself working on your vehicle and accidentally activate the remote control module. The starter works on fuel injected, diesel, or carburetor vehicles with automatic transmissions. An auto-shutoff feature turns the vehicle off after 10 or 15 minutes of idling (you can program it to either time limit) to prevent overheating and help conserve fuel. A six second startup limit helps prevent damage to the starter motor, as well. If, after six seconds, the vehicle hasn’t started, or if it stalls once it has started successfully, the unit will try restarting the engine two more times. An optional light activation and horn honk will let you know your vehicle has started successfully. The starter unit is programmed to one of 16 million different security codes and can "learn" unique codes for up to four different transmitters. For added security, the car starter is designed not to allow the vehicle to be driven or unlocked without the keys in place.--Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Self-diagnostic system and video-based instructions simplify installation
• 500-foot range to remote start your vehicle
• Built-in low battery voltage and cold temperature start help prevent dead batteries
• Pit stop option allows vehicle to remain running without the key
• Auto-shutoff prevents operation if brake pedal is pushed, hood is opened, or transmission is shifted out of park without key in ignition

Features

• Safety and convenience for the user
• Warns animals and pets of oncomming vehicles
• Electrical Deer Alert is easy to install
• Unlike wind powered animal alerts Deer Alert is sonic and ultrasonic enabling all animals to hear the alert
• Sonic sound can be turned on or off with included switch

Reviews (2)

Very easy install
If the Deer Alert 20501 truly works as well as it is to install, no one should hit a deer again. The ease of installion varies from vehicle to vehicle not from the product itself.

THE WORST PRODUCT EVER PURCHASED
THIS PRODUCT IS A JOKE! THE DESCRIPTION ON THE PRODUCT SAYS IT IS AN EASY HOOK UP. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT. I PURCHASED 4 OF THEM...HIRED AN OFF DUTY MECHANIC TO COME AND INSTALL THEM. HE HAD TO MAKE A SPECIAL BRACKET FOR 2 OF OUR CARS BECAUSE OF THE CONFIGURATION OF OUR GRILLS. IF HE CONNECTED THEM ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIONS THEY WOULD HAVE DRAINED OUR BATTERIES IN A DAY.IF HE USED THE ON/OFF TOGGLE SWITCH THEY PROVIDE HE WOULD HAVE HAD TO DRILL THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND DASH BOARDS...SO HE DECIDED TO INSTALL THOUGH THE FUSE BOX SO THE UNITS WOULD BE ACTIVE WHEN THE CARS WERE RUNNING.ONCE HE DID THIS HE COULD NOT BELIEVE HIS EARS...A CONSTANT CHIRPING SIREN LIKE SOUND EMITTED FROM THE UNIT.WE READ AND REREAD THE DIRECTIONS. THIS AUDIBLE SOUND WOULD STAY ON CONTINUALLY.IT WAS SO RIDICULOUS AND LOUD.IT WOULD HAVE BROUGHT NEW MEANING TO SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT.THE POLICE WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY WRITTEN A TICKET FOR IMPERSONATING A SIREN.I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT UNLESS YOUR DRIVING A TRACTOR AND HAVE A DEGREE IN AUTO MECHANICS TO INSTALL IT.I WILL BE RETURNING THESE A.S.A.P. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mechanics' Tools    2. (Car Repair Tool Sets)    3. (Auto)