An effective alarm is a key element of intruder deterrence and to alert you if there is a break in and consequent loss of valuables - some of which might be valuable, some irreplaceable and some holding sentimental value.
It is not always possible to fit a full mains interlinked alarm system for various reasons. These could include cost (initial cost and ongoing subscriptions), restrictions on property (e.g. rented or special conditions), practicality, aesthetics or may not be able to cover everything. It could also be that you need an alarm for for an outbuilding (e.g. shed, garage) or somewhere off site (e.g. caravan, lock up, boat, shop). It could be even be there is no power supply available for a mains operated alarm system. You may only need n alarm on a temporary basis (e.g. festival, tent, event) or you only need part of a building alarmed off to prevent access (e.g. commercial premises or part of a house [home office?]).
But there is a solution.
After doing a little research we came across a range of stand alone alarms allowing ultimate portability and minimal set up. We've also added some variations to allow you to choose the best system best suited to your needs at a fraction of the cost a fitted system would cost.
What made use choose to champion this particular one then?
First off, is build quality. In fact, this is normally one of the first things we look at for all our products. We are well aware there are always cheaper products, but when it comes to any sort of security then cost has to be balanced with quality otherwise you'll end up replacing it as it breaks down, has reliability issues or is not fit for purpose - so why bother in the first place? As an aside, the makers of the UKs only police approved personal alarms have put their name to this - this should give you a good idea of the pedigree if nothing else. We only buy direct - no redundent stock, no cheap copycats - so you know you are only buying the best.
So lets have a look at the units themself. Both the keypad and remote variations share many features and we'll look at the shared featured first.
130db alarm. This is rated as the equivalent of military jet aircraft take-off from aircraft carrier with afterburner at 50 ft. I think that will get someones attention pretty quick.
Both PIR operated, being once something is detected moving in that range, the alarm will trigger. Detection area is 6m long, 60 degrees horizontal, 20 degrees vertical. That's a fair range, you'll agree.
Because they are battery operated these can be placed anywhere - including some limited covert placement depending on location. In addition, they can be wall mounted which, as well as possibly getting them of the way, cannot be easily reached or silenced by an intruder looking to silence them.
No wiring and easy set up means these can be repositioned at will, including taking them with you. However, one feature we liked was that with both models, it is possible to run these through a mains adaptor (not included) if you have a suitable more permanent fitting. As well as maintaining maximum effectiveness, there will be a saving on batteries. It is worth noting that all the alrms (and accessories) come with all required batteries and full instructions so you have everything and it is ready to go out of the box.
Sizewise, it's surprisingly small for what it is - dimensions are 65 x158 x38mm (W x H x D) allowing plenty of flexibility for positioning.
The alarm is activated by the sensor when movement is detected. Once the alarm has been triggered, the alarm will operate for 30 seconds before re-arming and waiting for further movement.
We have looked at the shared characteristics, but now let's look at the differences. In short, these are mainly the (dis-)arming mechanisms.
Remote Contol -
Exit Delay 30 seconds
Entry Delay 4 seconds
Press one button on the separate remote keyring, another to disarm.
That's it. Not much more I can add. Oh, the a light comes on the remote when you press the button so you know it has worked.
Keypad -
Exit Delay 30 seconds
Entry Delay 10 seconds
As well as not having to remember the remote, this allows the alarm to be used by multiple users as they can all be given the (same) code to arm/disarm. The code can be reset in the event of needing to deny access to a current user.
As well as the alarms, we also offer a couple of optional extras.
An additional remote control is offered, in case the original one is lost/mislaid or the batteries fail. These can be configued to alarm. No different to the one already supplied with the remote alarm (note - to eliminate doubt, the remote control will only work with remote control alarm)
The last accessory is an external speaker. Both alarms can be used with this.
It comes with 10m of cable and is simply plugged into the alarm unit. It's also 130db and powered by batteries - again allowing that flexibility. This allows another speaker to be placed in a separate room (or building) and efectively increase the range of the alarms. As one of the nice touches we like, it has a built in anti-tamper device which means it will sound if someone tries to tamper with speaker or cabling. Another handy feature, not always found elsewhere, is a low battery indicator so you know when to change the batteries rather than being caught out.
We are confident you will not find a superior feature rich quality portable alarm at this price.
Satisfaction Guarantee.
As always, we're confident and relaxed enough in our products to offer a
no quibble 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with these
for whatever reason, just return them in original condition as sent,
including box, and we will refund the purchase price.
The small print.
While we have run tests on sample
models, we are not liable for any loss or damage which may result from
using the product.
Payment options - Paypal (preferred for speed so you get your item as quickly as possible). Cheque or postal order also accepted - please contact for payee name. International buyers - Paypal only - no exceptions. P&P - As my previous feedback shows, I aim to get your goods to you fast as I can.)
After payment clears, I look to send item out same working day if possible, but next working day if not. Sent by Royal Mail. Free P&P - no hidden extras.
International postage. I'm more than
happy to send these internationally - not an issue. I regularly send items abroad including Australia, America, Canada, all over Europe - in fact quicker to list where I haven't sent items! As far as I know, there are normally no customs duties due or additional charges for international customers.
Feedback.
If you have any queries after receiving your item, please get in touch
to discuss. We treat our Feedback seriously and would prefer to sort out any problems and have a chance to respond before any ill feeling is created. You may find us laid back, but we do take a professional stance on customer service.
Items sold. Please note it is cheaper to constantly relist than open an eBay shop so although on occasion it looks like we have only sold a few, please be assured we have sold many many more, as our Feedback evidences.
Dispatch - important (to us!). When providing Feedback for the dispatch section, you are respectfully reminded that this is for speed of dispatch - not how fast you get it. Please compare your order date with the postmark - this should never be more than one working day later and thus within our service standards as stated within this listing. Please mark against this.
Thank you for reading. Please get in touch if you have any queries.