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Home Made Alarm Systems?

Posted by Cliff on from the is-custom-security-better dept.

screwBrinks! asks: "I would like to begin a new project to do during those long and boring weekends. I thought about creating an alarm system in my apartment which would be connected to my computer. Then, if there is any intrusion, it would page me or phone me. I also want to be able to see a live report from the web and some other goodies. I have no problem doing the software part, but I don't have much experience with building hardware. Have any of you ever built such a system? If so, what would be your recommendation? I know much of this may already exist prebuilt, but I really would like to make as much of it as I can, for fun. I have no problem against using prebuilt infrared detectors, prebuilt door contacts, and the like as long as they aren't X-10 products."

3 of 52 comments (clear)

  1. It's been done better and cheaper than that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Tools:

    1. extension cord
    2. two big metal trash cans.

    Method:

    1. Cut end off of extension cord.
    2. Strip cord
    3. Split wires
    4. Connect one wire to each trash can
    5. Place right behind your front door, but not touching.
    6. For extra effect, put something expensive at the bottom of the cans.
    7. Plug in.
    8. Not for use around ferrets.

  2. A system designed by Rube Goldberg by Webmoth · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm imagining a bucket of water precariously balanced above the door, with a string leading to the power switch of an amplifier, whose input is a microphone sitting directly in front of a speaker connected to its output, tapped to the sound card in your computer. The mic/amp generates a feedback loop which is effectively the alarm. A monitor script on the Linux box detects the input of a high-amplitude signal (the feedback) and triggers another script which dials the modem. The modem is a fax modem which sends a fax to your mother-in-law, who will see it, call you, and tell you that your house has been broken into. Being your mother-in-law, it doesn't end there. She then drives over to your place and starts giving the burglar a piece of her mind. The burglar, just to get your mother-in-law to back off, puts stuff back where it was, THEN takes out the garbage, mops the floor (where the bucket spilled), does the dishes, etc. to show how sorry (s)he is for breaking in in the first place.

    --
    Give me my freedom, and I'll take care of my own security, thank you.
  3. Not trying to troll, but... by redhatbox · · Score: 5, Funny


    "Then, if there is any intrusion, it would page me or phone me."

    Umm... wouldn't you rather it phone the local PD instead? Or both, I suppose. This poses a new set of problems, though...

    [CALL TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS]

    911: Emergency 911, what is the nature of your emergency?

    PC: Hello, this is Bob's PC. I am in danger.

    911: Okay, Mr. PC. Please verify your location.

    PC: I am located at public address 207.43.74.5, private address 192.168.0.15, subet 255.255.255.0, broadcast 192.168.0.0 . . .