A driveway alert sensor is a must for homeowners who want to be alerted to the
presence of people on their driveways and front yards. But not all driveway
alert sensors are created equal to the task, thus, the complaints about the
sensors being too sensitive or too delayed.
Indeed, the best driveway alert sensors should
combine several characteristics including:
·
Wide
transmission range
·
Adjustable
coverage area
·
Sensitive
sensors that pick up the presence of people within the coverage area
·
Smart
sensors that will not sound the alarm when small animals, such as squirrels,
cats and dogs, are on the grounds
The choices in alarm tones, on-off control, and
adjustable volume are icing on the cake, so to speak.
Does the Optex RCTD-20U Wireless Driveway or
Entry Announcer meet the criteria? Read on and find out.
Notable Features
The Optex RCTD-20U is a wireless annunciator system. This means that this is a wireless detection and alarm signal with an
installation akin to plug-and-play. Just be sure to read the instructions
manual first before installing the system for best results.
The system can transmit signals of up to 2,000
feet. This is sufficient for most residential and commercial applications, particularly
as a perimeter alert system. The trick is in the placement of the sensor for
cost-efficient and results-effective use, as discussed in later sections.
With each purchase of the Optex RCTD-20U, you
already have three possible uses for it, namely:
·
A
driveway alarm, which will sound an alert for approaching vehicles in the
driveway
·
A
wireless doorbell, which can be used to notify people in your home about your
approach
·
A
warehouse delivery notification system, which is obviously for commercial
applications
The manufacturer touts it as a complete security
solution although this isn’t 100% true. Keep in mind that this is only an alert
system so it’s just a single part of a complete security solution. Other
security measures, such as lights, bolts on doors, and pressure alarms on
windows, will also be necessary.
But as driveway alert sensor for residential and commercial applications, this will
suffice. You may or may not add other alarms depending on your security needs.
There are three different tone alerts to choose
from. You will appreciate the choices since many manufacturers use annoying
tones for alerts with little to no other choice. Fortunately, the Optex
RCTD-20U’s alert tones are pleasant to the ears.
The system also offers five sensitivity levels.
You can choose the level based on the kinds of objects you want detected on
your driveway and front yard. You may, for example, set it so that only cars
driving and people walking up the driveway will be detected.
Many driveway alert sensors are either so
sensitive or so delayed in their alerts because there are no sensitivity levels
to choose from. On one hand, many alarms are so sensitive that even small
animals crossing the driveway are detected. This can be such an inconvenience –
the alarm sounds off many times during the day and night – that owners just
turn them off.
On the other hand, many alarms are so
ineffective that no alerts are sounded even with large objects already hitting
the sensor. Even when an alarm is sounded, it can be a few minutes after the
object came within the sensor’s coverage area.
This can result in awkward, even dangerous, situations for the owners.
The Optex RCTD-20U also comes with 12
transmitters that can be programmed for multiple detection patterns. This
ensures a well-covered aiming trigger system that covers a larger area in
comparison with other driveway alert sensors.
The system is also encased in a weatherproof
case the size of a softball. You should have an easy time mounting the sensor
on most surfaces in outdoor settings, such as on a post in the patio. You don’t
have to worry about wiring it up since it’s a wireless system.
But you have to buy a 9-volt battery to make it
operational. Each battery usually lasts for two years, on average, which means
the system doesn’t demand high maintenance. You must, however, check that the
system works from time to time, just to be sure.
To summarize, these are the features of Optex
RCTD-20U:
·
Five
different sensitivity levels
·
Three
different tone alerts
·
Wireless
setup
·
12
transmitters for programming of multiple detection patterns
·
9-volt
battery operation
Pros of the Product
The Optex RCTD-20U provides the following
benefits:
·
Fast
and easy installation with no wires to worry about
·
Indoor
and outdoor use
·
Weatherproof
housing
·
Extra-long
transmission range of up to 2,000 feet
·
On-off
switch
·
Adjustable
volume coupled with three alert tones
·
Sufficiently
sensitive to pick up large objects but not so sensitive as to sound the alarm
from small animals
·
Great
tech support
These benefits are made with the assumption that
the unit was properly installed and programmed. Again, the importance of
reading the instructions before setup cannot be overemphasized.
Cons of the Product
According to a few users, the Optex RCTD-20U has
the following demerits:
·
Limited
range in contrast with the manufacturer’s guarantee and many of the users’
experiences. One user even said that its range was just 15 to 20 feet.
·
Delayed
alerts in a few instances
·
Cheap
plastic casing
Emphasis must be made that these observations
are only among a few customers. Many of them appear to have installed the unit
improperly, thus, these problems.
Who Is It Best For?
The Optex RCTD-20U is best for home and business
owners who want a relatively affordable yet effective and efficient driveway alert sensor. This can be
easily set up according to the needs and wants of the owner in terms of the
area of coverage, type of tone, and volume of alert.
Verdict - Should I Buy It?
Yes, I would recommend it to others, as well as
buy it. The Optex RCTD-20U is a satisfactory driveway alert sensor that adds another layer of security in a
complete security solution. This is a reliable alert sensor with a wide range
of coverage, a product that can please home and business owners alike.
