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The Fundamentals of a Burglar Alarm
System
The most fundamental design of a burglar alarm system is
just a simple electric circuit that sounds whenever a circuit is
completed or broken. So fundamental that you can make one yourself.
Today’s burglar alarm systems have gone a long way from being a
simplistic device with a solenoid gong that Edwin Holmes has made in
1852. Today’s burglar alarm system incorporates the internet and
radio waves, making it really a difficult beat for burglars.
The most fundamental design of a burglar alarm system is just a
simple electric circuit that sounds whenever a circuit is completed,
or in some designs, broken. This action is called breaking the
circuit, and other than your dog maybe the only alarm that guards
your doors and windows. How do burglar alarm systems work?
In every electrical circuit, electricity flows on a completed path
between two points of opposite charge, negative and positive or
input and output. The circuit and the electricity is controlled by
means of a switch, an on or off device where you can open or close,
or reroute a part of the circuit.
So for example, in a standard circuit that consists of a power
supply, a line, switch, bulb, and line back to power supply, every
time the switch is turned on the bulb lights. Burglar alarm systems
work that way: whenever the alarm is set on active, current passes
through the doors and windows. Anyone attempting to open a door will
educe the alarm.
One problem though with this design, to stop the alarm you only need
to close back the door and the circuit in once again complete.
That’s the function of the control box that accompanies most modern
alarm system. This control box is connected to all system alarms.
Once the alarm is triggered, this control box won't cut it off until
somebody manually cut’s off the circuit. Subsequently, the control
boxes are usually hidden and equipped with a lock so the burglar
won’t be able to find it.
Because this burglar alarm system is quite rudimentary, you can make
one perfectly for your home. With proper knowledge of electricity
you can homebrew the Break Circuit Burglar Alarm System (you may
call it this way). For ideas relating to such circuits, study how
refrigeration lighting comes to play.
Homebrew your Burglar Alarm System
Opening the refrigerator door emits a light. On some designs, the
switch is embedded in such a way when you open the door the switch
is released, completing the circuit and light goes on. Similarly,
embed a press switch on a door frame. Work the circuit in such a way
that the pressing will break the circuit and releasing will
complete. Now attach the circuit to a buzzer.
Actually, you can imagine many uses with this circuit design. Why,
try hooking it up on a disc player and invite your special someone
over for dinner. Of course for the dramatic to take effect, you
should let her open the door.
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