Trip Wire Alarm System
While thinking about my display for next Christmas I Started thinking about the security of my display and what was the best way to protect it from vandals. I wanted something that was inexpensive, I could build in very little time, and was easy to build.
Cheap, fast and easy , these are three words that will get my attention every time, and that’s what I kept in mind when I set out to design an alarm system that can be quite effective in deterring any would be vandals, most of the parts you may already have , and the rest you can buy at Home Depot for under 10 dollars , this took me less then an hour to build and install this and I think it will be quit effective as a first line of defense.
I used string because it will break free fairly easily if the trip wire is tripped saving the switch from any damage , for a hair trigger attach the string with no slack . If the wire is ever tripped the string and the rubber bands will break, Just remove the toothpick on the switch by pushing it out with another toothpick, replace the string and rubber bands and install just like before and your done.
Well the jury is still out on how effective this alarm really is
You can add a second switch if you need to send a second trip wire in another direction
Here is a basic parts list
Shallow box .54 cents
switch .64 cents
switch cover .42 cents
extension cord ,(6ft) $1.29
L bracket .88 cents
fishing line $1.50 roll (approx)
Hook swivels .94 cents
rubber bands/ pull spring . Less then 50cents
tooth picks
All the parts you need to build this is Less then Ten dollars.
This Project Created By Ray Arnold
www.thewestpole.com