Q: I have a customer that is asking me to install PIR motion sensor on a luxury boat. I am not sure that this is a good application and would like your suggestions.

A: The PIR might not be your best choice due to possible false alarms from the variations in heat and RFI.  There are some other sensors you may want to look at applying.

I would suggest starting by placing sealed magnetic door contacts for the hatches. You can turn the decks into motion sensors by installing a stress detection system such as the Pulsor system from Sure Action (www.sureaction.com). You may want to design the system with a early audible warning when someone steps on the topside deck and the system is armed via a wireless remote key.

Another device that can be considered are the “Loyal Sentry Snap Switch” sensor made by Boat Sentry. It is a special canvas cover snap sensor that will magnetically break a circuit when unsnapped. It can be placed at strategic locations on the boat’s canvas cover replacing existing snaps. Here’s the contact information:

Boat Sentry
271 Rt 46 W Ste A-104
Fairfield NJ 07006
(201)575-5650

Q:I had some guys prewire a house for me and they drilled holes the size of the 22/4 wire. I am not a happy camper. Anyway, I want to correct the problem and enlarge the holes for a 3/8-inch contact, but I am not happy at the thought of having to rewire. Any suggestions are welcomed.

A:I think I have the perfect tool for you.  Laborsaving Devices (www.lsdinc.com) has a special drill called the “REBORE-ZIT”. This bit will allow you to enlarge a prewired hole without removing the wire.

If you have any tips to share or have questions about installations or troubleshooting, E-mail Security Sales & Integration Contributing Technical Columnist Bob Dolph at [email protected]

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