Archive for August, 2009
Sunday, August 16th, 2009
Burglars always attack the easiest targets first. They don’t take risks when they don’t have to, and they prefer breaking in to obviously empty homes rather than occupied ones because they’ll have longer time to search, steal, and they definitely have greater chances of not getting caught. If you’re going to leave your home unattended for a lengthy period of time, here are several things you can do to deter burglars from targeting your home.
Use a Dummy TV
When the television set is on, then it’s very likely that at least one person is at home. The presence of occupants is more than enough to deter most burglars. This method, while proven effective, is quite costly. Television sets consume a lot of electricity. You might find yourself surprised at how much your electricity bill for the month has gone up just because you left the TV on whenever you’re away.
A cheaper but just as effective alternative would be to use a dummy TV. More specifically, it’s a light box that produces an accurate simulation of light emitted by a TV screen. Its built-in computer ensures that the light display varies widely, just as it would with an ordinary TV set. There is no pattern to its display. After all, program producers don’t exactly allow light changes to dictate the flow of their program, do they? What happens, happens and it’s the same with the light box.
More Burglar Deterrent Tips for a Safe Home
Light boxes are just the first step to deter burglars from breaking and entering your home. Burglars can be stubborn so it won’t hurt to use other tricks to discourage them from their targeting your property.
Lights On Outside
Push away the darkness from your home by installing bright lights outdoors. If you have money to spare, consider using lights with motion detection. That’s sure to make burglars think twice about attacking your home.
Use Timer Switches for Appliances
Set different alarms for different appliances. Have them switch on and off at random times and different rooms in the house. This will paint a more realistic picture of an occupied home.
Maintain Normal Routine
Lastly, blinds, shades, and curtains must not be kept in their normal position. If you never leave them closed when you’re home then it should remain so even when you’re not. Remember: you need to paint a convincingly accurate picture of an occupied home and you can’t do that if you stray from the usual.
Tags: dummy camera, home safety Posted in Home Security | No Comments »
Sunday, August 16th, 2009
Even though you want to be at your children’s side 24/7, there are moments when you have no choice but to leave them unsupervised. Mere seconds, however, could be all it takes for someone to harm your children. Don’t wait for that to happen. Protect your children now with a driveway alarm system.

How Driveway Alarm Systems Work
Driveway alarm systems can protect your child from various dangers when installed properly.
Specify Danger Zones
A driveway alarm system is usually capable of monitoring several zones, the number of which depends on the model you have purchased. The areas listed below are something you should consider using the alarm for.
Driveway
Know the exact moment that an intruder attempts to trespass on your property or when your children start to stray from where you’ve left them.
Pool
Children are naturally precocious and this could lead them to try new and dangerous things, like getting into the deeper end of a pool.
Backyard
This is another commonly used entrance for burglars. Installing a driveway alarm system at this area will definitely keep you alert on any break-in attempts.
Create Pre-Recorded Messages for Voice Alert
The driveway alarm system will produce a voice alert every time it’s triggered. Some models allow you to program one message per zone.
In line with this, voice alerts may be used for two purposes. You can use it to alert yourself of the potential danger your child is facing or you can use it to scare burglars away.
If you want to keep yourself informed, you need to make sure that the receiver for the driveway alarm system is located at the place where you’re most likely to be when you’re away from your children. As for the latter, it’s best to install one receiver per zone so that burglars would have the benefit of hearing your warning.
Connect with Loud Speaker
Voice alerts of driveway alarm systems may not be loud enough for you to hear them if you’re at another room. This can be easily solved by connecting your system with a speaker.
Important Features to Consider
When shopping for driveway alarm systems, always look for the model with the widest range possible that you can afford. Secondly, look for a system that allows you to speak through its transmitter. Check if it comes up with backup battery power: this will ensure that your driveway alarm system will still work even when you’re suffering from a power failure.
Tags: family safety, home alarm system Posted in Home Security | No Comments »
Saturday, August 15th, 2009
Terrorism isn’t an easy thing to combat especially in crowded places like airports. Thankfully, advances in technology help minimize the chances of terrorists slipping past security checks. Read on to know the various preventive measures airport security takes to protect its passengers.
How Terminal Metal Detectors Work
Every passenger must pass through the terminal before entering the airport. Posted at this area are several metal detectors that people have to go through as well for a thorough but hands free inspection of their person.
The Use of PI Technology
PI or pulse induction takes the form of coiled wire attached at one side of the arch. This serves as both transmitter and receiver for the metal detector. PI technology is responsible for sending brief but highly powerful pulses through the wire. Every generated pulse creates a magnetic field that will last only for a very short while before suddenly collapse. Another current will pass through the wire, and this is referred to as the reflected pulse. Its appearance is even briefer, lasting no more than thirty microseconds.
This cycle will continue for as long as the metal detector is used. 100 pulses per second are sent on average, but its range is anywhere from 25 to more than a thousand pulses per second, depending on the type of metal detector used.
Detecting the Presence of Metal
When the presence of metal is detected, a reverse magnetic field is created and one that will produce a longer-lasting reflected current. Incorporated in a metal detector is a sampling circuit that is capable of gauging the length of reflected pulses. It will determine if the reflected pulse lasts longer than usual and if it does then it is likely that the presence of metal has been detected.
Relaying the Presence of Metal
Now that the sampling circuit has determined the possible presence of metal, it will then send its analysis to the integrator. This device amplifies and converts the signals into DC (direct current), which is connected to yet another device, the audio circuit. This last device is responsible for emitting that loud beeping sound you hear when the presence of metal has been detected.
Airport security officials will now request the individual in question to remove any metal object he has in his possession. Once all those items have been removed, he will then be asked to pass through the metal detector once more. If the metal detector continues to beep, the airport security official will use a handheld detector this time. The handheld detector shall trace the length of the individual to isolate the source.
Your possessions are also subjected to a similar inspection as they pass through an X-ray machine. It may seem a tedious process, but as most devices used for terrorist attacks are made of metal, it does contribute a lot to your safety while you spend time at the airport.
Tags: detector, security gadget Posted in General | No Comments »
Saturday, August 15th, 2009
More often than not, the things that are right in front us are the ones we have the most difficult time seeing. This is a common saying about love, but it happens to be true with keeping your jewelries safe at home, too.

Hidden Wall Safes
Hidden wall safes are exactly what their name implies: a safe hidden within the walls of your home. They offer a wide variety of models for you to choose from and according to the Chicago Police, they offer a much cheaper and effective alternative to actual safes.
Different Types of Hidden Wall Safes
Hidden wall safes greatly vary in terms of appearances. Some are disguised as wall-mounted outlets. Others appear like framed paintings and photos on the surface. It’s best to choose a hidden wall safe that uses a disguise which will immediately blend in with the rest of the furniture used in the room.
Hidden wall safes also vary in size. Some are small enough to keep only your most valuable pieces of jewelry. Others, however, are spacious enough to hide all sorts of objects, from extra cash you have at home to mobile phone and important legal documents.
Locking Options for Hidden Wall Safes
Choices aren’t something you’ll run out of when it comes to hidden wall safes. Even its locking method differs from one model to another.
Key Lock
This is one of the simplest locking mechanisms used for hidden wall safe and as such, you also get to enjoy an inexpensive price tag for the safe itself. It does, however, have more vulnerabilities than other locking options. Anyone who knows how to pick a lock could open your hidden wall safe in seconds – if, that is, he manages to find its location.
Combination Lock
This is another common locking mechanism for hidden wall safes. You’ll need to turn the knob so that the arrow will point to the correct sequence of digits. This method, however, could be time-consuming, and that might be a problem when you have an urgent need to take out all your valuables.
Electronic Keypad Lock
Just punch in the digits and you’ll be able to unlock the safe. Changing your unlock code is easier compared to those used for other locking methods.
Biometrics
In most cases, your fingerprints would do to gain access to the contents of your hidden wall safe. Hidden wall safes using this locking mechanism are quite expensive, but it also poses the greatest challenge to thieves and burglars.
Tags: jewelries safe, wall safes Posted in Home Security | No Comments »
Saturday, August 15th, 2009
Barbed wire and electric fences are simple but effective ways to deter burglars and other wrongdoers, but they aren’t exactly easy on the eye. If you want to retain the beauty of your home but without sacrificing the safety of your loved ones, consider using magnetic door alarms.
How Magnetic Door Alarms Work
When you install a magnetic door alarm to any door in your home, it will emit a shrill sound every time the specified door is open and it will only cease ringing when the door is closed. Burglars and vandals are sure to flee your home immediately when they realize that the alarm has alerted home occupants to their presence.
Quick and Easy Installation
All you need is double stick tape and your magnetic door alarm is ready to act as your 24/7 bodyguard. Make sure, however, that the distance between the sensor and the magnetic door alarm is no greater than half an inch.
Benefits of Magnetic Door Alarms
Here are several reasons why magnetic door alarms make an ideal home security device.
Affordable
Why spend so much money on other home security devices when you can get the same result from magnetic door alarms?
User-Friendly
They are very easy to operate. It comes with a on-off switch for instant activation and deactivation.
Discreet Design
Unlike other home security devices, magnetic door alarms do not stand out like eyesores in an otherwise beautifully decorated room. They are not that much different from wall-mounted switches in terms of appearance.
When you install them on top of the door, they might as well be unnoticeable. They’ll also be out of your children’s reach, which is a good thing because they won’t be able to accidentally deactivate the alarm.
How Magnetic Door Alarms Can Help You
Besides deterring potential intruders, magnetic door alarms can also protect your loved ones – especially if you have children at home – from other dangers.
Prevent Entry through Windows
Magnetic door alarms may also be used on windows, another commonly used entry point by intruders. You can place them on top of the window and cover them partially with blinds or curtains to hide them from view.
Protect Individuals with Special Needs or Disabilities
Elderly loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, children with special needs, and other similar cases require constant supervision. There may be times, however, when your attention strays even for the shortest moment. Unfortunately, that’s long enough for them to go missing.
Don’t wait for this to happen. Use magnetic door alarms to alert you when your loved one attempts to leave the safety of your home.
Tags: alarm, family safety, home safety, home security alarm Posted in Cool Gadgets, Home Security | No Comments »
Friday, August 14th, 2009
Cool spy gadgets used to be exclusively available to detectives and the law enforcement, but not anymore. If you have your own mystery case to pursue or if you want to defend yourself better without having to resort to physical violence, spy glasses are what you need.

Rear View Spy Sunglasses
You can use them to track your target or prevent others from tracking you. Rear view spy sunglasses look no different from any other ordinary pair of sunglasses at first glance. But try it on and you’ll realize that it works exactly like a rearview mirror, allowing you to see who and what’s behind you.
Rear view spy sunglasses are perfect if you have a feeling you’re being followed. One look through its special frames will be enough to confirm or reject your suspicions. These special spy glasses are also ideal for cyclists and runners as wearing rear view spy sunglasses will prevent them from becoming vulnerable to any attacks from behind.
Rear view spy sunglasses also come with UV protection and its own carrying case.
Camcorder Spy Sunglasses
Are you about to meet someone intending to blackmail or threaten you in any way? Are you about to witness or do something you’d rather have proof of? If so, what you need is a pair of camcorder spy sunglasses.
Camcorder spy sunglasses possess a modern, sleek design that makes them quite a fashionable accessory to have. But of course, they have special functions that go beyond protecting your eyes from harsh sunlight.
These extraordinary spy sunglasses are equipped with a pinhole CMOS camera and microphone. Its built-in micro controls are wireless and its lens do not come with any telltale glow, allowing you to perform a completely covert operation. Your subject will not have a single clue when you commence video surveillance with a single touch of a button.
Product Features and Specifications
Its one-size-fits-all frame and user-friendly controls make camcorder spy sunglasses suitable for all individuals.
Its pinhole camera is capable of delivering 320 x 420 images of high resolution as well as recording five hours of video with its 2GB internal memory. You have the option, however, of upgrading to 8GB for sixteen hours of video recording. An external memory card slot is also provided, which is capable of managing up to a 2GB micro SD card.
Captured photos and footage can be easily transferred to a computer or other storage devices with its USB cable. Charging is done via its USB connection as well.
Alertness is the first step in self-defense and there’s no better way to be and stay prepared when you can see everything with covert spy glasses.
Tags: camera, hidden camera, spy camera, spy glasses Posted in Cool Gadgets | No Comments »
Friday, August 14th, 2009
Burglary attacks have never been exclusive in targeting people staying at home. These attacks can just as easily focus on people who are enjoying their vacations in rented or borrowed properties. Thus, it’s important to always protect yourself the way you would when you’re at home, and what better way is there than using a wireless burglar alarm?
What to Look for in a Wireless Burglar Alarm for Traveling
While there are certainly many types of wireless burglar alarms out in the market today, not all of them may be effective in keeping you safe while you’re away from home. For a wireless burglar alarm to take with you on your trip, be sure that your alarm has all the features listed below.
Quick and Simple Installation
Many wireless gadgets today are marketed with deceptive ads. Yes, they’re wireless. But what the ads don’t mention is how complicated they are to configure and operate. Make sure your wireless burglar alarm doesn’t fall in the same category and, more to the point, look for those you only have to plug in any electrical socket to work.
User-Friendliness
Wireless burglar alarms must not require you to be a rocket scientist in order to activate them. The best wireless burglar alarms are those that work as soon as they’re plugged in. When a power interruption or shortage occurs, they automatically rely on their backup battery for continued operation. Some even notify you with a beeping sound or a blinking light when you are running low on power.
Effective Protection
Wireless burglar alarms generally use motion sensors to determine potential threats. One tiny step that crosses the invisible boundaries set by your alarm will activate the system and it will start ringing for help. That’s good, but there’s a better way to be protected.
Many models today come with a delayed alarm. This way, your attacker will not be able to quickly determine where your alarm is installed and as such, he’ll not be able to immediately disarm your system.
In connection with that, wireless burglar alarms must be small enough to hide behind furniture or shrubbery – with your wireless burglar alarm effectively concealed, you can have the element of surprise in your side.
Lastly, consider the monitoring range of your wireless burglar alarm. Be sure to take into account not only the alarm’s horizontal range but its vertical range as well. After all, you never know where a criminal attack could come from. If the system is remote-controlled, know the maximum distance allowed for remote operation to work.
Posted in Cool Gadgets, Home Security | No Comments »
Friday, August 14th, 2009
CD recordings may have once produced the best quality for recording phone calls but not anymore. With telephone digital voice recorders now out in the market, listening to recorded phone calls almost seem as if you’re listening to it live.
What You Can Enjoy from a Telephone Digital Recorder
Have a look at the best features of telephone digital recorders. They’re also the very reasons why telephone digital recorders are more effective and user-friendly than CD recorders.
Voice or Sound-Activated Recording
Waste of memory is not just tedious but it can also prove to be severely disadvantageous when you’re waiting for an important call. Telephone digital recorders give you the option to make efficient use of your internal and external memory with voice or sound-activated recording. If nothing’s heard then nothing’s worth recording.
Memory
Available internal and external memory for telephone digital recorders varies from one model to another. Some models, however, provide you with internal memory capable of storing 65 hours of recording as well as giving you as much as 4GB of external memory, which can store up to 260 hours of recording. If you combine both, you get a total of 325 hours of recording compared to the 170 hours of recording that one CD can store.
SP and LP
SP may stand for short or standard play while LP stands for low or long play. Telephone digital recorders give you a choice on which type of recording you wish to use. SP produces better audio quality but consume greater amount of data.
Compatibility
CD recorders are able to only work with wired phones most of the time. Telephone digital recorders may, on the other hand, be a built-in function of your phone or it could be a device you may connect with your land line or cellular phone.
A stand-alone telephone digital recorder is battery-operated and portable, making it ideal to take with you during travel. Some models even come with hand straps or belt and shirt clips so you can use them even when you’re mobile.
Telephone digital recorders are also interoperable with computers and other audio equipment.
Recordings
Telephone digital recorders can record both phone calls and messages. They can be categorized automatically or manually into several message or call types. You can also configure our recorder for digital multi-line phone system recording. File formats vary as well and dependent on the model you’re using. You may or may not have the date and time noted for each call.
Telephone digital recorders are, indeed, a better choice over CD recordings. You can use them not only for recording phone calls but also for memos, dictations, lectures, and the likes.
Tags: digital phone recorder, voice recorder Posted in Cool Gadgets | No Comments »
Thursday, August 13th, 2009
You only need a glimpse of crime statistics from the FBI to realize just how dangerous the outside world can be. Every time you leave your home, every time you walk the streets alone, every time you find yourself in a dark place – all these represent a risk on your life that you’re taking. Do yourself a favor and protect yourself with a self-defense whistle.
The self-defense whistle is ideal for individuals who strongly prefer not to engage in a physical fight with their assailant. It could be due to your personal principles or because you believe that you are seriously disadvantaged in such fights. Whatever the case may be, a self-defense whistle is your best weapon against criminal attacks.
Indeed, many a crime could have been prevented and lives could have been saved even if only would-be victims had been able to successfully call for help. But of course, screaming loud enough takes time and energy – two things that you may not have the luxury of when you’re running for your life.
Calling for help, however, need not require the use of your voice if you have a self-defense whistle.
Loud and Clear
Self-defense whistles in the market today emit a very loud and shrill whistling sound with a minimum of a 100 decibel alarm. You may even find some models using a 120-decibel alarm.
Such volume is imperative for your life’s safety: one little blow and you’re sure to get people’s attention. Just one clear look on your situation is all you need and help is sure to come immediately.
Compact Design
Self-defense whistles are small and handy. They often come in the form of key chains and as such, they won’t look out of place if you have them in your hands all the time or chained to your belt strap or pocket. You may even attach them to a necklace for quicker access. What’s important here is that self-defense whistles are small enough to bring with you at all times. That way, you’ll have 24/7 protection wherever you are.
Flashing Lights
A whistle in a silent night may be an effective signal for help, but darkness can prevent you from enjoying a timely rescue. Using a self-defense whistle – and not just whistling yourself – will, however, changes things. Self-defense whistles today also come with flashing lights to help your would-be rescuer pinpoint your exact location.
With self-defense whistles, there is no need to get close enough to hit your attacker. Just blow away and help will come running.
Tags: electronic whistle, personal alarm, personal gadget, personal safety, personal weapon Posted in Cool Gadgets, Women's Self Defense | No Comments »
Thursday, August 13th, 2009
In an ideal world, phone calls would be primarily used for positive communication. But in reality, the convenience of phone calls is greatly abused in various ways. Besides the usual bunch of annoying bunch callers, there could also be stalkers and would-be attackers who’d attempt to gauge your ability to handle danger with threatening or harassing phone calls.
You have the power to prevent future attacks and maybe even give them a taste of their own medicine by using a phone voice changer.
Use Phone Voice Changers to Deter Would-Be Attackers
Criminals sometimes use phone calls to determine how much resistance they should expect if and when they attack their target. Because women and children are generally perceived to be weak, criminals gain more confidence when they hear a woman or child’s voice on the other end of the line. Criminals may just as quickly lose confidence, however, if a man with a strong voice answers their call.
If there are no male members present at home – or at least not often – then you can pretend it’s otherwise with a phone voice changer. A phone voice changer can make you sound like you’re from the opposite sex and if you receive a harassing call, a phone voice changer allows you to disguise yourself and handle the call in a manner that might have been inappropriate if you had answered the call as yourself.
Features to Look for in a Phone Voice Changer
The features listed below are a must-have if you want to enjoy maximum protection with your phone voice changer.
Portable
It must be simple and quick to install. That way, you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go. Danger can be anywhere and everywhere so it’s best to have your phone voice changer with you at all times.
Compatible with a Wide Variety of Phones
Make sure that your phone voice changer is compatible with the phones you have at home and the office. Some models go even beyond that and are designed to be compatible with mobile phones, switchboards, and cordless phones. Some even go as far as working with recording systems, microphones, and speakers.
Numerous Voice Changing Options
Basic phone voice changers give you preset voice changing options for you to choose from. They can make a male voice sound like a stranger’s or make a child’s voice sound older. The more advanced models, however, give you total control over your voice change by allowing you to set the exact changes for pitch, reverberation, tone, and other voice characteristics.
If you want to save your life without risking a face-to-face encounter with your attacker, use a phone voice changer.
Posted in Cool Gadgets, Home Security | No Comments »
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