Skateboard Motion Detectors

One common and very aggravating issue we as researchers have is the high cost of gear. While most motion detectors are within a descent price range the better of the lot are priced way beyond the ability of the majority of paranormal researchers. With that thought in mind I set down and decided to build a motion alarm that was within the price range of most of us and as effective as the higher cost ones.

My first task was to locate an alarm that I knew I could rely on. I quickly thought about the alarms I place on my doors and windows to notify me when the objects have been opened. These alarms are loud which makes them idea for a small team that cannot cover every room in a location at the same time. First alert makes a very impressive one of these alarms at a rate of usually 4 for $10.00. There is also a set of the alarms covered by the Dollar Store branch of department stores. These alarms are 5 for $5.00 and are almost as loud but the battery life is very low compared to the first alert system.

As you may know these alarms come in 2 pieces. A speaker and a bar. When in contact with each other a magnetic seal is made that keeps the alarms stationary. Once they are pulled apart the seal is broken and the alarm will ring. I now needed a way to connect the alarms but also allow for them to be separated in the event they were moved. I knew I could not simply place them on the ground so I needed something that was able to remain still but with force move away and set of the alarm. Something that could be stationary or mobile.

My mind darted to the toys I had as a child. Tech Deck finger skateboards!!! They would be still until moved but would move rather easily thus were perfect for this endeavor. Tech Decks cost about $1.00 each on average but once again Dollar Stores offer three generic brand finger skateboards for $1.00. This is handy as for each alarm you will need 2 skateboards.

Another task was how to connect the alarms to the boards. Super Glue would work but would make changing batteries difficult and tape would be a hassle so I decided that Velcro would work best. Peel the sticky part of the alarm and attach Velcro to it. Now simply apply Velcro to the board and now you have the apparatus attached. One problem you will run into here is that the speaker part needs the entire bottom covered with Velcro to make it stable and the bar will lean. To fix the bar problem you simply use scotch tape to provide stability.

Now I suggest painting the entire set up black to avoid any glare when pics are taken in the same room. Some tips I can provide are bring with you a tape measure so you can measure the distance the alarm travels in the event it is set off. Have fun using your cheap alarm system!!!

Price Run Down

Tech Decks = $1.00 each or 3/$1.00

Alarm= $5.00 to $10.00

Velcro= $1.00 to $2.00

Tape= $1.00 to $2.00

Total= $8.00 to $16.00