Home Security

This article is written for beginners with little electrical experience; however, some knowledge of electricity and mechanics are assumed. This information is provided by West Coast Cycle free of charge and on an “as is” basis, without any representation or warranty to the products being installed. It is your responsibility to insure proper installation. West Coast Cycle assumes no responsibility with regards to the accuracy or currency of this information. Proper installation in every case is and remains the responsibility of the installer.

We think you’ve made a good choice in deciding to use an alarm system to protect your motorcycle, after all, in 2005 over 70,000 motorcycles were stolen. Now the question is: “How in the world am I going to install this – there are so many wires.” What seems like a hard task is actually not too bad; however, you need to have a least some mechanical ability. You will need to know how to test the polarity of a wire using a digital multi-meter. So if you don’t have a clue as to what a multi-meter is, save yourself the headache and take it to a motorcycle shop. Lastly, you will need basic tools to remove some side panels and covers to access the motorcycles wiring.

Gathering Information and Reference Material.

Information is the backbone of your soon to be successful installation. You should gather documents with vehicle specific wiring colors, locations and polarities. These charts are available in a multitude of places, generally free of charge. You can locate this information in the bike’s shop manual, at the dealership of the motorcycle, or possibly online.

Planning the Alarm Install.

Your plan will be the difference between a finished product and a job left for next weekend. A few minutes of planning and prepping will yield at least an hour and a half less install time. It’s not fun, but it needs to be done! Begin by studying your motorcycle’s specific diagram side by side with your bike alarm installation diagram. Identify which features you plan to use on the alarm, not all features are necessary. (e.g., engine immobilizer, remote starting)

Preparing the Wiring.

Before installing, be sure to disconnect the (-) negative terminal of the motorcycle’s battery. This will eliminate the possibility of accidental electrical shorts and/or unnecessary battery drain.

Once you identify which features you will install, eliminate the unused wires, if any, to prevent clutter. It is common practice to twist the wires of a same plug together then secure them to each other with black electrical tape. Do not wrap the entire bundle, as different wires go to different locations. Once you finish wrapping all the harnesses, tape them to each other to create one large pigtail containing all of the used wires. This keeps the wires together, secure and free from frays and obstruction. You will now want to identify the locations of the wires which you will connect to on your bike. Here is a hint: the majority of your wires will run from the ignition of your motorcycle back toward the center of motorcycle where the fuse box is usually located. The easiest way to locate these wires is to open the ignition key switch, and test the wires at this point to verify it is the correct wire. You won’t want to tap into the wire right next to the ignition. Rather, trace the wire back toward the fuse box or center of the bike where it is closer to the mounting location of the alarm system. This way you won’t have to run wires as far. The further you have to run wires the greater chance for something to go wrong.

Execution: Removing the Panels.

The right tools are the difference between bloody knuckles or no sweat. We suggest you seriously consider the specialty items, as they will be handy in other wiring projects in your future. You will want to begin be removing the panels where your wires are located. Be sure to notate where all clips and screws go, there is nothing worse than leftovers – if you know what we mean.

Wiring the Alarm Unit.

Once the panels are removed, you will want to locate a good spot to mount the main alarm module. The harder to see, the better. This will make it much more difficult for a would-be-thief. You will generally tie strap or adhere (if adhesive pad is provided) the module to a support brace or flat surface. Be sure to mount the unit in a location that is not too close to the engine. As a general rule we suggest at least 12 inches from the engine. Also, if an adhesive strip is provided with your alarm system, be sure to prep the surface with rubbing alcohol or degreaser prior to mounting. One of the best locations to mount the alarm module is beneath the seat of the motorcycle. Another possible location is within the spare tool compartment, if you don’t mind giving this space up.

Next, run the LED display light, siren, and external antenna, if equipped. Be sure to mount your siren in an obscure location also. At this time, everything which will be plugged into the unit should be. Begin by wiring any necessary relays first, if any are necessary. Most motorcycle alarm systems do not require relays; however, remote starting applications will often require relays on motorcycles with electronic fuel ignition. If you don’t have a remote start feature chances are you won’t need any relays. Getting these relays out of the way now will save you from a rat’s nest of wires. After the relays are wired, begin connecting your wires to the proper locations. You may want to read West Coast Cycle’s article on testing wire polarity before making any connections; you can find it at http://www.wcc-tech.com. You should always test wires before you make a connection. Connecting the wires can be done in a number of fashions. You can splice the wires and tape them using electrical tape. You can solder then tape or heat shrink. You can use t-tap connectors, although we personally do not recommend them for long-term use. T-tap connectors work well for preliminary tests of wires, but once you know the alarm system is working correctly, go back and solder the connections. It is completely your preference, but we suggest soldering connections followed by heat shrinking. Just be sure the connection is solid and free of any tension.

Identifying the correct wires.

If you don’t know the correct wire color to look for, here is how you can determine the correct wire. We also have an article on the technical support page of our website that offers detailed information on using a multi-meter to locate the correct wires.

Most motorcycle alarm systems have 5 basic alarm system wires:

ACC / Interface Wire: The ACC wire of the Installation Harness connects to the IGN / ACC wire in the bike’s ignition key switch harness. The wire you need to find in the bike’s harness should be +12v only when the ignition key is switched to the ON position; and if the ignition key is switched off, this wire should not show any voltage. Two tips: This wire runs from the ignition to the fuse box. If the bike already has a factory immobilizer, you can use the ACC alarm wire to shut off the fuel pump or cut the starter line.

Engine Immobilizer Wires: This common alarm system feature always uses two wires. This feature is like connecting a second kill switch to your motorcycle which is housed in the alarm system module and can be shut of via remote. There are three ways to use this feature; we’ll address the easiest way here. If you want more information on alternative ways to install this feature see the FAQ section of our website. You need to cut the side of the Kill Switch wire that leads back to the main power of the bike. You then connect one end of the cut wire to one of the two immobilizer wires and the other end of the cut wire to the other immobilizer wire. Hint: it does not mater which end is connect to the immobilizer wires, the feature will work either way.

Power and Ground Wires: We saved the easiest wires for last; we thought you’d appreciate that after all your hard work. All alarm systems have a power and ground wire. It is recommended that you connect the power and ground wires directly to the battery terminals. You may need to purchase wrap-around clamps, terminal taps or extensions for making an easy connection to each battery post. Failure to use the proper connecting method is surefire way to have problems with your alarm system down the road.

Congratulations, your bike is now safer!

Your installation should now be complete. Before putting the panels back on the motorcycle, open your alarm manual. There should be a section which displays the functions of your alarm system; this is great for testing your installation. Go through this process thoroughly. You will want to address any issues immediately. If you are having problems, refer to troubleshooting the troubleshooting section of your alarm system and check all your connections. If not, congratulations!

By: Jesse Frey

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Homeland Security is an umbrella definition for national security measures to bulwark the United States from the threat of terrorism. The United States Department of Homeland Security, also known as the DHS, is a Cabinet department of the government whose main duties are in accordance with both protection against terrorism and aid during a natural disaster. While the Department of Defense focuses on the military actions and international security influence, the Department of Homeland Security observes and guards the civilian sector and prevents the entry of illegal aliens across the border.

Consisting of more than two hundred thousand employees, the Department of Homeland Security is the third biggest of all Cabinet departments. The White House coordinates all tactics and measures of the Homeland Security council, and the office has expanded immensely since the attacks of September 11th.

The Department of Homeland Security works in conjunction with many other agencies of government. Mission support careers include Executive Secretariat, Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Office of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Secretary, Inspector General, Intel and Analysis, Operations Coordination and Planning, Policy, and Public Affairs, and many more.

Law enforcement positions that include the Secret Service, the primary armor that shields the President and his family during all public appearances. Related components include:

* Federal Protective Service
* U.S. Customs and Border Protection
* Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
* U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
* U.S. Secret Service

Other careers include cybersecurity, which President Obama has declared the most pressing threat of the future, and acquisitions, which is responsible for acquiring the funding for these important tasks. Legal careers are also available. The General Counsel answers to the Secretary and is both the chief legal adviser and the chief legal officer for the DHS. They are a full-service legal team who ensures all activities of the Department of Homeland security complies with the letter of the law. They must craft the legal precedent that shapes policies influencing the most important issues facing our nation today, from terrorism to emergency response to border security and the all important counterterrorism.

Prevention and Response Careers are available as well. Protecting our waters is a vital component to national security. HS jobs that ensure maritime safety include the Federal Emergency Management and the United States Coast Guard. Travel Security Careers refer to protecting transportation and safeguarding flights, railways, and the interstate highways.

* Transportation Security Administration
* U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Once training is completed, there is a wide variety of Homeland Security Job Openings available to those seeking them.

By: Michael Ekman

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Alarm signs and decals are a simple, low-tech, and effective way to deter crime in and around your property.

Alarm Signs and Decals: What Would You Do?

A criminal creeps towards your back window, hidden by the cover of darkness and bushes. He raises his hammer to break the glass when suddenly he spots the alarm signs and decals affixed to all your ground-floor windows: “This property is monitored by a 24-hour security system.” He stops. He doesn’t want to risk setting off an alarm and alerting the police. Frustrated and loot-less, he moves on, looking for a house that is not armed.

Alarm Signs and Decals: An Inexpensive Sentry

Alarm signs and decals can warn criminals that you might have an alarm system. They can’t be sure if you really have one unless they ignore the alarm signs and decals and break into your house anyway, risking setting off an alarm. For many, the risk is too great, and they move on. Alarm signs and decals can be effective criminal deterrents even if you don’t have an actual alarm system to back them up. If you want something that is affordable and easy to install, alarm signs and decals are an excellent home security option.

1. Warn intruders that your home is protected.
2. Mount yard signs to a post, stake or wall.
3. Stick stickers on any glass surface.
4. Enjoy durability and high visibility.

Alarm Signs and Decals: Your First Line of Defense

If you do have an alarm system, alarm signs and decals still act as a powerful deterrent to potential criminals. If, for some reason, they do throw caution to the wind and ignore the alarm signs and decals, your alarm system will do its job to scare them off and alert you and the police. Alarm signs and decals give you the peace of mind of yet another layer of defense against burglars.

Alarm Signs and Decals: Double Duty

Alarms signs and decals can also help protect your family by alerting rescue personnel to which bedrooms are occupied, allowing them easier response time and making for a quick rescue. Alarm signs and decals can inform them of how many children are in the house, or if there are pets that need to be rescued in an emergency as well. Not only are alarm signs and decals criminal deterrents; they provide valuable information to rescuers.

Alarm Signs and Decals: Installation Is Easy

Installing alarm signs and decals is as simple as putting up a sicker or shoving a stake into the ground. With no wires or batteries, they can go anywhere. Put a decal on every ground floor window and post a sign prominently by every entryway. Criminals can’t miss the warning, and you’ll decrease the risk of having your alarm system tested. Alarm signs and decals tell the world your home is secure — and criminals will be disappointed. Protect your home and family with the convenient, effective help of alarm signs and decals.

By: Ralph Winn

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There are many different types of car alarm systems. However, they can be broken down into two main categories – passive and active. A passive alarm is active after the car ignition is turned off and all doors are shut. An active alarm has to be activated by pushing a button to arm or disarm it.

It is very important to have an alarm system for your car, especially if it is new and one that thieves like to steal. It should be the first thing you purchase after you purchase the car. A good alarm system will cost at least $100, but cost should not be a factor, since a stolen car is worth nothing.

You can either have the alarm installed where you purchased it (another $100 or so), or you can install it yourself. Alarms usually come with detailed instructions on installation, and some even come with a how-to video.

There are many features available on the different car alarm that is available on the market and new features are developed everyday. Some of the common features are an air horn that can be used on the interior or exterior of a vehicle to call attention to a thief. The anti-code grabbing is a method that changes the alarm code every time it is armed or disarmed. This makes it impossible for a thief to figure out your code to disable it. The active re-arm is a system that automatically sets the alarm to its on position after it has been disabled. Carjack protection is a feature that causes the engine to turn off and a siren to ring out if a vehicle is taken by anyone illegally, and the brain is the main box of an alarm that controls all of the sensors and equipment associated with the alarm system. There are many other features associated with car alarm systems, and it is wise to thoroughly read the manual that comes with the unit that you purchase.

By: Max Bellamy

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Home Security—An intercom system for HOME SECURITY begins with the front door. Knowing who is ringing the door bell before you answer it is extremely valuable. Peaking out through cracks or from behind windows is not the most effective method, to be sure.

While all front door intercom systems give you the capability of hearing and speaking with the person at the front door, the most reliable system give you the ability to see who is there without ever letting them know that you are even home.

There are many affordable intercom systems that enable you to visualize your prospective visitor from your master station. After seeing who is there, you can decide whether or not you want to speak with them, let them in, etc.

Home Automation for Convenience and Security – Home Automation means more than just home security. It means home control.

Home automation consists of connecting your various appliances and/or home security system to timers, remote controls, or virtual controllers. Basically, home automation gives you the power to run your home appliances and security from your couch, office, or anywhere else.

Implementing a home automation system may seem rather complicated at first, but current technology has made it user-friendly and ergonomic. The average do-it-yourselfer is able to install these systems quickly, affordably, and effectively. Whether choosing a wireless or hardwired home automation system, the complexity of the actual system and its installation is kept to a minimum. Your security and safety will be greatly enhanced. You will enjoy being safer.

By: David W Mize

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A question that many homeowners ask themselves is if their home is safe once they leave it for work or for other activities. Home security is a concern, and a cause of worry, for many homeowners.

One of the biggest threats to home security is burglary. In the United States alone, over 500,000 burglaries are committed each month. Yet, only one percent of burglars ever go to jail, and what’s worse, the jail time for people who commit burglary is often less than 14 months.

The FBI or Federal Bureau of Investigations reports that a burglary occurs somewhere in the U.S. every 15.4 seconds. It is the most popular threat to the American home. The classic example of a burglary is entering and stealing form private property when the owners are at work or at school or on vacation.

Most burglaries occur during the day and the most common months are July and August when it is hot and more people are out. Young men under the age of 25 commit the most amounts of burglaries. Favorite items that are stolen are money, guns, jewelry, laptop computers, and other small electronic devices.

Seventy percent of people who commit a burglary use force when breaking and entering, but entering through an open door or window is the preferred method. Screwdrivers, pliers and hammers are most often used to get into a house. For homes that are not equipped with any type of security system, many people who commit a burglary in these homes are able to do it without ever being caught.

In fact, burglaries of homes are not random happenings. People don’t enter a home without considering what type of home it is. Burglars choose homes that are unoccupied, that have easy access, that allow the burglar to stay undiscovered and that have an easy way to escape. A skilled burglar can enter, take what they need, and leave a house all in a short period of time.

It is for the reason of burglary, along with home invasions, that home security systems are excellent to have in the home. Furthermore, home security monitoring systems have proven to be excellent for catching burglaries on camera for the crime to be reported to authorities.

A good home security monitoring system has a system that will monitor your home 24 hours a day and for seven days a week. If there is an emergency, your home security monitoring system will transmit signals back to what is known as a monitoring center. The monitoring center will try to contact the homeowner. If the person answering the phone can not supply a personal identification code or if no one answers the phone, the police are called. This means that while you are at work, school or on vacation, authorities can be contacted to investigate suspicious activity at your home. For many homeowners, this feature provides a huge peace of mind.

Professional home security systems include digital keypads, keychain remote access, infrared interior motion detectors, high decibel alarm sirens, battery backup and professional installation.

By: Bruce Kelly

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Home security is a almost like a buzz word for all new home owners. It is important to install a good security system at home because it will protect your home from unwanted intruders. You won’t want to end up experiencing the loss and damages of your property with possible injury to your love ones. As such, home security is very important to all home owners.

Take note that a home security system is just a good line of defense, but there are some things you need to do to supplement the system. You should not rely on just the basic system.

Protection you Need

Your home security system can only send off an alarm. That means when a person managed to get into your house, or managed to alter the system, you will be notified immediately. That is where you have to do some work.

There are some simple things you can do to help make your home less inviting to a thief.

- Get good lightings around your house. Use movement activated lights.

- Get a dead bolt locks for your doors. Ensure all the locks are working for your windows.

- Keep trees and bushes trimmed neatly.

Features you Can Use

You will likely be faced with many choices when it comes to your home security system. You should really consider the features. There will be some optional items that you could look at. These items can make a big difference in your security setup.

- Audio alarm signal

- Strobe lights

- Motion detection alarms

- Cameras

- Glass break detectors

You can either get these as part of your original home security system or add them onto your existing system. They are quite easy additions and well worth the effort and expense.

Protecting Yourself

Your home security system a good way for you to stand up for your rights against criminals. They will know that your home is not an open invitation to hem and they will have to really try hard to get in. You will be able to feel safe and secure when you install the best home security system possible.

Anything you can do to protect your home and family is important. You do not want to jeopardize your family’s safety or your investment to a thief or other criminal. Stand up for yourself and install a home security system and do everything in your power to make your home a safe haven.

By: Joseph Then

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One of the more popular car alarms is the type that is armed with motion or impact sensors that give off a loud sound when somebody gets too near or tries to steal your car. This alarm has been very effective, especially in deterring thieves because the sound reaches anyone within a 120-decibel range and definitely attracts unwanted attention.

However, these types of car alarms were not designed to only give off the sound when a thief is trying to steal your car. They are only designed to go off if someone gets too close or if something comes in contact with your car, — all presumed to be ‘acts of stealing.’ Given this, there are times when your car alarm is activated by accident. This has led to annoying situations that can cause quite a stir in your neighborhood (especially if it happens in the middle of the night). It leaves you scrambling to turn off the alarm. However, turning off the alarm may not be as easy as it seems, because sometimes the alarm system has technical problems.

If your car’s alarm will not turn off when you flick the switch on your key, there may be an underlying problem with it. One of the best ways to find out is to get the user’s manual so that you will understand how you alarm system works and how to turn it off in case of a technical problem. In most cases, turning the ignition key to start the car is enough to shut it off. If not, look for the alarm fuse and try to remove it. Once you remove the fuse, you will probably have to take the car to a shop to see what the problem is and have it fixed. If removing the fuse does not work, and all else has failed, try disconnecting the car battery’s negative terminal, which should stop the alarm, but it could also prevent your car from starting.

Car alarms that are armed with motion and impact sensors are very effective in deterring thieves from stealing your car. However, these alarms are also prone to go off at the slightest disturbance to your car. This draws unwanted attention and can be annoying to the neighborhood, especially if it happens in the middle of the night. Fortunately, understanding how the alarm system works will make it possible for you to turn off the system if needed.

By: Max Bellamy

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In today’s society home security is a more important issue than ever before and more and more people are considering security shutters for their home to provided added protection against vandals and burglaries. Many people invest large amounts of money in complex security systems and alarms without addressing the physical security of windows and doors. Security shutters offer an ideal solution to this problem.

Such security shutters need not be intrusive or spoil the look of you home with various designs and color variations on offer.

There are 2 main types of security shutter on the market today;

1) Built In

These shutters are effectively built into the window frame mounted behind the exterior wall normally when building is constructed. These blinds offer maximum security.

2) Built On

Built on security shutters are normally a ”after fit” and blind extends from a box mounted above opening via high strength runners mounted vertically.

Built on security shutters are fitted with compact boxes and minimize visual impact. Built in security shutters offer the benefit of easy operation and can be stored out of sight. The shutters are used most frequently on doors and windows that are hidden from view, especially those on or below ground level. Such measure can dramatically increase the security of a home and provide peace of mind when away from your property.

Security shutters also have excellent insulation properties against the cold and outside noise and are often used by home owners in exposed rural locations as well as those in inner city.

By: JJ Smith

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There essentially a choice of two home system systems: hard wired and wireless. So which is the best home alarm system? A hard wired system is the traditional alarm system whose sensors are connected to the main control panel via cabling. Unfortunately the installation of such a system involves channelling walls, lifting floorboards and skirting to install the cabling. This will obviously incur high cost and upheaval during the period the work is taking place. With a wireless home alarm system however, installation is so straightforward, a DIY’er can install a system in less than an hour. If you can use a ***** driver and drill then you can install a wireless alarm system. It is so much cheaper and a lot less disruption installing a wireless system.

There are many companies that provide home security alarm systems. But which home security companies are the best? Among the popular well known ones are Brinks, ADT and GE Security. GE Security is a long established player in the security sector whilst Brinks and ADT both provide excellent monitoring security services. When choosing a security company, invite several around to your house to evaluate what they have to offer. Ask each the same questions and note any special offers and certainly don’t go for the first good deal – shop around. Ask for proof that their installers have the correct certifications. Chat with your friends, family and neighbors to get recommendations. Above all, go with your gut feeling who you trust the most to protect your home and family.

By: Andy J Jones

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