Gunvault is one of the few top, reputable manufacturers of biometric gun safes on the market today and have been in the gun safe business now for 20 years.

Gunvault sells five types of gun safes and have variations in each of these models. They refer to these models as nano, micro, mini, multi and full size safes. As you might expect, these names refer to size. For instance, the nano gun safe is small enough to carry in a bag or briefcase, and as you progress upward, the safe size becomes big enough to hold a few handguns plus a few other valuables. Their top of the line gun safes are large enough to storm rifles or shotguns and much more.

We could bore you with all the details of the safes like 16 gauge steel, foam on inside to protect valuables, high strength locks and so on, but if they have been making safes for 20 years, the design should be quite adequate.

What is more useful to know, are the options you have in the gun safes and the biometrics involved – if any.

First, about the locks. A few of the safes (mostly the nano model) open with a key or code. The other safes open with a uniquely designed key entry pad and newer models come with biometric locks.

A quick glance at the middle-of-the-line models and you will see a “hand print” on the top of the safe. It makes you think that it reads the fingerprints of your whole hand. However it does not. In fact neither of the gun safe locks read all your fingerprints.

On the non biometric gun safe locks, the hand silhouette is actually a key pad with a button on each fingerprint. You simply place your hand on this keypad and enter your access code. An access code is a series of entries on the keypad made by your fingers. An “entry” is a single press of one or more buttons at the same time. You can use as few as three, or at most six entries. In an overly simple explanation, you place your hand on the keypad and wiggle (actually press) your fingertips in the sequence of your code. (An example might be first and fifth finger, pressing their buttons simultaneously, fourth finger presses its button, followed by fingers 2 through five each pressing their buttons.)

The Gunvault biometric lock operates by placing your whole hand on the silhouette but it has a biometric keypad which reads your pointer finger. If it matches one of the 30 fingerprints stored in its memory, you will gain access. What is unique about this biometric technology is its self learning algorithm. Every time you place your finger on the pad it reads it and accounts for small differences from the last time. It then updates the details of what is stored, making the recognition slightly better and reducing the chances of a wrong reading.

The other thing to know is that these safes come in a standard model and deluxe. The deluxe model comes with extra features like motion detector with audio alarm to guard against tampering; low warning signals on battery life; and an interior courtesy light that comes on for about five seconds.

That about summarizes the differences in these normal and biometric gun safes made by Gunvault. By understanding these few options and features you will much more easily be able to navigate the Gunvault site and select the gun safe that best fits your need.

Have you ever been downtown at night, maybe attending a concert or sporting event and were impressed with the lighting along a park walk or on a fancy office building? Most of us, at one time or another, have experienced awe, comfort, serenity or relaxation at the sight of well-designed landscape lighting. Sometimes lights pointing up at the side of a tall building or low profile lights under plants along a downtown walkway can have a very powerful effect on you. Beautiful lighting can completely changing your mood and experience of events around you.

As far as our homes are concerned we tend to think about outdoor lighting in strictly practical terms. We have a light outside at the front and back doors and maybe a motion detector triggered light above the garage door. They are attached to the house or garage and are there just so you can safely see where you are going when outdoors at night.

But your homes outdoor lighting can be so much more than that. It doesn’t need to be just for seeing things at night. Properly done outdoor lighting can have a beauty and charm all its own and at the same time provide nighttime safety for your walkways and garden.

For many years savvy homeowners have tried to duplicate this beauty with landscape lighting in the yard around their homes and in their gardens. For the most part it has not worked out very well for the average homeowner. In the past most dependable landscape lighting systems were powered by standard household electricity (120 volt). It had to meet a strict electrical code and you had to have an electrician do all the installation and hookup. The connectors, fittings and bulbs all had to be heavy duty, waterproof and weatherproof. It was too expensive and outside the budget for the average homeowner. Those homeowners that followed through with all of that often ended up with a system that didn’t look right. A common mistake is to use too many lights, or put them in the wrong place. You don’t want your sidewalk or garden path to look like an airport runway. So doing it properly often meant hiring a landscape architect or a contractor who specialized in landscape lighting. Of course, that pushed the price up even further; and usually outside the reach of all but the wealthy.

Low voltage landscape lighting (12 to 18 volt), however, has several distinct advantages. Electrical codes are much less strict and because it is low voltage you don’t need an electrician to install it. You can buy an inexpensive kit and often install it over the weekend. Because it is easy to install and setup you can spend more time working on the light locations and lighting design and not worry so much about hiring a landscape architect to do all that for you. If you don’t like the light locations, you can change it yourself without too much trouble. You don’t need an electrician or designer to move it. One common problem with low voltage systems 20 or 30 years ago was the durability of the components. Back then low voltage outdoor lighting systems were often little more than toys. But today all of that has changed. The do it yourself low voltage lighting system you buy at your local hardware store is usually not only affordable, but durable as well.

There are extra loud alarm clocks for the hearing impaired that are fundamentally house hold signaling systems. These integrated systems provide the basic alarm and bed shaker features of the extra loud alarm clock category, but also include wireless connection to door bells, telephones, audio alarms (like that of a baby crying), smoke alarms and more.

Today we will review two of the top integrated alarm clock systems for the hearing impaired.

Sonic Alert Sonic Boom SB1000 Alarm Clock

Like most signaling systems for the hearing impaired, this unit comes with base and optional features. The base features include a 113 decibel extra loud alarm clock with adjustable tone and volume control, a bed vibrating alarm unit, a built in receiver that links to other Sonic Alert Signalers, and a lamp connection for visual alerts and flashing alert lights.

Additional options available for this unit include:

Audible Telephone Signaler/Transmitter TR100
Baby Cry Signaler/Transmitter BC400
Wireless Doorbell Signaler/Transmitter DB100
New Combination Wireless Doorbell, Telephone Signaler/Transmitter (Doorbell signaler is smaller) DB200
Original combination Doorbell, Telephone Signaler/Transmitter DS800
Videophone Signaler/Transmitter TR75VR
Universal Sound Signaler/Transmitter alerts you to any household sounds USS360

The base unit for the SB1000 will run about $80. Each of the options run from $45 to $110 ($110 for the combination doorbell and telephone signaler). A fully loaded system will run about $350. Like all of the Sonic Alert products, this system has a one year warranty and was designed and manufactured with the hearing impaired in mind.

Alertmaster AM-6000 by Clarity

This full featured notification system comes standard with the base unit, a bed shaker and a wireless telephone and doorbell transmitter. It is easily connected to a nearby lamp to provide a visual notification of doorbell, telephone or other connected alarms. By adding optional transmitters and receivers, the system can be upgraded to include:

Notification of baby crying (option AMER-AMBX)
Motion detector alarming (option AMER-AMSX)
And other audible warning devices within 80 feet of the base unit (option AMER-AMAX)

The base unit described above will run about $180. Each of the options will cost from $60 to $80. A fully loaded system would cost around $400. This system is top of the line, well tested and comes with a NiCad battery backup feature. Clarity is a Plantronics Company which is known for high quality and reliable products.

Both the above systems are full featured and reliable. Sonic alert is a US Company with headquarters in Troy MI and has been in business for nearly 40 years. Likewise, Clarity is a US company, in business for 40 years and is headquartered in Chattanooga, TN. Given the comparable features and capabilities, a recommendation on the two systems would be a toss-up if not for two areas that lean towards the Sonic Boom Product by Sonic Alert. The Sonic Alert System has an option for connection to a videophone and comes for about $50 less for a fully loaded version.

Motion detectors are an important part of any well-designed business or home security system. The best home security systems use a variety of techniques and technologies to detect an unwanted intruder, and motion detection is an additional layer of security that greatly enhances the efficacy of any home security system, without greatly increasing its price.

Although the technology is constantly advancing, and there are any number of niche solutions that rely on a variety of underlying theoretical models, motion detectors can be broadly grouped into five different classifications:

Passive Infrared Motion Detectors work by detecting the heat of a human body. This a highly effective detection system but it can generate false positives, whether from a pet, sunshine streaming in on a particularly hot day, a space heater activating when its thermostat drops below a certain point, and so on. However, passive infrared systems can be tuned to avoid false positives by requiring a certain magnitude of heat change before the alarm is triggered. For example, a sensor can be tuned to not go off when a pet enters the room, by excluding heat signatures below a certain size.

Ultrasonic Motion Detectors work by bouncing ultrasonic waves around a room or space, and detecting changes in the contents of the space by changes in the reflected waves that return to the sensor. This type of sensor is difficult to defeat, but is also difficult to program to ignore pet entry into a home area, making it better suited for areas where there is no legitimate traffic which the system must ignore.

Microwave Motion Detectors bounce microwaves around the area, much like the radar guns used by the traffic police. Like ultrasonic systems, they are effective and hard to defeat, but also hard to customize.

Image Recognition Motion Detectors work by assigning a computer to continually process the input from a digital video camera. The computer algorithm constantly scans the pixels of the transmitted image, and triggers an alert when enough pixels change in value, indicating an intruder or major change to the monitored space. This is a high-end solution.

Laser Motion Detectors send a laser beam (or a photoelectric light beam) across an area and detect interruptions to the beam from a sensor located across the space from the beam source. These forms of detectors are somewhat out of date, because they are relatively easy to evade if an intruder knows of their presence.

A motion detector can be wired into the business or home security system and programmed to perform a wide range of tasks in response to an intrusion. The system can call a designated phone number with an alert message, send a signal to a monitoring office (which can then dispatch an investigative team), turn on a light, sound an audible or silent alarm in your home security system.

Wireless security has many benefits to offer and options to select from. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, check out: Wireless Home Security Explained

Sure, it’s easy to walk into practically any store and snatch up an eighteen-dollar motion detector alarm without any undue strain on the wallet. But are you really getting your money’s worth? On the opposite end, motion alarms for casual home users can range up to well over a hundred dollars. Do you know what the price differences mean for the actual alarm product? Do you know how much, or how little, you should pay to get a motion-based alarm system that will truly keep your home safe? It’s not necessarily easy to tell, but if you work through things one step at a time you’ll come out at the end with a more secure home and plenty of bills left in your wallet.

The best trick to saving on motion detection alarm systems is pretty much the same as it is for anything and everything else: buy used. Alarm systems are rarely treated roughly enough to acquire significant damage even after being used for years, so quality isn’t an issue. Just pay attention to the seller, and only buy from someone with a good history of quality transactions. Be prepared to sort out some options with unrealistic shipping, as well, as many sellers will try to stiff you on side fees like that while keeping the base price attractively low. While you won’t find prices that are drastically lower than retail prices, you will save a few bucks on each purchase if you do your job right on comparing deals. And a few dollars off on every purchase when you’re getting three or four alarm systems for your home, as you should be getting, is enough to add up to a significant amount of money.

If you’re adamant about getting a shiny new unused motion alarm, then you’ll likely have the best luck going straight to the alarm companies. Generalized stores that sell many different kinds of products often have to mark up items to see a profit. By going direct to the alarm companies, you can keep a watch out for company-specific deals and bargains. If a particular model needs its sales boosted, you might see a buy one get one free deal for it on the actual company site, but this will rarely carry over to something like Amazon or Target. The one major exception to this rule is, of course, Walmart, which buys in sufficient bulk that you can sometimes find the best prices despite it being such a broad, generalized storefront. However, prices will vary from season to season and even from one geographical region to another, so you should check out all your options before you settle on a buy that seems good at the time.

You should also consider the expenses of related accessories. How is your alarm going to affix itself to the building? How often will you need to change batteries, and what size of batteries does the alarm use? Do you need a separate control device to program the alarm? Be certain to buy an alarm that is cost-efficient, not just in its sticker price, but in the little side details.

And last of all, although it won’t allow you to save directly on the alarm purchase, it’s worth thinking about your home insurance policy, if you have one. Sometimes insurance policies will give you discounts if you make extra effort to protect your home, such as through buying a motion sensor alarm. Find out if that clause exists for your insurance, and if it does, figure out exactly what the minimum alarm requirements for it are. Then you can buy the minimum and save the maximum amount of money. In this fashion, an alarm can pay for itself.

It’s amazing how much media a CD can store. It’s not unusual for people today to purchase a blank disk and record music or files or copy a movie in it. Even so, CD RWs and other media storage devices like it do not last forever. Eventually those CD media will get scratches on them, and when this happens, it’s very likely that they will no longer work. In the case of blank media, they will no longer be able to store data.

Scratches on CDs and other disks can be quite a problem, but you’ll be surprised to know that there are effective methods to get rid of these annoying scratches.

Begin by cleaning the disc’s surface. Put the disc under running, (preferably) warm water. Using a liquid soap or a mild detergent, soap the CD media to remove the grime and other stains. Remember this: when rubbing, rub the disc from the center going out. If you use a circular motion, you’ll be putting in more scratches, instead of taking them out.

When you’re done, rinse the soapy disc and remove the excess water by shaking the CD or DVD. Air dry it, and inspect the disc afterwards. You can also try reading the disc in your DVD player or your PC, to see if it’s working.

If it still won’t read, you need to try some more polishing techniques. First, try removing the scratches with a banana peel. Get the peeling and rub it on the CD or DVD’s surface. Just as the previous instruction, rub it from the center going inward. Make sure you scrub the heavy scratches well. An alternative for the banana peel is toothpaste.

Another material you can use to remove scratches from your disc is metal polish. Be careful when handling this material though, and make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area, so you won’t be inhaling the nasty fumes. Use a soft cloth to apply the polish. After rubbing for five minutes, wash the disc completely, making sure there’s no residue. Once again, shake the excess water and air dry. You can test the disc again, and see if it’s already working.

Another great idea would be to backup the CD. Use a burning software and burn another copy into a blank DVD disk or CD RW. If, after cleaning, the disc works, make sure you do this. In case the disc encounters problems playing again, you’ll have a back up copy.

These cleaning techniques generally work on all kinds of discs: DVDs, blank CDR, and even mini discs. Make sure you know how to do this, so if you ever have a scratched CD, you can bring it back to normal.

Solar Patio Lights are a great way to enhance the look of your patio and garden. They are environmentally friendly because they don’t need electricity to work. Solar cells store the ‘juice’ throughout the day and then use it in the night. They don’t require any electrical installation so there is no need for an electrician. Nor do you need to dig a trench or lift paving stones. Should you decide that you don’t like where you have placed them, then in most cases all you need to do is just pick them up and ‘replant’ them.

Solar Patio Lights can be used as single independent lights at various locations around your patio, or placed together and used to create a stunningly unique solar powered landscape that will completely transform your patio, garden or courtyard into a jaw dropping nighttime oasis of color that will blow you and your neighbors away.

There are many types of Solar Lights these days that cater to almost any need.

Helping to park your car; Illuminating your front door; Lighting your pathway: Relaxing in your home. Lighting your shed.

What height would you like? Lights on 6 foot high poles. Lights on 1? high spikes. Solar path lights that you can safely stand on. Lights for your stairs. Wall lights, Solar String Lights, Round lights, Square lights, 4,6 or 8 sided solar lanterns. Lights that look like fireflies between your plants and colored solar spotlights and floodlights that completely light up a wall or fence bringing a warm cozy breathtaking feel to your evenings.

Want string lights for your outdoor Christmas tree? or any tree for that matter….yep, no problem. And that’s not all. You can have lights that change color …yeah, you can have those as well. Anyway you look at it there are solar patio lights for most any situation you can think of. All you need do is use your imagination.

Looking to add a bit of class to your nighttime barbeque’s? Having a 21st birthday party? By placing the lights in strategic positions around your patio or installing floor and deck lights you will go a long way to ‘wowing’ your friends. You better make sure you have lots of food and drink because they will want to come back again!

And solar patio lights are not just for looking good. Need a security feature to deter burglars?…..no problem, get solar spot lights with a built in motion detector.

You heard the one about not being able to light a dark corner? Not true…..you can get a solar light with a lead to a solar panel. As long as the panel is in the sun, the light will work.

All in all, the choices available are virtually endless. If you want to create a garden packed with these wonderful solar lights then why not buy just one or a few at a time and build up your collection. That way you can be easy on your pocket. And actually, they are not all that expensive anyway. So indulge yourself and consider adding solar patio lights to your home. You wont regret it.

Almost every burglar has to stay within a few human limits, no matter how efficient or clever they might be. And one of the limits that practically every burglar has to adhere to is physical presence. Even in the era of ultra-modern technology, the burglar usually has to physically be present at the spot of burglary, or at least somewhere extremely close to it. In today’s world, where crimes and burglaries are on the rise, this single factor can make a tremendous difference in terms of maintaining your security.

Think about it – what does need to happen to prevent a burglary at your place? The presence of the burglar has to be sensed in real time and appropriate action needs to be taken. Can you really hope to keep watch all the time without affecting your normal life waiting for the golden chance to capture the rogue? No way – it is impossible. So that is where a motion detector alarm can make a difference in your life – they can automatically watch your premises and let you know immediately on spotting movement within the security zone.

How would the system work?

The sensor set inside the motion detector alarm system would figure out if any movement happens within its coverage zone. Even if it is pitch dark, this detection is not hampered since the sensor technology is adequate to cover the darkness too.
Once a movement is detected, the system would send out an alert to you. The alert might be an alarm ringing out or it may be a call forwarded to your mobile phone. But the bottom line is that you get to know about the detection of this motion immediately.
And almost immediately that the burglar or intruder is in your premises you are ready to take action, thanks to your motion detector alarm. Install this alarm – you are better off safe rather than sorry.

When it comes to the subject of home protection, most people immediately think of alarms, sensors and cameras; and they’re right.  But there is much more involved in home security than the installation of technology around the perimeter and inside the home. 

Common sense has to play an important role too.  Without common sense, even the most sophisticated home protection system can be foiled by a determined and daring intruder. 

So what are some common sense ways to protect your home and your loved ones from a possible home invasion?

If you can, try to think like a burglar.  Scout your neighborhood.  Are there any dark areas that a possible invader can hide?  Are there usually people loitering about the streets during all hours of the day and night? 

Now scout your house.  Walk around the perimeter.  Are there places a potential burglar can hide?  Do you have doors and windows that are secure?  When was the last time you replaced the locks on the doors – did you do it when you moved in?

Are there lights illuminating entryways and windows, and are they tied in with a motion detector?  Burglars like to work in the dark.  When a light turns on, it generally spooks them and reduces the likelihood of a break-in. 

Take photographic inventory of all valuables in the house.  Do not place them where they are visible from the outside.  If you have electronic and computer equipment, do not etch your name and social security number or driver’s license number on them – if they are stolen, the thief might just steal your identity too. 

Don’t give out keys to friends and neighbors to keep.  They might lose them accidentally.  Don’t hide keys in bushes or under the entrance mat or on top of the outside light fixtures.  Everyone knows to look in those common places first.

Be wary of who you share personal information with.  Don’t publish your home address on want ads, newspapers, or online.  That’s almost asking someone uninvited to pay a “visit”. 

Don’t let strangers in the house.  If someone needs to make a phone call, bring the cordless out the door or offer to make the call for them.  If someone is in uniform, ask for identification.  The uniform does not necessarily make the person a legitimate member of the organization. 

When valet parking, give only your car keys.  Don’t give the house keys too. 

Have a routine, but don’t be predictable.  If you leave the house at the same time every day and come back at the same time every day, it makes it easier for an intruder to figure out when to break in.  Run errands on different days.  Give yourself a much deserved break and come home early from work every once in a while. 

Watch your trash.  Shred documents that have personal information on it.  Shredders are fairly inexpensive and can be found at any office supply or discount store.  Used ones can be found on online want ads for a fraction of the cost of a new one. 

The bottom line is that by using common sense in conjunction with a dependable home security alarm system, you can protect your home and your family from potential invaders.