Alarm

[Greenman]

I need to alarm the tool boxes on my truck, as I just got robbed for the 4th time. There are two company's that make truck tool box alarms, Master lock and Toolguard. The master lock unit has a very weak alarm, and overall horrible reviews. The toolguard unit looks pretty good, but I need two linked units. The distributor gave me the part numbers I need, and they don't match up with the part numbers they sell. All of that leads me to think I should build my own system, which seems simple enough until I get to the switches. The reed switches I would use on the tool box doors won't carry the amperage I need to blow the horn. I assume a relay is in order, but not sure what I really need. Any ideas?

The system will be turned on and off by a simple toggle switch in the cab.

 

[pcgeek11]

I would just use a generic automotive relay. They are standard and can be purchased nearly anywhere that carries auto parts.

This one comes with a connector.

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Automo...t=&hvlocphy=1015501&hvtargid=pla-605056471182

 

[Greenman]

Senior moment here. I kept looking for alarm system relays and kept coming up with all sorts of odd hardware. Who would have ever thought to look for an automotive relay for automotive use?
Thanks.

 

[herm0016]

are they locked? damn. 4 times. i would be putting some heavy duty puck locks on them. how about solar motion lights?

 

[mindless1]

Certainly a relay, automotive type or whatever else you need would work, but if your horn current isn't very high then you could also use a different switch capable of the current, for example a lever or plunger snap-action/limit switch. Here are a few examples of the lever type, capable of 6A or 10A DC. Some horns are within that (most OEM) and some aftermarket are but the very loud ones may need more:

https://www.digikey.com/products/en/switches/snap-action-limit-switches/198?k=lever+switch&k=&pkeyword=lever+switch&sv=0&pv130=9&sf=0&FV=1080767,108077e,1080809,108080d,1080810,1080859,1080cfb,1080d0b,1080d0c,ffe000c6&quantity=&ColumnSort=0&page=1&stock=1&pageSize=25

You'd just mount it similar to a reed switch, where the toolbox door keeps the switch depressed and open circuit, then door opens, switch goes to closed circuit because these (linked) are NC, normally closed switches.

I'm not suggesting "do this instead", just that it might be another option.

Yet another option would be a normal vehicle alarm system (instead of "tool box alarm) that protects the entire vehicle, has inputs for switches that go anywhere you want them, which should include all hardware (relay(s) already in the control box) except your purpose specific switches and (longer?) wiring sufficient for the toolboxes.

Doing that instead of building your own, would more easily give you a remote control, a time-out, and on/off honking instead of a continuous tone (easier on battery), potentially flash headlights and more, depending on how elaborate you want to go wiring it and how much it costs.

 

[Greenman]

are they locked? damn. 4 times. i would be putting some heavy duty puck locks on them. how about solar motion lights?

4 times over thirty years. This last one was the worst, around $2800 worth of gear taken.

Lots of good ideas here. Thank you all for your input. I'm going to look at an actual alarm system for the entire truck.

 

[Greenman]

To bring a close to this thread, I ended up having a shop install an alarm, I just didn't have time to mess with it. I'm also building an electric lock system so there will be no exterior locks on the tool boxes, they will open with the alarm fob. Last but not least, the insurance company is sending me $2500 of the $2800 loss.
I'm going to toss in an insurance recommendation, Lemonade homeowners insurance was a pleasure to work with, and very fair.