"Because You Never Know Who is Coming" |
Frequently Asked Questions
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 What are the basic components of a Protech Invisible Gate?
 Protech’s Invisible Gate system can be broken down to two basic parts: the outdoor and indoor portions.
The outdoor portion consists of an invisible Sensor (transmitter) buried at the entrance to your property and a Command Center (receiver) located inside the home.
What is involved in setting up a trial demonstration and how long will it take?
We begin by burying the invisible sensors near the entrance of your home. Next we swap out a few light switches with our Smart Switches to control the lights. We locate a few
interior lamps and plug them into Lamp Modules as part of the overall animated sequence of lighting. Lastly, we locate out of the way receptacles around your home for the Signaling Devices we call Chime Modules. On average, systems can
be set up in a few hours. There is no mess and you will not even know we were there.
Do you charge anything for your trial demonstration or is there any cost involved if I try your system and later
decide not to purchase it?
No. There is never any cost involved with the installation or removal of a trial demonstration system. We do incur expenses, and as such, we only install systems on properties
well suited for our unique services. We appreciate your help in scheduling additional trial installations while visiting your area. Asking associates and neighbors if they would care to participate in a trial demonstration helps reduce
our travel expenses. This ultimately lowers the costs of our services for everyone.
What do you mean when you say your system is "Totally Integrated"?
By this we mean that our Invisible Gate operates as a complete "stand alone" system and is not fabricated from piecemeal or jury-rigged components. This is
how our systems are different from those offered by some burglar alarm companies.
Why do you not provide photos and more technical information on the outdoor portion of the system?
We do not provide this information on our site because our systems are proprietary, and by design, are invisible. This is what sets our surveillance systems apart from vehicle
alarms that utilize photo beams, motion detectors and other devices commonly found on the internet. Besides, our clients utilize our services to enhance their privacy and protect their families; publishing this kind of information on the
internet would be inappropriate.
Do you install burglar alarms or offer other home products or services?
No. The Invisible Gate is our invention and our passion. We do provide home automation services that compliment and enhance the features of our Invisible Gate. We do
not install or sell burglar alarms, video cameras, gate controls, intercoms, home theater or central vacuum systems.
I notice that your site does not include a “buy now” or shopping cart page. Do you offer any products
that can be purchased directly on line from this site?
No, because dingdong.com is an information site and was designed to function as an on-line “interactive brochure”. In addition to learning about our products and services,
dingdong.com provides the recorded testimonials of clients. This helps you get to know us personally. “Buy it now” implies an impulse purchase decision. We prefer a “Try it now” approach instead.
A trial demonstration has been the cornerstone of our marketing philosophy since our Invisible Gate was first introduced in 1984. Most of our sales are the result of client referrals. We do very little advertising and only approach those
clients who can most benefit from our unique services.
Typically, the systems we install will demonstrate the features you are most likely to need and appreciate. Ultimately, you decide what features (if any) you like and make any purchase decision based on your experience with us and our unique
drive alarm and automatic lighting system. This makes for happy clients and virtually eliminates the possibility of buyer’s remorse.
I understand your system can differentiate between vehicles entering and exiting my property. Can you explain the
advantages of this feature?
This provides several useful options in announcing the arrival and departure of guests. These features are helpful for clients with homes that have especially long entrance ways
or lots of vehicular traffic and only wish to have the chime sound when a vehicle enters. An optional beeper sound can be selected to indicate when a vehicle exits the property as well.
My home is located in a gated community. How can the Invisible Gate benefit my family?
Although gated communities afford a certain level of security by limiting the access to visitors; service crews, deliverymen as well as neighbors can show up at your door or poolside
"unexpectedly and unannounced". Our clients who live in gated communities find our Invisible Gate to be just as important (and sometimes more so) than those who live in rural areas. They tell us that living in a gated
community can lull them into a false sense of security and surprises at the door can be just as awkward and dangerous. The aesthetic and safety lighting our system provides is a real value when our client’s families and friends enter
and exit the property.
I already have (or I am considering) a motorized gate. How can the Protech Invisible Gate System be of use to me?
Many of our clients have motorized gates. Some find it more convenient to leave their gates open during the day or while waiting for expected guests. With the gate closed, our
system announces the arrival of “authorized” visitors. Our automatic lighting feature provides both aesthetic and safety illumination as your family and their guests enter and exit the property.
My home does not have a long driveway. How can the Invisible Gate work for me?
Although our system works on drives several miles long you do not have to be situated on acres to appreciate the advance notice and lighting features of our system. As a general
rule, the larger your home is the more likely you are not to hear the approach of visitors until they are standing at your door.
Can I take my system with me should I decide to move?
Yes, just as easily as your system went in, it can come out. You might decide to include the Invisible Gate as a feature when marketing your home; you will find our system to
be an attractive selling feature to prospective buyers. Our clients report that interested buyers often ask to return to the home after dark just to see the system operate. There is no question that the aesthetic and security features of
our Invisible Gate add real value to your property compared to those with only traditional burglar alarms.
If you should decide to take your Invisible Gate with you, Protech and its team of national service representatives will gladly assist you in every way possible in the removal and reinstallation of your
system anywhere in the world.
Can an Invisible Gate be written off as a capital business expenditure?
Yes. You do not have to be a Fortune 500 Company or work from your home to be able to take advantage of the available tax benefits. Many of our clients have their company purchase
their system as part of an executive benefits package. We recommend consulting your tax planner for additional information and assistance.
How long will my system last?
Your system was designed and manufactured to provide years of trouble free operation. Our high tech designs have no mechanical parts or lengthy buried cables that over time can
wear out or go bad. If service is ever needed, the system’s modular design allows for quick, low cost replacement or repair, usually the same day. Many of our original systems installed some 23 years ago are still in service today.
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Where is the sensor normally placed?
On paved surfaces, the sensor is placed alongside the drive, at least two car lengths in from the street. The sensors are buried approximately six inches below the surface to
protect them from being damaged by gardening tools.
What effect will weather have on the outdoor portion of my system?
None at all. Our systems are built to military standards. By this we mean they are completely weatherproof and virtually indestructible. Unlike other systems, our Invisible Gate
will not false alarm during storms. This feature makes our units suitable for “high surveillance” applications.
Will pets or animals activate my system?
No. Our detection system operates with a technology that is similar to the device you must pass through prior to boarding an aircraft. It is designed to detect the movement of
metal objects through an invisible beam. The sensitivity is adjustable and is normally set to a level that prevents a dog’s collar from activating the system.
How does the system know when to turn on my outdoor lights?
The transmitter contains a photoelectric light sensor that reads and reports the light condition each time the transmitter is activated. At night, the transmitter tells the command
center located inside your home to alert you that someone is coming and also activates the lights.
Can your Invisible Gate be used with video surveillance cameras?
Yes. When used in conjunction with a video surveillance camera, the Invisible Gate Drive Alarm System can trigger a recording device creating a video log of everyone
who enters or exits your property.
You have a green Protech Security sign on your “Quick Summary” page that lights up when I mouse over
it. Is this a graphic or do you offer such a product?
Yes. The sign you see is an optional accessory and one of the many unique features of our Invisible Gate. This attractive sign is automatically illuminated when a vehicle enters.
The sign warns "night visitors" that they are "under surveillance" and their presence has been detected. Our sign operates without wires or buried cables. No connection to electrical service is required.
What kind of batteries does the transmitter use and how long do they last?
No special or hard to find batteries are required. Our system uses three standard 9 volt alkaline batteries; they will last between 1-3 years depending on activity and are easily
changed. The transmitter monitors its own batteries and will activate a remote low battery lamp inside the garage when the batteries need changing. The lamp is similar to the low fuel light in your car.
Are the batteries safe for disposal in ordinary household trash?
Yes. Alkaline batteries contain no sulfides or cyanides and are classified as "non-hazardous" household waste.
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| ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL WIRING |
What is "Power line control PLC" and how does it work?
The Invisible Gate System utilizes your existing electrical wiring to control lights and signaling devices called chime modules. This highly sophisticated and well established
method of transmission eliminates the need to run special wiring. It lends itself to total flexibility and ease of installation. Lighting circuits of up to 2,400 watts can be controlled by the simple replacement of the existing wall switch
with a power line carrier "Smart Switch" device.
Our home has a low voltage lighting control system, is the Invisible Gate compatible with it?
Yes. We install an interface and work directly with your lighting contractor providing both programming instructions and assistance. Working directly with your lighting representative
insures a simple and seamless way to add additional features to your low voltage system.
Can the system control lights and chime modules at our caretaker’s home or at other unattached buildings?
Yes. The power line commands generated by our drive alarms are sent throughout your electrical system. They are limited to those buildings whose power originates from the same
pole or pedestal transformer. Additional command centers can be used in other homes and buildings that have their own electrical service provided they are located within the system’s five mile radius.
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What does the Command Center do?
The Command Center is what can be called "the brains of the beast". It performs two essential functions: First, the command center is a precisely tuned radio receiver.
Listening all the time, it springs into action when it hears the specific "secret code" of your sensor/transmitter. Once received, the Command Center performs its second function by sending signals called power line commands over
your existing house wiring. These commands tell your chimes to ring and your lights to go on and off.
Where is the Command Center normally placed?
Since the entire system operates automatically without controls, the Command Center can be placed almost anywhere out of sight. An attic, garage, spare room, or storage area will
do nicely. The location chosen should be dry and feature an un-switched properly grounded 120 volt outlet. Your Protech service representative will test the wiring and can recommend the best location for the command center.
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| SIGNALING DEVICES & SMART SWITCHES |
What are Chime Modules?
Chime Modules are the signaling devices that alert you when someone approaches. They make a pleasant “ding dong” sound the instant someone enters your drive.
What are Beeper Modules?
Beeper Modules differ from Chime Units in that they make a "beep beep" sound when vehicles leave. They are quite helpful in keeping tabs on service crews.
Where are the signaling devices normally placed?
Chime & Beeper Modules require a working 120 volt outlet and can be plugged in almost anywhere; however, they must not be left out in the rain or be used near water. Special
weatherproof units are available for poolside use. We find outlets that are rarely used and out of sight provide great locations.
How many Signaling Devices will I need?
The amount of Chime Modules you will need will depend on the size, layout and acoustics of your home. Your Protech service representative will gladly provide you with a few extra
Chime Modules so you may experiment with their placement.
My husband often leaves before sunrise, is there a way that he can leave without awakening the rest of the family?
Yes. The Chime and Beeper Modules have dial settings that determine when they will sound. You may select “24/7”, "day" or "night time" only.
My daughter lives alone and has a hearing impairment. How can your system work for her?
Instead of ringing the chimes, we can flash table lamps and other light fixtures throughout the house indicating the arrival and departure of visitors.
What are Smart Switches?
Smart Switches replace your existing wall switches and enable them to be electronically turned on/off by your system. They are available in two versions that will control circuits
up to 2,400 watts. The 500 watt version is capable of being dimmed and can be used to create unique landscape moods.
Smart Switches operate in much the same way your dumb switches do. To operate a Smart Switch, simply push the button once to turn the light on—push the button again and the light will turn off. The Decora style Smart Switches have
a tiny light to indicate when the lights are activated. This is an especially great feature during the day because you can not always see if the lights were left on. There is no need to worry about lights being left on anymore with our
system. Unlike our kids, the Invisible Gate knows that lights are not to be left on during the day and will automatically turn them off the first time someone enters or exits your property.
What are Lamp Modules and how are they used?
Lamp Modules are similar to Smart Switches. Like a mechanical timer, they simply plug into the receptacle where the lamp is located. Lamp Modules provide a convenient way to animate
and provide safe path lighting inside your home. Because Lamp Modules can be remotely turned on/off and dimmed, they can also be incorporated into a home automation system.
How does the Protech system provide lighting for family and guests when leaving?
Simply follow the same procedure you do now, and turn the lights on as you leave. If your system utilizes a Smart Master Switch, pushing one single button will turn on any number
of lights to safely light your path. After passing the sensor, the exterior lights will automatically turn themselves off while some interior lamps will remain lit. We do this to create the appearance that someone is still at home. The
lights will come on again in a natural sequence the instant you return or anyone else enters your drive.
How long do the lights stay on?
The sequence and the amount of time your lights remain on is programmable and can be set for any time period. We typically set the time interval to about 10 minutes; however,
we will gladly adjust the time to suit your needs.
What is a Bedside Controller and what is it used for?
The Bedside Controller is a powerful home automation tool. Like your system Command Center, it generates power line commands and allows you to remotely control lights, table lamps
and appliances throughout your home. Any number of Smart Switches and Lamp Modules can be controlled.
The Bedside Controller also features a very useful security function called an ALL LIGHTS ON button. Hear a noise in the middle of the night? Just press one button to turn on every light in the system, anywhere on the property. There is
also a button that will turn on hallway, kitchen, bath and table lamps to safely light your way inside your home at night. When you get back to bed simply press one button to turn everything off and go back to a secure night’s sleep.
What is a Master Smart Switch and where is it located?
The Master Smart Switch is usually located at a convenient spot where you and your family exit the home. Pushing this one "single button" will turn on any number of
lights both inside and out to safely light your path. After passing the sensor, the exterior lights will automatically turn themselves off while some interior lamps will remain lit. We do this to create the appearance that your home is
still occupied. The lights will come on again in a natural sequence the instant you return or if anyone else should enter your drive while you are away.
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If you have more questions regarding our products,
please feel free to fill out our no obligation contact form.
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Movable Chime
Smart Switch
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GENERAL INFORMATION
