Customer Reviews

Doberman SE-0102 Burglar Window Alarm. Silver/Black

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This device is from the same Doberman security product line that the Doberman SE-0109 Entry Defense device is from. Unlike that one though, this device is meant only for windows.

First the positives, the alarm is much louder on this device, than on the SE-0109, which is nice. This one, unlike the SE-0109, really is the full 95 decibels it claims. This device also has a nifty red status LED, and a sticker on the back where you affix it to the window, telling the other side of the window that there are security devices protecting the dwelling -- standard security sticker really.

However, on the negative side, the device doesn't really work well enough for my expectations. It was a nice idea, but it just doesn't work very well. While the SE-0109 operates on the simple principle of two sensors, which when pulled apart trigger the alarm, the SE-0102 window unit operates on the principle of vibration to trigger the alarm.

That is a nice idea, but they obviously erred on the side of caution when setting the sensitivity for the vibration. To get the device to work, you stick it to the window, and then flip the switch to arm it. It blinks a red LED at you (very nice by the way, I wish the SE-0109 came with a status LED) 5 times, and then beeps once to let you know it is armed.

In theory then, any vibration to the window it is stuck on should set it off, right? Wrong. With the device armed and ready, I was able to open and close the window without it going off. With the device armed and ready, I was able to hold it in my hand, and waggle it, and it doesn't go off.

To get it to go off, you have to seriously jar it. You can do this by holding it in your hand and shaking it vigorously, or smacking the window pretty hard.

That is all well and good, but that also doesn't really strike me as a particularly effective window defense. Most burglars don't take a sledge hammer to the window, they tend to cut or crowbar, and if they were slow and careful enough, I don't think this device would go off.

I am going to have to order an additional SE-0109 to cover the window this device was supposed to protect, as it just doesn't work well enough for me to be satisfied that it is secured. It was a nice idea, but they made it too hard to set off. I am sure they were worried about too many false alarms -- but really -- if you only set it at night, and it was set to go off with a reasonable vibration, I am not sure I would be too upset about the occasional false alarm.

Good try Doberman, but go back to the drawing board on this one.

I was hesitant when first purchasing this alarm for our daughter's window. I imagined that it would either be too sensitive - we live in a 100 year old house so our windows rattle when the neighbors even close their car doors hard - or I figured it wouldn't be sensitive enough. So I ordered only one with the idea of ordering more if it delivered what it promised. Boy did it.

The device goes off (man, it's loud) if I thump the window lightly with my finger, but to date it hasn't gone off once because of a false alarm. The side that sticks to the window also has a bright red warning on it. A nice touch in my mind.

While I wouldn't rely on this as my sole security protection it's a great addition to any existing system. Especially rooms where you want the utmost protection, like a child's.

Great item for the money. Well done.

I purchased 10 of these Doberman SE-0102 devices to cover all the windows not covered by my home security system and these work very well. After installing on all the windows and garage door into house, I test every device by gently tapping the area near and all 10 went off loudly. These stick on window alarms are thin and fit nicely in all my windows. Now every possible point of entry into my home is secured very well.

This is a good little alarm.

I put this on my windows and sliding glass door. It definitely works, albeit a little too well. If the blinds lightly tap it or the window, it goes off. If I gently open and close the sliding glass door, it goes off. So basically, whenever I'm cleaning, having a party or want to use my windows or glass doors I have to turn them off. I'm thinking of replacing them with the Mace security system so I can turn the whole system on at night and off in the morning and not have a monthly fee and have to trust some company like ADT where unscrupulous employees with the master code can break into your house.

This alarm is a pretty neat device. It is very small, way smaller than the picture makes it out to be (which I like). I don't like, however, that its ultra-compact size means that it takes special batteries (I would much rather prefer it to be a little bit bigger and just take AAAs).

It is fairly easy to use. You just flick the switch to on, and hopefully never have to use it for its intended purpose.

I tried it out just to see how loud and sensitive it is, and it seems pretty good. If I tapped the window hard enough, it would go off for its 20 seconds until it shuts off (or until you turn it off manually). The 20 second alarm time bothers me somewhat; I guess you just have to hope that a 20 second alarm is enough to scare off possible burglars. The alarm is pretty loud, although its not so loud that its painful or able to be heard a couple rooms away.

Overall, I would recommend this product, if not for a fool-proof way to protect your home, for a way to give yourself a little piece of mind.

These lttle devices work really well. Very loud and fairly sensative to vibration but not overly. First class shopping experience from Amazon. They are just the best period in my opinion. If you need them, buy them.

Sensitivity of the alarm is ok. It would be perfect if they make it 1/4 of current size.