Mighty Mule ‎FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm Installation Manual

Mighty Mule ‎FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm

Wireless driveway alarm, electromagnetic technology detects vehicles entering and exiting driveway and notifies you with an indoor chime, up to 400′ range from indoor receiver to driveway sensor, does not detect people or animals, transmitter requires 2 “aa” batteries, not included; take note: use lithium alkaline aa batteries in colder climates; sensitivity adjustment 3′ to 12′ radius; dip switches for the customized gearbox.

Kit Includes

1. Transmitter
2. Sensor
3. Receiver
4. Transformer
5. Mounting post (3 pcs)

How It Works

The electromagnetic sensor detects vehicles in motion and sends a signal to the indoor receiver. The indoor receiver will chime when it receives the signal.

Installation Overview

Place the SENSOR immediately next to the driveway to maximize the sensing range, but at least 25 feet from roadways, neighbor’s driveways or large moving metal objects. The cable connecting the SENSOR and TRANSMITTER allows for the placement of the TRANSMITTER away from the driveway in the concealment of landscape or closer to the RECEIVER.

The approximate transmitting range from the TRANSMITTER to the RECEIVER is 400 ft. The range can vary depending on environmental conditions such as RF interference and topography. Some adjustments may be required.
NOTE:   DO NOT place the TRANSMITTER in the direct path of a sprinkler. The TRANSMITTER is water resistant but not waterproof. If you don’t use the full length of signal cable from the SENSOR to the TRANSMITTER, coil the extra cable and bury it beside the transmitter stake.

For Optimum Performance:

• Locate the SENSOR as far as possible away from power transformers, power lines, underground gas lines, and telephone lines.
• Locate the SENSOR away from general moving traffic to prevent unwanted activation. Remember that the SENSOR detects MAGNETIC DISTURBANCES caused by a vehicle’s mass and velocity.
• Range distance is approximate and will vary due to outside interference, type of soil, vehicle mass, speed, etc.
• It is recommended that you run the Signal Cable inside the PVC conduit to prevent accidental damage.
• Do not run the Signal Cable in conduit with other wires such as AC power or other control wires.
• The SIGNAL CABLE CANNOT BE SPLICED.

Sensor Placement

Determining Sensor Location

IMPORTANT: Clear an area 25 ft. in all directions of metal tools, toys and automobiles, to prevent magnetic disturbance during testing and installation.

• Determine the optimum location for the SENSOR using the information found in “Installation Overview.”
• Dig a hole approximately 1 ft. deep and 1 ft. long within 2 ft. and parallel to the edge of the driveway.
• Place the SENSOR flat in the hole and parallel to the driveway.
• Keep the SENSOR and the cable uncovered at this time.

Transmitter Placement

Determining Transmitter Location

• Choose a location for the TRANSMITTER module that is far enough from the driveway edge that vehicles are unlikely to hit it.
• Run the SENSOR cable through the PVC mounting post and plug it into the connector at the bottom of the Transmitter module.
• Leave 2” to 3” of slack in the cable to prevent damage to the connector when the transmitter is removed.
• Test the chosen location before permanently trenching and setting the TRANSMITTER (see “Placing Receiver and Testing System” section).

Installing Transmitter Batteries

IMPORTANT: “AA” batteries must be installed at the site where the TRANSMITTER will be located to ensure proper calibration of the transmitter.

• Make sure the SENSOR wire is plugged into the TRANSMITTER.
• Temporarily place TRANSMITTER on the mounting post in ground.
• With TRANSMITTER in desired location install two (2) “AA” batteries.
  

Placing Receiver and Testing System

Receiver Placement

• Place the indoor RECEIVER in a convenient location.
• Plug the AC transformer into a 110 VAC outlet and the charger cable into the receiver.
• The power LED on the front panel will light up, and there will be a confirmation “beep” tone.
• When a car passes the SENSOR, a signal is transmitted to the RECEIVER from the TRANSMITTER. After the RECEIVER receives the signal, it will chime and the visitor alert LED will turn on and remain lit. The LED can be reset by pressing the RESET button, but it is not required.
• The LOW BATTERY LED alerts you when the two (2) “AA” batteries in the outdoor TRANSMITTER need to be replaced.

Testing The System

Test the range and system by having someone drive an automobile past the SENSOR to be sure the RECEIVER is activated when the vehicle has passed the SENSOR. Kitchen appliances or other electronics may interfere with reception. It may be necessary to adjust the position or relocate the RECEIVER for optimum results.

Permanently Install Sensor and Transmitter

• Once the system is tested and working, remove the batteries and permanently install the SENSOR, SIGNAL CABLE, and TRANSMITTER.
• Bury the SENSOR approximately 1 ft. deep, flat, and parallel, next to the driveway.
• Dig a narrow trench or slit from the SENSOR to the TRANSMITTER location using a flat spade or other tools. The wire from the SENSOR to the TRANSMITTER should be at least six inches deep to avoid possible damage.
• Secure the TRANSMITTER on the supplied 3-piece PVC pipe by burying the bottom third of the pipe in the soil and tamping the ground around the pipe. DO NOT cover the TRANSMITTER with a metal cover as this will cause signal interference.
• Secure the TRANSMITTER mounting post in the ground so that the TRANSMITTER is upright and approximately 1 ft. above ground.
• Replace the batteries.

Sensitivity Adjustment

• The SENSING RANGE can be adjusted from approximately a 3 to 12-foot radius from the SENSOR.
• The potentiometer varies the sensitivity range of the SENSOR to avoid unwanted moving metal objects from activating the alarm, such as: moving gates, metal play equipment, garage doors, other vehicular traffic, etc.
• With the range adjusted to the maximum of 12 ft., a large metal object moving slowly will be detected up to 12 ft. from the SENSOR, while a small metal object moving slowly might not be detected at the same distance.

Troubleshooting

System Not Detecting Vehicles

• Remove the outer cover from the transmitter and check to see if the LED blinks when a vehicle passes the sensor. The LED indicates that a vehicle was detected and it is transmitting.

• Is the distance to the base unit within the max range of 400 ft.? Remember that foliage, trees, and buildings in the line of sight from the transmitter to the indoor unit will reduce the transmitting range.

• Metal buildings such as mobile homes can block the signal. Try placing the indoor unit close to a window facing the outdoor sensor.

• Kitchen appliances or other electronics may interfere with reception. It may be necessary to adjust the position or relocate the RECEIVER for optimum results.

• Are the DIP switches on the indoor and outdoor units both set the same?

• Make sure the receiver volume control is turned up.
  

• Remove the “AA” batteries – make sure there are no large metal objects or vehicles within 12 feet of the SENSOR -replace the “AA” batteries and allow 60 seconds for it to recalibrate.

• Replace TRANSMITTER batteries when the indoor RECEIVER’s low battery light comes on.

• In locations where the weather varies use Lithium-Alkaline “AA” batteries for best performance.
  NOTE: The audible chime will activate once every 15 seconds unless the reset button is pressed.

• Is the sensor installed close to the driveway as shown?

Sensor Detecting Vehicles On The Street:

• Is the sensor probe at least 25 feet from the edge of the road? Try moving the sensor farther from the road. Remember to keep it close to the edge of the driveway.
• Adjust the sensitivity control to reduce sensitivity. Make small changes until street vehicles are not detected. Counterclockwise adjustments make the sensor less sensitive.

Indoor Base Unit Detecting A Neighbor’s Driveway Alert: Select a different TRANSMITTER/RECEIVER code using the 4-position DIP switch on the transmitter and the indoor unit.  Both sets of switches must be set exactly the same.

FCC WARNING

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. In accordance with FCC Part 15, Section 15.21, the manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could VOID the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in particular installations. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or replace the receiver antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

GTO Limited One-Year Warranty

Gates That Open, LLC gate openers and accessories are covered under warranty by the manufacturer against defects in materials and manufacturer workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, provided the recommended installation procedures have been followed.

In the case of product failure due to defective material or manufacturer workmanship within the one (1) year warranty period, the product will be repaired or replaced (at the manufacturer’s option) at no charge to the customer, if returned freight prepaid to GTO, 3121 Hartsfield Road, Tallahassee, Florida, USA 32303. IMPORTANT: Call 800-543-1236 for a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) the number before returning the accessory to the factory. Products received at the factory without an RGA number will not be accepted. Replacement or repaired parts are covered by this warranty for the remainder of the one (1) year warranty period or six (6) months, whichever is greater. GTO will pay the shipping charges (equal to United Parcel Service GROUND rate) for return to the owner of items repaired under warranty.

The manufacturer will not be responsible for any charges or damages incurred in the removal of the defective parts for repair, or for the reinstallation of those parts after repair. This warranty shall be considered void if damage to the product(s) was due to improper installation or use, connection to an improper power source, or if the damage was caused by an electrical power surge, lightning, wind, fire, flood, insects, or other natural agents.

After the one (1) year warranty period, GTO will make any necessary repairs for a nominal fee.  Call GTO at 800-543-1236 for more information. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. NOTE: Verification of the warranty period requires copies of receipts or other proof of purchase. Please retain these records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Mighty Mule FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm?

The Mighty Mule FM231 is designed to provide a reliable and convenient way to monitor the entrance of your driveway or property. It alerts you when vehicles or people enter or leave the monitored area.

How does the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm work?

The FM231 consists of a sensor/transmitter that detects motion and a receiver that receives the signal and produces an audible alert. When the sensor detects movement, it wirelessly transmits a signal to the receiver, which activates the alarm.

What is the detection range of the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm?

The FM231 has a detection range of up to 400 feet, depending on the terrain and environmental conditions. It provides ample coverage for most residential driveways and properties.

Can the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm be used in all weather conditions?

Yes, the FM231 is designed to withstand outdoor conditions. It is weatherproof and can operate reliably in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Does the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm come with adjustable sensitivity settings?

Yes, the FM231 offers adjustable sensitivity settings. This allows you to customize the detection range and sensitivity based on your specific needs and environment.

Can I add additional sensors to the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm system?

Yes, the FM231 is expandable. You can add multiple sensors to the system, allowing you to monitor multiple areas or entrances using a single receiver.

Is the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm easy to install?

Yes, the FM231 is designed for simple installation. It is a wireless system that does not require any complex wiring. The included instructions guide you through the installation process.

Can the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm be used in conjunction with other security systems?

Yes, the FM231 can be integrated into existing security systems. You can connect the receiver to a larger security control panel or use it as a standalone driveway alarm system.

What type of batteries does the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm use?

The FM231 sensor/transmitter typically uses a 9-volt battery, while the receiver usually requires three C batteries. However, it’s important to check the specific battery requirements stated in the product documentation.

Can I adjust the volume of the alarm on the FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm?

Yes, the FM231 receiver has adjustable volume settings. You can set the volume to your desired level or even choose a silent mode with only visual alerts.

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