Dakota Alert DCPT-2500 Driveway Alarm System - Wired Metal Detecting Probe Transmitter with 50-FT of Direct Burial Cable

I rarely submit reviews but feel strongly​ the Dakota Alert 2500 hubs, motion sensors, and driveway probes warrant my review. I have 2 locations protected by 2 hubs, 7 motion sensors, and 2 driveway probes purchased between 2015 and 2017 from Amazon. I'm a technical guy so I found the dip switch settings relatively simple to setup and I especially like the electrical relays (NO/NC) that trigger when sensor channels signal. Both my locations are outdoor with ranges less than 200 feet (well within the advertised range).The resulting systems have proven the be very reliable once the positioning and sensitivity of these sensors has been tweaked. Battery life is excellent (> 12 months) in Florida heat. I have linked the relays as input to gpio ports on a Raspberry Pi and Arduino to trigger push notifications to Home Assistant and blynk.cc. I had one tech service call that was answered quickly and then quickly received a replacement product hub. Although not the least expensive on the market I highly recommend the Dakota Alert 2500 hub and sensors based on their reliability, weather proof, accuracy, and battery life.

My elderly parents cannot see the driveway entrance without walking to the front of the house. This unit works flawlessly and gives them a real peace of mind. They meet delivery trucks at the door, and even know when the meter reader is there. Installation requires digging a small trench, and the directions strongly recommend placing the wire in a PVC pipe for protection. We did that, and have had no problems in about 14 months. The original batteries are also still working.

We can't see people coming up our driveway, so really rely on having an alert system with a long wireless range. I've used the Dakota system for years with the motion detector, but it got set off too frequently by deer and the wind, so I upgraded to this metal sensor system. I'm very pleased with it's sensitivity, and the elimination of false alerts. One note, I have a number of older receivers (WR-3000's) and the frequency of this 2500 series is not compatible. I called Dakota, and they helpfully took back my transmitter, adjusted the frequency, and returned it to me. Great customer service! I've been using is happily for about 9 months.

I bought the first DCMT2500 and receiver in early 2016. It delivered the range that I needed to screen my long driveway. Detections ran 90-100% for the first 7 or 8 months, and then dropped to 40-50%. Because the sensor was within its 12 month warranty period, Dakota Alert cheerfully and promptly replaced it. The replacement unit (now the second I have had) exhibited only 40-50% detection, in the same location as the first one. I nursed it along for about four months, and finally returned it under warranty. About the same time, I bought another DCMT2500 (now my third unit) and installed it farther down the driveway. When the second warranty unit arrived, I installed it closer up the driveway. That gave me two units in series. A car or pedestrian approaching will set them off in order, while a grazing deer will not. These two units have a detection rate of maybe 60% for each one. Unhappy with missed vehicles, I added a DCPT2500 in series even farther down the driveway. Usually at least one will alarm, but it has happened that even a pickup truck with tool trailer has come in and none of the units reported it. It is an excellent system, but don’t expect 100% detection. However, the technical and warranty support of Dakota Alert is outstanding They strive to keep their customers happy.

Arrived with the cable pulled from the sensor as it was not well packaged. It has failed to work since new. Contacted Dakota support by email to see if it could be fixed but no response.

Bought this unit to replace an older 3000 unit that was giving false alarms. The DCPT 2500 transmitter is not compatible with the old 3000 receivers. I had to buy new 3000 receivers to get the system to work. The new DCPT 3000 transmitter has a much stronger signal than the old unit and my receivers will now work anywhere in the house. To me the CR123 batteries are the weakest element in the system. I used the old 3000 box to hold a rechargeable 12 volt battery (CA-1245). I’m using a solar 12V 5W battery maintainer to keep it charged. This battery system is powering the new DCPT 2500 transmitter and hopefully will be maintenance free for a few years.

the is just a great product and the customer support is 1st class. I now have 3 around my house and 4 friends who have purchased one or two and they love it. No false alarms with animals or people, just vehicles.

Will likely work fine but setup information sucks. Took way too long plus a phone call to the company to finish setup. Has worked 100% so far Just been me going back and forth to set it off

excellent product