Swenor,
I use the Driveway Patrols with a lot of success. I have 4 of them at the bait site, though I really don't need
that many. I just like to have the area covered well so that nothing gets through without being detected.
Three of the four sensors at the bait site are set up just as they come out of the box, except that I spray
painted them to try to add a bit of camo rather than have the white being so easily seen.
Put a small piece of tape over the LED to keep it from illuminating when an animal trips it. I use black electrician's tape.
I have found it best to position the sensors about one foot (12 inches) off the ground. That seems to detect better for me.
One of the sensors has an external wire added to serve as an antenna. DoubleUp modified that one for me
since I'm not sure how to do it. The sensor was then placed in a small plastic box to keep the weather out.
The antenna serves to extend the detection range.
To use a headphone or ear bud, you need to open up the case, clip the two wires that run to the internal speaker.
Then, drill a hole in the face place and run the wires out. You will need to solder an additional length of wire to
have enough length. At the end, solder a 3.5mm female adapter that will allow headphones or ear bud to plug into.
The receiver also has an added antenna. I actually have two receivers in my cabin, one mounted above the head
of my bed, and the other on the wall near my shooting table. That way I can monitor them better and not have to
move them about. The sensors work well at my 60 yard bait site without the antenna. If your site will be further
away, the antenna would be a good idea, but you may need to test them in the field to see how far they might
work without an antenna.
You will need an in-line volume control to lessen the volume output. The volume coming from the receiver is ear-piercing,
just way too loud. This little volume control easily goes between the 3.5mm female adapter and the headphones. It allows
you to adjust the volume to a more comfortable level. I got the volume control on Ebay.
As to modifying the antenna, I'm not much help with that, but maybe DoubleUP will join in soon and give a good explanation.
I know he did a post on that earlier, but I'm not sure what page it it's on.
Other notes: The transmitter uses a 9-volt battery and it lasts quite a while in the field. I have used them over two months,
almost three months before they need to be replaced. The receiver uses 3 C-cell batteries. Those don't last as long, so what
I do is to remove one of the batteries when the unit is not in use, and replace it when I'm ready to hunt. That will extend the
life of the batteries.
The sensors sometimes accidentally go off during the daytime. Could be heat from the sun causing the problem. But, at night
time, if the sensors go off, you can bet that some animal tripped it.
Good luck with your project. Let us know how it goes.