New at the hardware store

Check out these helpful tools and gadgets that are on the market or on their way soon.
By ALAN J. HEAVENS, Special to the Times
© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 1, 2001

CHICAGO –

The Voice Alert allows you to record custom messages that are triggered by wireless infrared motion sensors and transmitters, up to a range of 1,000 feet.

Spokesman Stefan West said you might install a sensor near your sliding glass doors out to the pool. If anyone opens those doors (such as unsupervised children heading for the pool), a message you've recorded will announce, "The sliders are open," and you can check what's going on.  If you have a detached garage, place a sensor there, and if an intruder walks in, you'll be alerted, "Someone's in the garage." If the stairs are off-limits for the baby, place a sensor there and record a message, "Baby's on the stairs," that will play back when your little one goes where she shouldn't.

Order from the Web site, www.voicealert.com, or watch for the device in catalogs. "We had a very successful show," West said.

Price: $249 for two transmitters and a receiver; $199 for one. Information: (760) 633-3737.