Video Index
- 0:00 What You Need to Know
- 0:25 Unboxing/Installation Method Overview
- 1:51 Installation Preparation
- 2:54 Choose Your Installation Method
- 3:14 How to Install with Screws
- 4:56 How to Install with Zip Ties
- 8:21 How to Install with Dual Lock Tape
- 10:07 Enhancing Your Installation
Transcript
Index
Now that you have activated your Flex device, it’s time to install it. In this video, we’ll show you how to install your sensor using several different methods.
You won’t need to watch the whole video. In just a moment, you will be able to skip ahead to the part of the video that you need for your installation type. To help you navigate this video, each section of this video will show its progress at the bottom.
In your box, you should have a Flex sensor, its magnet, screws and zip ties for mounting options.
Some boxes may include the addition of 2 extra zip ties, dual-lock tape (which is a strong double-sided tape) and a small screwdriver.
Each mounting tool option is meant for different mounting scenarios.
The screws are meant for wooden or penetrable surfaces. For example: wood gates, shed doors, chicken coops, barn doors, or cabins.
The zip ties are great for installing the Flex on poles or areas that require the sensor to be strapped down. For example: pasture gates, chain link fence gates, or construction site gates.
The optional dual-lock tape is meant for cleaner flat surfaces where you may not want to use screws or zip ties. For example: a delivery box, an RV door, a mailbox, a boat hatch door, farm equipment, such as a combine, or temporary mounting locations such as a rental home, vacation home, or storage unit.
These tools are supplied to assist you. Feel free to use your own methods, or a combination of these tools – such as using zip ties and screws, or using dual-lock tape with zip ties, or any combination required for your installation needs.
In our first installation example, we will be installing the Flex on a garden shed door.
Before beginning installation, place your sensor and magnet where you want to mount it.
Ensure the distance between the magnet and the sensor is no more than 1” inch apart. Additionally, the magnet can be mounted from the side if needed, as long as it’s close to the sensor and the notches are in alignment. Whenever possible mount the sensor on the stationary part of your gate or door, with the magnet on door or gate itself.
Some doors and gates are vulnerable to movement and do not easily remain closed. For example, pasture gates that do not have a latch, or the top of garage doors that face highly windy areas. Mounting your magnet as close to the sensor as possible will ensure that alerts are not triggered by winds or excessive movement on a gate.
Once you have determined that the placement you’ve chosen will work, we suggest making a mark to remember where the sensor goes. This will come in handy in just a moment.
How to Install the Flex Aware with Screws
We’ll now show you how to install the Flex using screws.
If you’re using zip ties to install, skip ahead to the time shown here. If you’re using dual-lock tape to install, skip ahead to the time shown here. If you aren’t sure what to use, we recommend to continue watching.
To begin installing the Flex with screws, start by removing the batteries. We’ll add these back once the sensor is mounted.
Take your sensor and two screws from the box. Inside the body of the sensor there are two rubber gaskets. Take one screw and press it through the rubber while screwing it into your wall or door. The gaskets are designed to be punctured while still ensuring a watertight seal. If needed, hand tighten the screw until snug. Now, simply add the second screw to the sensor. Again, hand tighten if needed.
Now take the magnet and do the same process. Mark its location for optimal alignment and proximity.) Add the first screw, and add the second screw. Hand tighten if needed. The magnet should be firmly installed as well.
Now, add the batteries back into the sensor and add the battery compartment cover back onto the device. Firmly press the bottom into place and then close the door, tightening the screw until completely shut.
Congratulations – you’ve now successfully installed your Flex using screws. If you have another Flex to install, you will need to finish setting up this sensor first.
How to Install the Flex Aware with Zip Ties
In this part of the video, we will show you how to mount the Flex using Zip Ties on a pool gate.
In this situation, we could mount the sensor on the stationary post on the outside of the fence. But because of the gate’s high traffic area, we decided to not mount it on the outside but rather on the inside of the gate.
Placing the sensor on the stationary post in this example wouldn’t work. So, to fix that, we are placing our sensor on the moving component of the gate. By mounting the sensor near this crossbar, our zip ties will hold more securely and avoid slipping down the smooth surface.
Depending on your location, you could also explore mounting the Flex on the hinge side of a gate. This may work if you need alerts only when the gate is fully open. For example, on a pasture gate where you want to track vehicle access only. Because we want alerts every time this pool gate is barely left open, we will be mounting it on the further side of the gate.
To begin installing the Flex with Zip Ties, start by adding the battery compartment cover back onto the device. Firmly press the bottom into place and then close the door, tightening the screw until firmly closed.
Using the grooves on the front corners to catch the zip tie, wrap a zip tie around the sensor and then pull until tight. Now repeat this process one more time on the bottom of the sensor.
If you have a pair of pliers, use them now to pull the zip ties until completely tight.
Next, place the magnet on the adjacent pole then add a zip tie around it. Ensure the magnet and sensor are optimally aligned and are within 1” of each other. Test your sensor to ensure it is firmly installed. Cut the excess endings on each zip tie.
If your sensor is still not firmly installed or you feel like it may slip down the pole, you can add dual-lock tape or screws to further secure the sensor.
If you have dual-lock tape, you can add it to the bottom of the sensor here if the Flex is already installed. Or, you can place the tape on the back of the sensor and the back of the magnet. Simply peel the backing off the tape, add it to the sensor, and mount the sensor. Then, secure the zip ties down, locking the sensor into place.
Alternatively, if your mounting surface allows the use of screws (for example on this wooden pasture gate post), simply remove the battery compartment cover, then carefully add the screws through the holes in the back of the sensor. When done, add the battery compartment cover back on, screwing down the screw until firmly closed. Then, test the sensor to make sure it is securely mounted.
Congratulations – you’ve now successfully installed your Flex using zip ties. If you have another Flex to install, you will need to finish setting up this sensor first.
How to Install the Flex Aware with Dual Lock Tape
In this part of the video, we will be installing the Flex on a garage door with dual-lock tape.
We will be installing the Flex on the top of the garage door.
To begin installing the Flex using Dual Lock tape, start by adding the battery compartment cover back onto the device. Firmly press the bottom into place and then close the door, tightening the screw until firmly closed.
Before adding the dual-lock tape, we recommend you clean your mounting surface of any debris or dust to ensure a strong bond with the tape.
Take the longer dual-lock tape piece, removing the backing on one side, and add it to the magnet by pressing firmly. Remove the backing on the other side and simply press the magnet into place.
Take the other dual lock pieces and add them onto the back of the sensor. In this case we are adding one at the top left corner and one at the bottom right corner to enhance the strength of the install. When adding dual-lock tape, be sure not to cover the button on the back. Now, remove the backing on the tape and align the sensor with the magnet ensuring the tabs are lined up. Avoid being too close to the magnet to allow room for the door to open, yet not too far away from the sensor either. Once you’ve found a good position for your sensor, simply press the sensor into place. Test your sensor to ensure it is mounted securely.
Congratulations – you’ve now successfully mounted your Flex using Dual Lock tape.
Please note: if your mounting location has a lot of movement or vibration, for example, the garage door motor vibrating the sensor and magnet when opening, you can add zip ties and/or screws to your Flex to further enhance the strength of its installation. In this case, we have decided to add two screws into the sheet rock.
To do this, remove the cover from the Flex. Add the first screw through the rubber gasket in the back of the sensor. Now, add another screw through the second gasket in the sensor. Then, simply press the bottom of the cover into place, closing the door and tightening the screw until firmly closed.
Additionally, on some installations, loose garage doors that face highly windy areas can cause the top of the door to open enough to trigger an alert. Be vigilant in installing the sensor as close to the magnet as possible or tighten the hinges on your garage door rollers. Depending on your installation, you may need to adjust the sensor for better placement.
Congratulations – you’ve now successfully mounted your Flex using Dual Lock. If you have another Flex to install, you will need to finish setting up this sensor first.