Decibel Technical Details

Decibel Cable with Keyed Lock and Alarm

Technical Details

Cable Lock

Securely lock a bike, kayak, and other outdoor equipment with Decibel's flexible cable lock. Decibel utilizes a 6mm diameter PVC encased cable that houses three additional PVC cables. Within those three inner cables are multiple, distinct bundles of steel wire. The partial cutting of these steel wires is what triggers Decibel's 100dB alarm for intruder deterrence.

The cable poses a pulling strength resistance of ≧80kg (176lbs), ensuring that even a loosely wrapped cable can endure a physical pulling attack. For best results, tightly tie the cable around your belongings to ensure as little pulling leverage on the cable as possible.

The cable lock is removable and interchangeable. This poses two benefits:

Transform your Decibel from a 3ft bike lock to a 15ft kayak locking cable; the versatility of an interchangeable and replaceable cable lock allows you to use the same security provided by a single Decibel lock body for multiple applications. Please note that the product comes with one cable, and any additional cables must be purchased separately.
Unlike other locks that must be discarded if breached or destroyed, Decibel can withstand multiple attacks. If an intruder or vandal tries to cut through the Decibel's cable and is deterred by the 100dB alarm, you can simply replace the partially or fully cut cable by purchasing a new one.

Alarm

Once triggered, the alarm emits a 100dB siren that can be heard up to 0.5m away. Up close, the Decibel's siren is not only ear-piercingly loud but also physically disorienting due to its high pitch. The Decibel's alarm will deter intruders with its discomforting sound, especially if they aren't expecting it.

Standard Alarm Rate

The standard alarm rate for the Decibel cable lock and alarm matches the following sequence: 25 seconds ON, a 5-second pause, another 25 seconds ON, and then it turns OFF.

Alarm Triggers

Decibel's alarm can be triggered in three ways when the unit is armed:

Partial or Complete Cable Cutting: By cutting through just one of multiple bundles of steel wire, a signal that is being transmitted from the wires to the armed alarm is broken. This triggers the alarm to emit.
Optional Vibration Sensor: When armed, the vibration sensor causes the alarm to emit if the unit is shaken. Specifically, an impact or movement measuring to approximately ≧3.5kg/s will trigger the vibration alarm, with a reaction speed of 2mS.
Anti-Tamper Screw: An intruder might spot the screw located at the bottom of the Decibel and think to undo it to uncouple the front and back housings. However, adjusting the screw, even partway, will cause the alarm to go off. Additionally, as long as the Decibel lock body is armed, the housing cannot be separated. The lock body can only be separated when the Decibel is unlocked and the screw is removed.

Battery

Decibel uses 9V batteries and is compatible with both 9V Alkaline batteries (6-month lifespan) and 9V Lithium batteries (12-month lifespan). Decibel utilizes approximately 92.31 mAh per month. In both cases, it is worth noting that:

Battery life can decrease if the Decibel is in cold environments.
Battery life decreases with increased use.
Decibel features a low battery state indicator. This state indicates that the battery is under 7.2v, and will result in a lowered alarm sound.

If Decibel is armed while in a low battery state:

Red flash for 0.3 seconds
No light for 1.2 seconds
Yellow flash for 0.3 seconds
No light for 1.2 seconds
Repeat

If Decibel is unarmed while in a low battery state:

Yellow flash for 0.3 seconds
No light for 1.2 seconds
Yellow flash for 0.3 seconds
Repeat

Water Resistance

Decibel is IP54 rated per extensive testing. If used outdoors, ensure that the Decibel is covered and protected from immediate elements. Additionally, ensure that the unit is not laying flat or mounted horizontally, such that water can run out of it if any enters the unit.

Tips for Using Decibel Cable with Keyed Lock and Successfully

Decibel, with its vibration alarm sensor that can be turned on or off, is available in three versions: 3ft, 6ft, and 15ft cables. Use Decibel to secure kayaks, camping gear, e-bikes, power tools, patio furniture, and more. Enjoy added security and an integrated cable storage solution. Whatever you lock, keep these tips in mind:

Ensure that your Decibel cable lock alarm is protected from direct rain or snow for the best battery performance.
Tightly wrap the cable around both the property you're protecting and a solid, heavy anchor point such as a steel beam, bike rack, or other permanent fixture.
Register your keys! In the event that you lose your keys, registering the key code with us will allow us to send you a replacement set that works with your Decibel. The first key replacement set comes free of charge.

Geek Guide: How Does Decibel Actually Work?

Curious about Decibel's electrical circuit and how the alarm is enabled? Read on for some tech specs and a detailed explanation.

Overview

Decibel utilizes a cable to secure one's belongings. A key cylinder is used to both lock the cable and arm the Decibel. Decibel's microelectronic circuitry is powered by a 9V battery. This circuitry consists of a microprocessor and a variety of components to sense, monitor, and control the functions of the Decibel.

Cable Lock and Arming Mechanism

The cable contains three structural strands constructed with steel wires and encased in plastic PVC tubing. These wires serve as signal transmitters, with the fixed ends directly connected to the circuitry within the lock body. The free end is inserted from the front of the lock body after the cable has been wrapped around belongings to secure them.

Once the free end is inserted into the lock body, the turn of a key engages a locking lever made of sheet metal. This lever locks the free end into the Decibel and simultaneously arms the alarm via the activation of a micro-switch on the circuitry.

The alarm can be triggered in three ways:

An optional vibration sensor detects repeated, excessive vibrations.
A screw removal function is embedded into the back housing of the Decibel lock body, and is triggered when the screw is removed while the Decibel is armed. Note that so long as the Decibel has been locked with a key, an internal cam lock will prevent the front and back housings from being separated even if the anti-tamper screw is fully removed.
Partial and/or complete cutting of the cable and the steel wires within. As previously mentioned, these steel wires act as signal transmitters. If the signal is interrupted via cutting, the alarm will sound.