This simple and inexpensive anti-theft alarm circuit for vehicles sounds an alarm simulating a police siren whenever someone attempts theft of your vehicle. The alarm sounds continuously for a few seconds even when the intruder switches off the ignition key. The circuit uses only a few components and can be easily assembled and installed on a car with negative grounding.
The circuit consists of an SCR-based trigger circuit and audio alarm circuit. When the ignition key of the vehicle is switched off, base voltage of transistor T1 is low and it remains turned off. When the ignition key is switched on for starting the vehicle, a positive voltage is applied to the base of transistor T1 through diode D1, switch S2, and resistor R1, which slowly charges capacitor C1. As a result, the base voltage of T1 rises. As soon as the biasing voltage crosses cut-in voltage, T1 turns on and SCR fires, giving 12V DC to the alarm circuit.
The alarm circuit is built around the siren-sound generator ROM UM3561 (IC1). It has a built-in oscillator, whose oscillation depends on resistor R5. Resistor R6 and zener diode ZD1 limit the voltage to IC1 to a safer level of 3.3V. The output from IC1 is fed to a transistor amplifier built around transistors T2 and T3.
The circuit gives sufficient time delay to switch on the alarm and to leave the vehicle. The alarm, once triggered, will sound until switch S1 is pressed to switch off the power supply.
Capacitor C2 is provided to sound the alarm even when the intruder switches off the ignition key. When the ignition key is switched off immediately, C2 discharges through R4 and keeps the alarm activated for half a minute. Reset switch S3 can be used to reset the alarm if needed.
The circuit can be assembled on a vero board. Use a small heat-sink for transistor T1. Connect point A to the ignition switch terminal that goes to the ignition coil. The hidden switch S1 is used for power on/off and switch S2 enables the circuit.
Note. Keep switches S1 and S2 on before leaving the vehicle. And don’t forget to switch off S1 and S2 before starting the vehicle.
This anti-theft alarm circuit is available for purchase here.
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1)C1 connection is wrong,you can’t charge it smoothly via R1 by this way.
2) You can’t stop the triyak only by removing the dc voltage on gate.
Dear Sami
Capacitor C1 is connected between the power supply from Ignition switch and battery ground. S2 is closed ( By the owner before leaving the Car ) When the burglar attempts to start the vehicle, C1 charges since S2 is closed. R1 is a high value resistor, so T1 will not trigger instantly. When the capacitor charges fully, T1 triggers to give alarm. That means the Alarm sounds after few seconds when the Burglar attempt to start the vehicle. The burglar is giving power to C1 while attempting to turn on the ignition key.
SCR will not stop even if the gate voltage is removed. The Alarm will continue even if the burglar switches off the Ignition Key. That is why SCR is used instead of a Transistor. Alarm stops only when S1 is opened by the Owner to cut off power from the circuit. Both S1 and S2 are hidden switches.
What is the input to be given to ignition switch
Please tell how to connect battery and ignition key. If we are doing the circuit in breadboard.
What is the input of ignition switch.pls tell
How does it prevent theft, I mean how does it recognize that the person in the car is not the owner but a thief?
Dear Omkar,
Theft does not know the status of switches S1 and S2,which will recogize that the
person is owner or theft.
Keep switches S1 and S2 on before leaving the vehicle. And don’t forget to switch off S1 and S2 before starting the vehicle.
Regards