Hi: I purchased this item after doing a bit of research. I was constantly wondering when my cat wanted back in the house after being outside. She never puts up a fuss & would sit outside looking in the sliding glass door for long periods of time .. and Oregon has a lot of Rain.
I bought this Alarm Mat. The Product text said it was for Outdoor use .. BUT it's not really built for it. IT's a Vinyl thin mat with sensor wires running thru it BUT it also has a plastic coated protected wire that comes out of it with a Doorbell type unit that takes a battery (2 are included). THAT is the part that isn't Weather-proof.
It's fine if you use it indoors to let you know if your Pet wants out. Could work good too IF you have problems with a Senior or Kids trying to leave also.
So, I used a little piece of bubble wrap & then wrapped the little doorbell unit, taped it up to make it weatherproof & then put it inside a clear baggie & taped it shut and then taped BOTH Ends of the wire going into/out the mat too. SO, it's really waterproof. Only took a few minutes to do & saves the mat from having any water issues, and the Bubble wrap might help on Cold Temperatures.
Next, I just positioned the Alarm Mat under a Regular Outdoor All Weather Door Mat so the wire & Doorbell unit just comes out of 1 side & sits there. The Actual Door Chime Unit is indoor by the Sliding Glass door, out-of-the-way and Works Great! You may have to adjust the Alarm Mat outside a Bit so the Alarm Sensor wires are positioned in the right spot to "DING-DONG" when your PET Steps or Sits on it. NOTE: it will Chime until the Pet Steps off the Mat.
My Friends thought I was Nuts to care about when my Cat wanted in but I do.. And I find this works Fine. So IF you have Dogs, Cats, or whatever.. This really Works!
The only Negative thing I had Happen is one night at 3:00 AM, I had a Possum Family Visit and the Mat Rang .. SO You know it works for Unwanted Visitors Too!
For the Money I find it a Good item for what I wanted it for, the Product info. is a bit misleading as it IS NOT Totally Wireless .. but the indoor Chime unit is Wireless.
I Recommend this item IF you have Pets, the Price is Right & IT works GREAT!
Take care & Good Luck from Rosie in Portland Oregon.