Mail Reminder Notification Alert - Wireless Mail Alert System

I like that the remote signals the base unit whenever the mailbox lid is opened. My standard post mount mailbox is located approximately 50 ft from my house. When installed as per the instructions included with the unit, I found that the unit seldom worked when my mail was delivered. I experiment with several different locations inside my house for the inside base unit. This included mounting it in the window nearest the mailbox. I couldn't find any location provided satisfactory operation when my mail was delivered. With some experimentation, I discovered that if I were to leave the mail box cover open for about 10 seconds or longer, the system would alert. Leaving the mailbox door open for less time that this usually resulted in a failure of the system to activate. My mail carrier opens and closed the mailbox fairly quickly and as a result the Mail Alert almost always didn't work when my mail was delivered. The standard installation instructions that comes with the unit says to mount the remote unit to the mailbox lid and bend the antenna up the inside of the mailbox door. As a result, when the remote unit is sending the signal to the base unit, the antenna is inside the metal mailbox when the signal is being sent. The antenna being inside the metal mailbox when transmitting the signal, significantly reduces the range of the system. In order to correct this problem, I decided that the antenna needed to be outside the mailbox when the remote unit was sending the signal. This requires that the antenna be routed outside the mailbox. The antenna is only a few inches long and if any significant length is to be outside the mailbox cover, the wire would need to stick directly out of the front of the mailbox cover directly behind where the antenna comes out of the end of the remote unit. This is a possible solution if you don't mind a wire sticking out of the front of your mailbox. In my case, I thought this looked kind of tacky and thought there may be a risk of someone may pull on the wire and damage the remote. My solution was to increase the length of the wire to 13.4 cm (about 5 1/4 inch) and route the antenna down through the hinge hole in the bottom corner of the mailbox. The 13.4 cm length is fairly important to get as close to as possible, since it is 1/4 wavelength at the 430 MHz operating frequency. I mounted the remote as close to the bottom corner of the mailbox lid as possible (see photo) without it hitting on the bottom of the mailbox when closed. This maximizes the the length of antenna that is outside of the mailbox when the lid is closed. You can tape the antenna to the bottom edge of the mailbox to hide it from view if you wish. Having a longer antenna that is outside the mailbox dramatically increases the effective range. I now have the base unit located in my kitchen, which is on the opposite side of the house as the mailbox and it reliably alerts every time that the mailbox is opened. Reliable operation is now independent of how long the mailbox is open when my mail is delivered. Note: I chose to use a 3/8 in 2-56 screw and nut to fasten the remote unit to the mailbox lid instead of the Velcro tape. There is a hole in the bottom of the battery compartment for this purpose. Position the unit, mark the hole location and drill a hole in the mailbox lid. Don't use a large bolt as this may interfere with the proper installation of the batteries. This holds the remote more firmly in place and won't be impacted by temperature or getting bumped when the mail is inserted and removed. I encourage the manufacturer to ship the unit with a longer antenna (13.4 cm) and alternate installation instructions.

We have had this mail notifier for three years now. It works great in all weather, still using original battery. We first purchased it because our mail delivery had gotten so late it was after dark. It saves us many wasted trips out to check to see if it's been delivered or not. However, today, it served another purpose. Someone was driving down our road checking all the mailboxes. I heard the beep and thought it was too early for the mail. I ran to the window, and sure enough, a shady looking beat-up car was pulling away from our box. Without the alert, I wouldn't have known there were criminals checking our box.

The thing I like best about this device is the distance. I inserted the transmitter into a metal mailbox enclosed by brick. It transmitted approximatel 240 feet into my kitchen area through one wall. Admittedly it took a few tries to find the sweet spot....but it was worth it......very reliable from that moment on.My only complaint is that I wish they put an on/off switch for the buzzer or at least a volume control. There are times I would only want to see the blue led that signals mail has been delivered. Overall looking for an alert over distance, this might be the solution for you!An FYI.....use Energizer ultimate lithium batteries for best results!

This works great! Replaces a generic model thats been in use for 15 years and stopped working this past summer. NOTE: You may need to explain it to the mailman at first, as it looks kind of funky when they open the door to the box and see a device with a small wire sticking out the top (blame the world we live in today for the paranoia). Transmits clearly from the box at the street to the house with multiple "beeps" and a flashing blue LED light. Definately gets your attention anywhere in the house when the mail arrives.

I would give this product 4.5 stars if possible. I wanted the receiver in my basement "mancave" area but it can't detect the mailbox being opened from there because of earth, wood, steel, makeup of the house and surroundings . If it had worked from there, the unit would be perfect for my application. However I can't blame the device since I'm sure it's power output is regulated by the FCC. Regardless it works great on my first floor study. It detects the mailbox door being opened perfectly. Installation was very easy.

We have had a serious problem in our city with mail theft and so I wanted to know EXACTLY when my mail had been delivered so I could get it promptly. The receptor was easily placed in the mailbox while the other receptor was plugged inside, which I put in my kitchen. Simple as simple gets for insallation. My mailbox is about 50 feet from my home (standard track house). When the mailbox is opened, the inside receptor beeps and a blue light flashes. When you (or someone in your household) get the mail, simply press a little black button to stop the blue light from flashing. I never thought the "beep" would be what would be the best part but get this: I was piddling around the house and the beep went off...I looked outside as that was not the time for my usual mail delivery. I saw someone in my mailbox!!!!!!! Broad daylight!!!!! Of course I confronted them...needless to say, they left empty handed. Great product!!!!! Couldn't ask for one thing different!!!!

I got this unit to work reliably after a little work and some fiddling. My mailbox is over 100 feet from the front door and the alarm would not always sound when I first installed it. I attached a four foot length of sheathed copper wire to the short black wire antenna that came with the transmitter unit and then wound the copper wire around the mailbox post. After I adjusted and taped the transmitter to fit loosely on the bottom of the mailbox door I was able to get the alarm to sound 100% of the time with the small tug caused by the opening and shutting of the mailbox door.The batteries last a very long time and the unit works well even in cold weather. The alarm is loud and not adjustable but I can hear it just about anywhere in this large house so I consider that a plus.