FAQ

Many locks and alarms can be complicated and frustrating. That's why we designed Decibel to be as user-friendly as possible. With straightforward keys and a powerful alarm, there's no need for digital connections or unnecessary hassle. Just a reliable keyed lock paired with a robust, tamper-proof alarm box and cable, ensuring maximum security and deterrence.

Absolutely not. First, the cut-resistant cables will significantly slow down any would-be thief. Then, the alarm will trigger as soon as the cables are cut, if it hadn’t already been triggered by our vibration sensor or anti-tamper screw.

100 dBs doesn’t mean something to everyone, but our alarms are around the level of a car horn, lawn mower, or jackhammer. That means, you can hear it from inside a nearby building for complete peace of mind.

The alarm sequence is 25 seconds ON, 5 seconds pause, another 25 seconds ON, then OFF.

Continuous RED LED flashing on your armed Decibel means that someone has tampered with it and the alarm has been triggered. Inspect your unit for any damage or cuts.

1. Without inserting the cable, lock the unit with the key. After a 5-second delay, the alarm will sound.

2. Unlock with the key to disarm the alarm.

When the Decibel's battery voltage falls below 7.2V, the LED will signal the need for attention differently based on the unit's status:

Unlocked:

• LED flashes yellow for 0.3 seconds, then off for 1.2 seconds, repeating continuously, indicating a low battery while unlocked.

Locked and Armed:

• LED indicates both armed status and low battery by:

  • Flashing red for 0.3 seconds,

  • Off for 1.2 seconds,

  • Flashing yellow for 0.3 seconds,

  • Off for 1.2 seconds, repeating.

No, the Decibel is designed to be a straightforward, no-nonsense device. It is meant to be used when you're within earshot so you can be alerted.

No, for the Decibel to function as designed, there is no way to disable the alarm in a unit with a functional battery installed. If you want to use it as a cable lock without the alarm, simply remove the battery, but note that your device will not be optimally set up.

The Decibel cable alarm unit comes with a one-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. If the unit malfunctions, Ideal Security Inc. will replace it at no charge. Please keep your original purchase receipt for any warranty claims and contact us at info@idealinc.com for any warranty issues.

We offer an IP54 rating, which means it’s protected from rain, humidity, dust, and splash.

To replace the cable in your Decibel cable alarm unit, follow these steps:

1. Open the alarm unit housing to access the internal components.

2. Locate the battery compartment and remove the 9V battery.

3. With the housing still open, turn the key to the "Locked" position to release the initial segment of the cable.

4. Use a #0x50mm Phillips (star-headed) screwdriver to loosen the screw in the bottom right corner inside the housing. This will allow the latch to rotate upwards, freeing the cable for removal.

5. Detach the old cable's three prongs from their plastic housing.

6. Insert the new cable's prongs, ensuring they snap securely into place.

7. Position the new cable in the housing, pushing it firmly into place to ensure it's properly seated.

8. Realign the latch so it is perpendicular to the cable and retighten the screw to secure it.

9. Switch the key back to the "Unlocked" position to prepare the unit for operation.

10. Reinstall the 9V battery following the battery installation instructions.

11. Reassemble and close the unit following the Alarm Unit Housing instructions.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please refer to our detailed instructions here or contact us at info@idealinc.com.

If you registered your keys at the time of purchase, we can replace your first set of keys free of charge. For subsequent replacements, you can purchase additional spare keys for your device by contacting us here. Unfortunately, if you didn't register your keys, we won't be able to provide a replacement, as we do not issue keys for units that haven't been registered for security reasons.

No, you should never use the Decibel to lock up your equipment that you can't access directly. If you ship a product and lock it with Decibel, it could cause significant issues with security and law enforcement officials. Always ensure that you or someone else is nearby with the keys to disable the Decibel unit.

The Decibel Cable Lock & Alarm can be used to secure bikes and ebikes, kayaks, canoes, BBQs, outdoor patio furniture, and more. For best usage applications, ensure that there is a robust, permanent mounting frame (such as a bike rack or a dock hook) to loop the Decibel cable through.

For additional color options, get in touch with us at decibel@idealinc.com with your request. If we receive a substantial number of requests asking for a specific color, we may be able to add it to our product line-up!

For custom length options, get in touch with us at decibel@idealinc.com with your request. If we receive a substantial number of requests asking for a specific length range, we may be able to add it to our product line-up!

With its compact size and cable management slot, Decibel can easily be transported in a backpack, handbag, gym bag, or more. You can also directly affix it to the item you would like to secure in a location that won’t interfere with its usage, such as the frame of the bike.

With the Decibel lock body’s integrated strap management slot, a strap (not included) can be used to mount the Decibel directly onto your bike.

The alarm can be triggered in three ways:

• If the cable is cut while the lock is armed, the alarm will sound.

• If the anti-tamper screw is partially loosened while the lock is armed, the alarm will sound.

• If the optional vibration sensor is enabled while the lock is armed, and the lock body itself is shaken or struck, the alarm will sound.

We currently offer 3 ft cables, 6 ft cables, and 15 ft cables, purchasable separately or with a Decibel lock body. With the ability to use the cables interchangeably, these three lengths allow you to secure different-sized belongings with ease.

The Decibel Cable Lock and Alarm weighs 1.2 pounds (0.54 kilograms), making it significantly lighter than typical U-locks and chain locks on the market. U-locks usually weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds (1.13 to 1.59 kilograms), and chain locks range from 4 to 6 pounds (1.81 to 2.72 kilograms). This means the Decibel is approximately 1.3 to 4.8 pounds (0.59 to 2.18 kilograms) lighter, providing a perfect balance of security and portability. Whether you’re securing bikes, tools, or outdoor gear, the Decibel offers the ideal combination of strength and ease of use.