The weather proof outdoor sensor is sealed for all season performance and protection. For operation it requires one (1) 9V battery which will last approximately one (1) year with normal traffic. The sensor can be mounted both vertically such as on a post or tree or overhead for use in areas other than driveways, I.e. loading docks, indoors, et.. To program your sensor to work with your receiver is very easy, simply match the first four easy to reach dip switches on the back of the sensor to the four dip switches in the receiver. The final two dip switches on the sensor are how you identify the "zone" which that sensor is monitoring.