Power for SPY4 PIR

[DotNetDog]

I have an Elk M1G and I just ordered a couple of SPY4 PIRs to play with. I'm using them for automation and just to track movement through hallways.

So, according to Visonic's web site, they state the following for power requirements for the SPY4:

• Standby Current Drain: 12.5mA at 12VDC
• Alarm Output: Up to 100ma

http://www.visonic.com/Data/Uploads/Spy_Data_Sheet_Main_Catalog_English.pdf

OK, I don't quite understand what "Alarm Output" means. Does that mean that whenever the PIR detects movement it may peak up to 100mA usage?

I am thinking about buying an ELK-PD9 (maybe the HC) to provide power to a number of PIR sensors. The PD9 supplies a maximum of 250ma to each output. Does that mean I could only connect 2 of the SPY4 PIRs to each PD9 output? Or do I use the "Standby Current Drain" value to calculate the number of PIRs connected to each PD9 output?

 

[Desert_AIP]

Your link's not working so I can't see the spec sheet.
I assume by the Alarm Output term that it outputs a voltage rather than a relay contact.

I think your assessment is close to correct.

When it is in standby, connected, monitoring it's area in an untripped condition, it draws 12.5mA.

When it detects motion, and "alarms" meaning it tells the alarm it is tripped, it puts out a 12VDC high signal and CAN supply up to 100mA.
I think a lot of that is based on the input impedance at the zone.
I'm not sure what the draw on an Elk zone is, but I would think it wouldn't be close to 100mA.
.
You could also hook the output to the coil of a relay and use contact closure to interface with the controller.
The Elk 912 relay draws 30mA.
So you could figure 12+30=42 mA draw per sensor.

 

[DotNetDog]

The installion manual for the SPY4 says

Connect the 12 VDC (+) and (−) wires to a 10 to 14 Volt DC power source and check for correct polarity. The power source should have a back-up battery capable of supplying power for at least four hours of operation during power failure. Current drain of each sensor is approximately 12.5 mA @ 12 Volts DC.

Connection of relay to control panel: Connect the White and Green wires to a normally closed burglary protection zone of the control panel. Relay contacts will open when motion is detected or during power loss. The relay contacts are rated at 100 mA, 30 VDC maximum (resistive load only). An 18 ohm resistor is internally connected in series with the relay contacts.

So if I interpret this correctly, the power drain is only 12.5mA. The relay contact is rated to support up to 100mA. I think that means for power distribution purposes, I can attach up to 20 of these PIRs to one output of the PD9. That would be much better!!!

 

[Desert_AIP]

Relay output, that makes things a lot easier.

Relay contacts 100mA, that makes sense.
I would put a meter on it to measure the draw when in alarm condition.
It is probably slightly higher than the 12.5mA because of the coil draw.
You may discover the 12.5mA IS the coil draw in the alarm condition.

 

[latteland]

I'm another beginner, trying to hook up my first PIR sensor to my elk m1 gold also. I've read some of the other threads about PIRs and elks. If there's a beginner FAQ I'd love to know about it. I have experience doing computer networking and running my own ethernet cables etc, making them, but haven't done anything like this before. I read the m1 install manual, wish it had just a tiny bit more explication.

I have a Visonic PIR, it is this: [darn, can't paste link, home security store .com search visonic clip 1].

Similar to that other PIR, it drains 12.5ma at 12 volts. It has 6 wired connectors, not just 4.

1 & 2 connectors for panel NC alarm zone
3 & 4 +/- 12 v dc
5 & 6 connectors for panel nc 24 hour zone - (tamper contacts open when cover is removed).

Do really need to connect 5 & 6? And I guess I just need to follow the instructions for the "4 state zone wiring" on page 9 of the install manual. I would have expected that there would be separate connections on the elk for the tamper connections. It's surprising to hook it up

Neg -> 1.
2200 ohm bridge 1 to 2
2200 ohm bridge 2 to 5
6 connects to zone input

connect power to Vaux. I understand this will only support a few things, under 1 amp. I just want to get started with something.

I really wish I could find an example with an elk m1, plus just a PIR or similar hooked up. With this low voltage stuff, I often read about people trying hookups and messing about until they get something working. I was afraid my sensor might break, but I guess if I get the power right, the other connections are so sensitive.

Thanks for any info.

 

[jpmargis]

Connect 1 to the Zone input in the M1.
Connect 2 to the corresponding adjacent Neg input in the M1.
Connect + to +VAUX1 in the M1.
Connect - to NEG in the M1.

You are good to go. The tamper contacts are of little use in a home environment unless the baby sitter is plotting to have her boyfriend rob you.

 

[DotNetDog]

jpmargis is exactly right. That's how I wired mine. I now have several Visonic PIRs. I started with a DISC-ET (includes the relay) but quickly learned that I prefer not have the relay. First, the relay makes a clicking sound which is acceptable in areas such as the kitchen but definitely not in a bedroom. Also, I found that I prefer to write rules using timers (outputs actually) rather than use the relay.

As for power I decided to go with the ELK-PD9. Since I using PIRs for occupancy (not security) I decided that I didn't need battery backup so I use a wall wart. This is working well so far.