UPB and motion controlled floodlights
- Thread starter db-us
- Start date
I am in the same boat. I have those X10 floodlights, but they just aren't reliable enough. I am planning on putting a UPB switch in place, and hook it up to a regular set of floodlights, I just need to find a really good (but cheap) outdoor motion detector, which I will connect directly to the M1.
I'm doing the same as Electron... I bought some Optex outdoor detectors that I need to install. I went looking for them to post a link but they were a lot more money than I remember paying for them. I thought I paid around $60-70 apiece but couldn't find them for that price...
Michael McSharry
Active Member
I have done this with a UPB UMI, motion sensor and a PC. While functional there is a noticable difference on local control. With X10 Floodlights the light comes on immediatey on motion detected, but with the UPB motion in, processor, UPB relay out transaction it adds a second. Not a problem when walking, but when a car is moving there is quite a bit of distance covered by the car before the light comes on.
AutomatedOutlet
Senior Member
Michael McSharry
Active Member
My first floodlight is 600ft from the garage with two others along the driveway. The garage door opener would not do much good in my case as I would have passed by all the lights before I'm within range of the garage.
As it is now I have two motion sensors. One is 100ft before the first light and this usually gives time for the lights to be turned on before I reach the first one. I also have one at the first light and if It does not trip then only the first light goes on. Wildlife and windy days will tend to cause motion detection. The wind is handled with wind sensors so on windy days I will not turn on the first light, but will need a timed sequence of motion from the first two sensors to turn the remaining two lights on. The two motion sensors at the end are also used for outbound logic to turn off the lights when exiting. I'm using Visonic SPY-1 motion sensors because that is what I had in my junk box. I do not think they are rated for outdoors, but they are covered and have survived one summer and winter so far.
As it is now I have two motion sensors. One is 100ft before the first light and this usually gives time for the lights to be turned on before I reach the first one. I also have one at the first light and if It does not trip then only the first light goes on. Wildlife and windy days will tend to cause motion detection. The wind is handled with wind sensors so on windy days I will not turn on the first light, but will need a timed sequence of motion from the first two sensors to turn the remaining two lights on. The two motion sensors at the end are also used for outbound logic to turn off the lights when exiting. I'm using Visonic SPY-1 motion sensors because that is what I had in my junk box. I do not think they are rated for outdoors, but they are covered and have survived one summer and winter so far.
Here's the link for info on the Optex dual-PIR: Optex VX402 series
One of them is wireless. I'm looking at these for my new build as the dual-PIR helps eliminate false activation.
Smarthome has the wired model for $153. I found them for $115 at Pillar Products, though I have no info on the vendor. Here's their link: Pillar Products
One of them is wireless. I'm looking at these for my new build as the dual-PIR helps eliminate false activation.
Smarthome has the wired model for $153. I found them for $115 at Pillar Products, though I have no info on the vendor. Here's their link: Pillar Products
