What are the motion sensor options?

[aslamma]

I currently have the X-10 motion sensors and they pretty decent, but is there something that is more of a "laser line" sensor. Sometimes it is a bit difficult place a sensor where is will be consistently triggered, but not give off false triggers. For example, I would like a "laser line" near by bed so that when I get up in the middle of the night it will be triggered, but not want it going off randomly. This could be placed near the feet for good reliability in that regard. Using this approach, you could easily space them such that one triggers an on command and another triggers an off command.

Anyway, just curious what the options are. I am thinking of going to UPB, but overall I see very limited options for motion sensors.

 

[electron]

You could use electrical masking tape, with a small hole, on top of the IR window to create a similar effect.

 

[aslamma]

I actually did try this earlier...but could not get it to trip. But...let me play around with it some more if you are confident this should work.

 

[electron]

It should work, this trick is even mentioned on the Lowes website. Keep in mind how most motion sensors work, and that angle/placement will matter. You get better results if you can 'cross' the IR beam, versus walking towards the motion sensor. Instead of a hole, you probably need a 'slit' as well.

 

[aslamma]

Dan, you are right...I just did not try hard enough the first time. I am not able to get it work and it seems pretty consistent so far.

So a couple more questions:

-My X-10 activehome is in the mail. Can this be used to trigger an off command as opposed to an on command?

-Is there any way to hack the X-10 motion sensors to not turn off (as opposed to a delay on them). I guess the longest delay is a pretty good compromise.

-I believe the X-10 sensors lose their settings when the batteries are replaced (just read this though). In that case, are there better sensors out there that are either compatible with X-10 or UPB?

-Is it a common thing to modify the sensors in this fashion (slit) to have on trigger an on and one trigger and off?

 

[electron]

I assume you mean you are able to get it to work? Just making sure.

I am not sure about Active Home, the software isn't that popular around here, most people dump it once they get serious about home automation. There are some other free (and better) solutions out, check this thread for some examples. I would definitely give HouseBot a try, and would consider the Automation Engine software mentioned on the front page as well (still in beta, but supports some X10 interfaces, and is looking promising).

Those motion sensors do reset to default when the batteries are dead/replaced, but they seem to last quite a while, and programming is really easy/quick.

Dan, you are right...I just did not try hard enough the first time. I am not able to get it work and it seems pretty consistent so far.

So a couple more questions:

-My X-10 activehome is in the mail. Can this be used to trigger an off command as opposed to an on command?

-Is there any way to hack the X-10 motion sensors to not turn off (as opposed to a delay on them). I guess the longest delay is a pretty good compromise.

-I believe the X-10 sensors lose their settings when the batteries are replaced (just read this though). In that case, are there better sensors out there that are either compatible with X-10 or UPB?

-Is it a common thing to modify the sensors in this fashion (slit) to have on trigger an on and one trigger and off?

 

[aslamma]

Dan,

Yeah, it is working...sorry about the confusion.

However, you bring up a good point about activehome (I actually got the Pro if there is any good, but I doubt it is much better). The part I do not understand is how to interface with it? Can/should I use the interface module that comes with it or is there an alternative that is used with the 3rd party software?

 

[electron]

In order to support the X10 motion sensors, you need an RF interface. There are interface which will convert RF to PLC (powerline), so basic home automation programs can pick it up, but this conversion makes the response time slower. Most people use a MR26A/W800RF (WGLdesigns) to interface the motion sensors, which interface the RF signal through a serial port, so this is a faster approach. I think the CM19A might support it as well, but I am not up to date on X10 hardware since I no longer user it. Which hardware interface / kit did you buy?

 

[CollinR]

Microwave, Passive Infrared and the combination of the two are the basic types of "motion" detectors.

The feature you are looking for is called "curtain" and is usually installed near windows to detect somone passing through.

Photoelectric beams can provide the same or similar effect.


Run a wire and be happy you did!

 

[aslamma]

I ordered the package http://www.activehomepro.com/ that comes with all the software and the computer interface module shown there. My main objective was to get more flexibility with the slimline keypads and create macros that will do all on/off for the slimline switches.

However, as I am getting more into it with the motion sensors, etc. I am not sure if this is the right thing for me. I was wondering if I could add voice commands to control my vista media center HTPC for simple things like skip, etc. I am not really sure how the CM19A works though...that approach is confusing to me. It seems like you would need something else to act as the "brains" or a translator. I have only been at this for a couple weeks so I am pretty greeen and much of this is very confusing to the beginner. My buddy has a pretty elaborate X-10 system and seemed to be pretty happy so I went down that road. At this point, it is actually pretty reliable..but it is very obvious that there is better stuff out there.

 

[123]

The products you've selected will help you get a feel for automating a home but, based on some of the goals you've described, you'll want to move on to something "more serious".

The best analogy I can think of is the first telescope most people buy (See the moons of Jupiter! Explore the mysteries of the cosmos! 1000X magnification! Professional optics!). If they're bitten by the astronomy bug, the cheap 'scope ends up in a yard sale, and they move on to a serious telescope.

Have fun with your purchase and let us know if it ends up in a yard sale. :angry:

 

[aslamma]

The products you've selected will help you get a feel for automating a home but, based on some of the goals you've described, you'll want to move on to something "more serious".

The best analogy I can think of is the first telescope most people buy (See the moons of Jupiter! Explore the mysteries of the cosmos! 1000X magnification! Professional optics!). If they're bitten by the astronomy bug, the cheap 'scope ends up in a yard sale, and they move on to a serious telescope.

Have fun with your purchase and let us know if it ends up in a yard sale. :angry:

Actually, I am aware that the X-10 stuff is for beginners and I want to move up. But there are a few sticking points. I still have yet to see other motion sensors that seem to be popular for higher end systems (currently wanting to migrate to UPB). Also, what are comparable alternatives to the X-10 slimline switches?

Or do you keep these products, drop the powerline communication for an alternative (i.e. Insteon or UPB), and get something that communicates with X-10 RF (i.e. http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...169&page=1) UPB572? If so, it seems I am in the same position, with just more reliable/capable lighting.

I really want to move to something better, but the problem is I do know the technology well enough. So the X-10 is simple to get going, but unfortunately it is a waste of money since I plan on upgrading already and the stuff probably has no street value.

 

[CollinR]

The serious stuff has wires, even the "pro" "UL commercial burgalry" wireless stuff either sucks or costs a fortune and is mediocre.

Run a wire and get happy!

 

[aslamma]

The serious stuff has wires, even the "pro" "UL commercial burgalry" wireless stuff either sucks or costs a fortune and is mediocre.

Run a wire and get happy!

Ahhhh, well that may be my problem then. Since I live in a rental, it may not make sense to do that. So in the meantime, maybe this is as good as it will get from the sensor/wall switch side. I can still improve on the light switches and software though.

 

[electron]

If it's for home automation, those motion sensors will do. I have an Elk M1, which can interface X10-RF using the W800RF (RF receiver for X10 hardware), and allows me to use my X10 stick-on-wall switches , X10 motion sensors, DS10A door/windows sensors and some other gadgets. The X10-RF hardware isn't bad at all (IMO) as long as you understand the limitations.