Floodlight that can sense cars movements

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2844 posts

Uber Geek

#2534741 4-Aug-2020 18:24

andrewNZ: I've got an older version of that.

It's switched off. It basically never turns off by itself.

Probably the same internals as the cheap ones from Bunnings. I had one of those fail in the same way. I replaced it ($16), but as the area is now secured, it will eventually be replaced with a standard light.

You haven't been specific regarding the type of movement you want to detect, but as Andrew suggested microwave probably the way to go. If you want to detect movement past a particular point, beam sensors work well. I recently installed one to detect anyone entering the property. Works reliably, unlike PIR which has false triggers all the time no matter how carefully you tune them.

samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2535004 5-Aug-2020 11:08

If weather helps it will be installed today.

the idea is that needs to detect cars. and the distance from the light to the car will be 9-10 metres and the range of this LED light is 12 metres.

Daynger

435 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2535426 5-Aug-2020 18:36

samgdan:

If weather helps it will be installed today.

the idea is that needs to detect cars. and the distance from the light to the car will be 9-10 metres and the range of this LED light is 12 metres.

Most sensors will struggle at that distance.

If the car is travelling from across the sensor area it will pick up better than if the car is travelling towards it.

kiwiharry

1030 posts

Uber Geek

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Subscriber

#2535485 5-Aug-2020 21:02

Was there something different with this brand with PIR sensor that made you choose it over something with a microwave sensor?

I have a HPM one with PIR sensor which also states 12m sensitivity distance, but generally only works to about 10 metres at best and about 4-6 metres on average.

Would have been interested in your experience with a light that had a microwave sensor.

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samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2535487 5-Aug-2020 21:06

Light was installed today. very bright so that is good. can successfully pick up the car from time to time (after a few tests) is not the best but at the moment does the job lets say 80% of the time work.

Yes the car moves across the sensor and not towards it.

the light is very good sensing people at long distances, the only issue is the car that not always work.

samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2536483 7-Aug-2020 21:53

kiwiharry: Was there something different with this brand with PIR sensor that made you choose it over something with a microwave sensor?

I have a HPM one with PIR sensor which also states 12m sensitivity distance, but generally only works to about 10 metres at best and about 4-6 metres on average.

Would have been interested in your experience with a light that had a microwave sensor.

I had installed a microwave sensor light late today (yes i have a large drive way so i need 2 outdoor lights )
My experience the microwave sensor light works better.
Definitely sensed the car and its truly bright.
The price was much cheaper than the smix
About $100 cheaper.
So in my opinion microwave sensor is the winner.

andrewNZ

2487 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2536522 8-Aug-2020 08:00

What type of adjustments does it have available for sensing?

Is it just what's shown in the datasheet. That small remote?

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samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2536526 8-Aug-2020 08:05

andrewNZ: What type of adjustments does it have available for sensing?

That is a photo of the tiny remote control that comes with the light, I havent play much with it but the range is 8-9 metres.

andrewNZ

2487 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2536536 8-Aug-2020 09:02

That's not too bad... I might just get one myself.

Delphinus

611 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2536610 8-Aug-2020 10:33

Would it be possible to get 2 separate microwave sensors, connected to a string of outdoor lights, and have either sensor be able to turn on the lights? I have a long garage and the driveway approach is from one end, and access from the house is from the other end. Would be great to have the lights switch on when coming from either end.

SomeoneSomewhere

1802 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2536627 8-Aug-2020 12:11

Delphinus:

Would it be possible to get 2 separate microwave sensors, connected to a string of outdoor lights, and have either sensor be able to turn on the lights? I have a long garage and the driveway approach is from one end, and access from the house is from the other end. Would be great to have the lights switch on when coming from either end.

Yes, as long as the sensors are suitable for it and the right cable is run.

samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2536628 8-Aug-2020 12:11

Delphinus:
Would it be possible to get 2 separate microwave sensors, connected to a string of outdoor lights, and have either sensor be able to turn on the lights? I have a long garage and the driveway approach is from one end, and access from the house is from the other end. Would be great to have the lights switch on when coming from either end.

Well that is a great idea. I will be interested if someone did something similar.
Possibly with solar lights?

samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2536630 8-Aug-2020 12:14

SomeoneSomewhere:
Delphinus:

Would it be possible to get 2 separate microwave sensors, connected to a string of outdoor lights, and have either sensor be able to turn on the lights? I have a long garage and the driveway approach is from one end, and access from the house is from the other end. Would be great to have the lights switch on when coming from either end.

Yes, as long as the sensors are suitable for it and the right cable is run.

Yes but running cables will be maybe expensive? Maybe solar is the best option?

samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2536631 8-Aug-2020 12:17

andrewNZ: That's not too bad... I might just get one myself.

Even 8 metres is ok we all know PIR sensors normally says up to 12 metres but in real life i don't think is correct. Or at least in my experience.

SomeoneSomewhere

1802 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2536633 8-Aug-2020 12:19

I was considering mains - it can be done with off-the-shelf gear.

With solar, you would need a battery and radio at each light, and a transmitter where the sensors are.

I can't find anything that says they exist already. DIY is not likely to be very practical as power consumption will be paramount so you likely need to be in the custom PCB area. Unless you stick a car battery by each light...

I think microwave sensors also generally have a higher idle consumption than PIR.

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