Motion detector outside?
Posted June 12th, 2012 by SolRaven
Has anyone tried using a motion detector outside? With the new system and being able to do Alert Only mode, I wonder if I could use a motion detector outside on the patio area. Would it work? What does the temp difference need to be for the system to pick it up? I live in S. FL, so going from 90 to 98 may not be enough of a jump to do it's job. Wouldn't it be great to know if someone is snooping around and casing your house?
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Not sure.. You could go to
Not sure.. You could go to Harbour Freight and get a driveway sensor. I use mine to tell me when a cat is moving in the yard to get my birds.. Hope this helps. Motion sensor outside.. the alarm is kept inside. It does have an on off switch
@ SolRaven Thanks for
@ SolRaven
Thanks for posting! The motion sensors are rated for indoor use only and will not function well outdoors. One problem is the fact that the motions are not weatherized so the elements can greatly effect them. Another reason is you will most likely receive a multitude of false positives on the alerts. Animals, even a small bird that may land on it, will trip the sensor as well as variations in the outdoor temperatures and direct sunlight can also cause problems.
Ryan K.
SimpliSafe Home Security
Per Ryan's post "The motion
Per Ryan's post "The motion sensors are rated for indoor use only....". I'm not going to dispute any of that. I will say that I am using motion sensors in outdoor living space areas but the areas are covered. The motions sensors do not get rained on, receive direct sunlight, or wind. The sensors are also setup for informational alerts only. This has been in place for part of the summer and I have not experienced false positives due to weather or temperature fluctuations.
Some things to consider
1) You cannot setup a motion sensor for informational alerts in only home or away modes. Once it is set to informational (no alarm - SMS/Email alert only) then it is always set to informational, unless you login online and change it. Every time you or a family member walks out the door and hits the sensor, you get a text and/or email. This can get old after a few days.
2) Small animals can get flagged by the motion sensor. I mounted one motion sensor on the front porch ceiling (facing down) and the occasional roaming dog, tom cat or squirrel will trigger it.
You need to have a specific purpose for wanted to do this, and I just happen to have one. It actually alerted me to one of my noisy neighbors coming onto my porch and peaking through my windows.