Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!ames!ncar!tank!mimsy!haven!rutgers!att!mtune!petsd!pedsga!jeffj
From: jeffj@pedsga.UUCP
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Passive Infrared Detectors
Summary: they are in common use, rather cheap
Message-ID: <762@pedsga.UUCP>
Date: 10 Jan 89 22:18:55 GMT
References: <276@serene.UUCP>
Reply-To: jeffj@pedsga.UUCP (Jeff Jonas,TF,7)
Organization: Concurrent Computer Corp., Tinton Falls, N.J.
Lines: 26


In <276@serene.UUCP>, Greg Bell asks:
>  Does anyone here have any experience with IR motion detectors?   I got
>  some samples and some great app notes from Amperex.   Included was a sample
>  circuit.   Pretty fun toy.   Their range is incredible.   I'd like to know of
>  any experience others have had with these types of circuits... 

I've seen several passive infrared (PIR) sensors used as part of alarm systems.
The units have a plastic lens that directs the viewing area into a
pattern.  Greatest sensitivity is when you walk across from one
lens' area to another.

Similar units are now available in hardware stores
for turning on the lights when you approach the house.
On sale, it's around $30, so don't spend too much money experimenting.

My experience: well, I started testing one of these units for use as
an indoor alarm.  Other things took priority.
It's cheap, it works, but don't over rely on it.
__________
	    What do electrical engineers do when capacitors fail?
	    They have Tantalum tantrums.
Jeffrey Jonas

allegra!io!mtune ---------> petsd!pedsga!jeffj
decvax!mcnc!rutgers _____/