Active Eye is sometimes blind

[SafeShowroom]

I'm using the MS16A on the front door. The problem is, there is absolutely nowhere, that it won't be facing a bright window or be exposed to direct sunlight. A heat sensor doesn't seem to be the way to go. Which model actually detects motion?

[Don N]

SafeShowroom --This might help you make some comparisons of motion sensors ... http://www.activehomepro.com/sensors_compare.htm

As odd as it might seem you could try and mount the motion sensor from above.  Is there an eave or an over hang near your front door where the motion sensor could be mounted?

[steven r]

...you could try and mount the motion sensor from above....

This is what I did. I have it pointed straight down. The only non-human triggers that I believe I've had was a wasp that took an interest and crawled on the sensor and a stray cat.

[SafeShowroom]

SafeShowroom --This might help you make some comparisons of motion sensors ... http://www.activehomepro.com/sensors_compare.htm

As odd as it might seem you could try and mount the motion sensor from above.  Is there is an eave or an over hang near your front door where the motion sensor could be mounted?

Thanks so much for the link; that really helps!. It looks like they ALL use PIR instead of true motion detection.

I tried mounting it over the front door, but it was just to high to register most times. I'm thinking maybe that would work if I could just mount it so that it was angled downward. But, StevenR's post has a great suggestion... mount it horizontally to the eave, so that it points straight down. This would also conceal the unit, keeping it out of plain sight.

Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks! -- Keith

[DeltaNu1142]

Does anyone have any specific experience with mounting motion detectors horizontally, e.g., on the ceiling of an outside entryway, etc?

I'm wondering mostly about the detection range; with respect to the sensor's "face" is there a difference in detection angles at 12:00 and 6:00?  That is, should I consider mounting the LED toward my door or away from my door for best results, whatever those might be?

[HA Dave]

Does anyone have any specific experience with mounting motion detectors horizontally, e.g., on the ceiling of an outside entryway, etc?

Yes... although my experiences with Active/Eagle Eyes have been mixed. The sensors look forward and down (down being the direction of the LED. If mounting it above a door... placing the LED away from the door should increase the detection area.. and cut back on reflective false triggers.

[DeltaNu1142]

Yes... although my experiences with Active/Eagle Eyes have been mixed. The sensors look forward and down (down being the direction of the LED. If mounting it above a door... placing the LED away from the door should increase the detection area.. and cut back on reflective false triggers.

Thanks, that helps.

[SafeShowroom]

SafeShowroom --This might help you make some comparisons of motion sensors ... http://www.activehomepro.com/sensors_compare.htm

As odd as it might seem you could try and mount the motion sensor from above.  Is there an eave or an over hang near your front door where the motion sensor could be mounted?

Thank you, Don... that worked great! -- Keith