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[bcondemi]

The eagle eye motion sensors have very terrible range. I think 8 to 10 feet is what I get. Having to buy range extenders and lots more equipment might be a great idea for corporations but not really fair for the x10 consumer's pocket. (anyway my opinion only!)
 
I've searched somewhat regarding the range extension for the small antenna on the eagle eye circuit board but can't seem to get past that.

Anyone tried or know how how to extend its antenna range? (without having to buy more stuff?)

Thank-you

BC

[TakeTheActive]

The eagle eye motion sensors have very terrible range. I think 8 to 10 feet is what I get...
 
...I've searched somewhat regarding the range extension for the small antenna on the eagle eye circuit board but can't seem to get past that.

Anyone tried or know how how to extend its antenna range? (without having to buy more stuff?)

And you've already tried the ~9½" coat hanger reflector?

[EL34]

The x10 motion sensors are pretty sad and wimpy for sure.

I use the eagle eye's for indoor close range stuff only.

Outside, I have some motion sensors that easily pick up motion at 75 ft or more.
I have them integrated into AHP by using x10 powerflash units.

I have x10 motion sensor info on my web site here.
http://www.hoffmanamps.com/Misc/home/X10_0.htm

[dave w]

Assuming you are refering to the RF transmitting range and not the sensitivity to motion, try searching the forum for "passive reflecter" or "passive antenna". There is an 18" coat hanger passive reflecter which works well to extend the range from motion detector to the tranciever.

If you are refering to the IR sensitivity of the motion detectors as EL34 is addressing...no the "xxxxeye" motion detectors do not have great range. Ain't much that can be done, except as EL34 suggests. using more sensitive detectors and incorporating into X10 system via a "Powerflash".

[bcondemi]

The powerflash is a great idea especially since I have DSC motion sensors (Bravo500) that are dome shaped and install on a ceiling.
They send signal to my 'real security system' and will also act as occupancy sensors that will send signal to the powerflash unit.

I will still try the coat hanger idea!

Thank-you

BC

[bcondemi]

That passive antenna thing worked unbelievably well! From 8-10 feet (in the same room)  up to 50 feet away and passing through 2 walls, 1 floor and into my garage.

Boy, reading these forums certainly is most important. Thank-you Gentlemen!


BC

(p.s. It is also vital that your system is completely noise free and working 100%)

[dave w]

becondemi

When you tried the passive radiator, what length wire did you use? 9" OR 18"?

[Walt2]

I have been using the X10 DM10A motion detector for years, and have had no RF range issues at all with it.  Well, not until its batteries die.

[EL34]

The battery thing is another reason I don't use the x10 motion sensors outside (besides being kind cheap and flimsy).

I have all my motion sensors running on a DC power supply or they are tapped into 120vac.

[Walt2]

The battery thing is another reason I don't use the x10 motion sensors outside (besides being kind cheap and flimsy).

I replace my batteries just once a year, and even then, just as maintenance.  They are still working.

[bcondemi]

I used 18" coat hanger and taped is on the back of the motion sensor, then I mounted it.

The transformer idea (3 volt) is a great idea. thanks

BC

[dave w]

I used 18" coat hanger and taped is on the back of the motion sensor, then I mounted it.

The transformer idea (3 volt) is a great idea. thanks

BC

bcondemi

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category/815/Wall_Transformers.html

The first wall wart in the list is 3V DC and cheap but it needs some extra filtering. I use one of them with a 3300uf cap in parallel to power "Activeeye" motion detectors used inside the house.

[JimC]

The battery thing is another reason I don't use the x10 motion sensors

I have not found the batteries to be a problem. They, at least in my case, last a year or more even in high traffic areas. Even the ones I have mounted outside don't seem to have problems in the cold winters. Now if I could only keep the wildlife from setting off the sensors.

[Walt2]

Now if I could only keep the wildlife from setting off the sensors.

Yea, that is my big problem too. 

Especially rabbits who seem to enjoy triggering the motion detector late at night. 

[tom j]

The battery thing is another reason I don't use the x10 motion sensors

I have not found the batteries to be a problem. They, at least in my case, last a year or more even in high traffic areas. Even the ones I have mounted outside don't seem to have problems in the cold winters. Now if I could only keep the wildlife from setting off the sensors.

I had this problem when I was using several to keep an eye on my new car at night. I used to have to jump up at least a half a dozen times a night until I figured out if I put a piece of tape about an 1/8 inch wide across the bottom row of the sensor that it would not allow the unit not to see all the way to the ground. In my case squirrels , cats and other small animals were the culprits. After just this modification it completely eliminated all my false alarms do to these small critters. If you want to try something a little  more sophisticated the check out the link below.

Tom j

http://www.edcheung.com/automa/ms14a.htm