What's the best PIR sensor?

NeverDie

Here are two with allegedly low quiescent currents:

Other PIR sensors?

Anyone have experience with either one? Any opinions as to which of the two is the better PIR sensor?

scalz

@Neverdie: I have same problem as your. I am still searching the good one. I found some refs but they are all expensive! one thing I found, very interesting doc is this:
http://www.ti.com/lit/an/slaa283b/slaa283b.pdf
you can find the breakout at olimex. but it is expensive.
https://www.olimex.com/Products/MSP430/Starter/MSP430-PIR/
maybe the functionality could be reproduced but I have no time to invest in TI chips for the moment. or it should need to port the code to arduino, or maybe I would prefer microchip as I have lot of them.
But I like the TI app note, smart concept. don't know if it works well.

Fabien

you have this one : EKMA1101111
see : http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/1573/my-generic-room-senser-sensebender-with-motion-and-light
only 1µA but quite expensive !

NeverDie

Just an idea, but maybe just hacking a solar powered PIR would relieve concerns about the need to get an ultra low power PIR.

Here's an example of one on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2xSUPER-LED-SOLAR-POWER-RECHARGEABLE-PIR-MOTION-SENSOR-SECURITY-LIGHT-DOOR-WALLS-/252053834350?hash=item3aaf944a6e

The LED function wouldn't be necessary and could instead be a trigger to a mysensor node. Also, the PIR should already be some form of low current, if it is to work as intended, though probably not ultra low current.

So, at least for an outdoor motion sensor, it might turn out to be a very easy modification requiring little effort.

Finding a tear down on somebody's blog would certainly help inform the purchase....

NeverDie

@Fabien said:

you have this one : EKMA1101111
see : http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/1573/my-generic-room-senser-sensebender-with-motion-and-light
only 1µA but quite expensive !

Thanks! I didn't realize that 1uA PIR's even existed.

NeverDie

Or perhaps it makes more sense to take an inexpensive wireless PIR and just build a receiver for it. Example, here's one that alleges to have a standby current of <50uA:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/433MHz-Wireless-Intelligent-PIR-Motion-Detector-For-GSM-PSTN-Home-Alarm-System-/201375526405?var=&hash=item2ee2eaae05

If it uses a OOK Tx scheme, then IIRC, an RFM69x could (supposedly) be programmed to receive and decode it, even though FSK is probably what's typically used instead.

If you were to buy in bulk, it looks as though you could get them for $7.15 each, which for minimal hassle might not be a bad way to go.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-15-Pcs-lot-433-315Mhz-PIR-Detector-For-Wireless-GSM-PSTN-AutoDial-Home-Security/32426826496.html?spm=2114.01020208.3.121.rO72yw&ws_ab_test=201407_2,201444_6,201409_5
I have no idea as to whether they're any good or not though...

Anyone have experience with a wireless PIR that they'd like to recommend?

tomkxy

I am testing this puppy right now http://www.ebay.de/itm/IR-Bewegungsmelder-Modul-fur-Arduino-HC-SR501-TTL-PIR-Motion-Detector-/181830542177?hash=item2a55f1e361 and so far it doesn't work at all.

I am playing with different sensitivities, used a pull down, a pull up 1uf capacitor but it seems that the results are rather random.

Dwalt

@NeverDie said:

So, at least for an outdoor motion sensor, it might turn out to be a very easy modification requiring little effort.

Finding a tear down on somebody's blog would certainly help inform the purchase....

Here is a review of a similar solar light.

(http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-LED-Solar-Powered-PIR-Motion-Sensor-Light-Outdoor-Garden-Security-Wall-Light-/251959451412?hash=item3aa9f41f14).

A lot of space inside for arduino, radio and additional sensors. Plus it is made of plastic which is better for radio. So you have a weatherproof housing with solar panel, battery, charging circuit and PIR already built in.

NeverDie

Interestingly, this guy pours cold water on panasonic's claim to 1ua current: http://too-many-projects.blogspot.com/2015/08/adventures-in-low-power-pir-sensors.html
He also identifies the AM322 as having an average current of about 29uA. However, I can't be sure that's accurate because of the way he measures it using an Extech DMM. I suspect a more careful measurement would show it to be higher, at which point it would become a wash with the more commonly available options that reputedly consume around 50uA.

I looked on Digikey for the panasonic PIR, but it seems that they're sold out on the type they claim consumes 1ua. Digikey does have plentyof the panasonic types that consume 170ua though. Digikey's price for the 1uA is around $16 (if they had it). If the number isn't bogus, I think it' may be worth the price. Solar is an alternative, but it's not without issues that could be sidestepped by a 1uA device.

NeverDie

Visonic sells the 2000C/PC PIR sensor, which consumes 4uA at 9v but costs around $65 plus shipping. It's a fully built sensor though and so hookup would be very easy. Likewise the Opotex EX-35R claims to consume 3.5uA while in standby (http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/brochure/EX_35 series.pdf) It can be had for about $40 plus shipping. Or there's the VX-402R, which I've previously owned (the plastic yellowed markedly from sun UV) for >$100 and it claims to consume <10uA: https://www.google.com/search?q=vx-402r&newwindow=1&biw=1280&bih=554&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0CHsQ_AUoAWoVChMIjLKC567WxwIVwpMNCh2jagOS#imgrc=V9ZE8BKtwmzC5M%3A
Here's a youtube on how to connect the VX-402R wirelessly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30G5iMZ6sxQ

NeverDie

Here's another one to add to the list: IRS-B340ST02

Used here: http://advanceddevices.com/sites/default/files/documents/AN311_MOTION_SENSOR_BASED_ON_STM300.pdf

In addition, Honeywell claims up to a 7 year battery life (from just one CR123 3v Lithium battery) for its PIR: http://library.ademconet.com/MWT/fs2/5800PIR-RES/5800PIR-Series-Data-sheet.PDF
Not bad.

pyrodetector

Hello.
It is not a question which PIR sensor is the best. The question is that who will sell it to you? There are a number of manufacturers which produce high-end pyroelectric detectors, but they don't sell them to private persons. Good quality lithium tantalate pyroelectric detector which you can use in instrumentation, costs approximately from 150 to 500 USD, and even higher. I know one supplier who sells their products worldwide. That is

http://silverlight.ch/order_detectors.php

Choose the last detector Model 446M2-3 and you will be happy. This is a "BMW" pyroelectric detector. If you have a bag of money, you, probably, can order "BMW" detectors from these people

http://www.scitec.uk.com/infrared_detectors/irsensors_ordering.php?Submit1=Buy+Now

In general, lithium tantalate pyroelectric detectors are not sold to private persons. Mouser, Farnell, and other distributors do not sell such things. They can sell only cheap detectors based on ceramics that are unable to be used in instrumentation.

If you have questions about pyroelectric detectors, I may try to help you. Contact me at

https://sites.google.com/site/pyrodetector/

My research relates to mathematical modelling of pyroelectric detectors. I develop simulators for "BMW" detectors.
I hope, this helps.
Kind regards.

alexsh1

By far the best PIR is Panasonic EKMB1201111 - 2uA
The problem is the price

gohan

the good question would be "what is the best pir sensor with an affordable price" that can be used for DIY :)

pyrodetector

"what is the best pir sensor with an affordable price" that can be used for DIY
If you want to do a thing by yourself, with a PIR sensor being cheap, you had better choose a PIR sensor from this manufacturer
http://kube.ch/pyroelectric/index.php
Read how they test their PIR sensors under humid environmental conditions
http://kube.ch/downloads/pdf/kube_sensors_stability.pdf
If a sensor is extremely cheap and is not sealed properly, moisture when comes in, just short-circuit the high-megohm pyroelectric sensitive element. No need to explain further...
You can buy a high-quality ceramic PIR sensor from KUBE for less than 10 euro. Lower price (10 euro for a bag full of PIR sensors) will give the low quality. You will be upset from the low quality longer than happy from the low price.

alexsh1

@pyrodetector it is €50 for a demonstrator
Wow! I'll stick to Panasonic :-)

gohan

@alexsh1 Panasonic is around 20€ just for sensor, then you will have to build the pcb with all components, right?

alexsh1

@gohan sure, I got mine for $19 plus components and the case. And if you consider a good quality 3D printed case l, it is alone can be €15-20.

However, my PIR is nowhere near €50 given that all other components are cheap. I am only using it indoors. All I'm trying to say is that €50 is a level of z-wave devices. Aeon Multisensor is €55 - you get 6-in-1 sensor and not just PIR

gohan

Agreed, over 50€ is price range for commercial zwave (or similar) products and you would not even get near the level of compactness with a DIY cheaper solution

scalz

@gohan
depends what you mean by diy ;)
if this is using cheap ali modules and stacking them, i agree. Else, soon, let me show how it can be more tiny :) That said rev1 of my multisensors is already tiny.

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