Motion Sensors are not usually sold in most hardware and electronic shops but if you really need one, there are special stores wherein you can buy them together with other types of outdoor motion sensors. They are usually used in automating industrial manufacturing plants. The most common use of this type of sensor is for automatic door system and for safety during plant operation. Since they are intended for industrial operation, they are usually made tough and very reliable but come with a high price. On the other hand, you can easily buy motion sensors with a device attached to them at a lower cost. It is usually incorporated to LED or flood lights, security cameras, and solenoid valves or actuators for water sprinklers.
Some people who need them for other purposes, usually buy simple outdoor motion sensor activated devices which are readily available in most hardware and electronic shops and get only the sensor part including the circuit board and attach them to whatever electrical or electronic device they want such as electric motors, pneumatic activated door opener or other actuators used for automation. To do this, you must have at least a basic knowledge in electricity. If you don’t know what you are doing, better not experiment on them to avoid getting electrocuted or damaging it or your device. But if you are a professional and you really need a motion sensor, you can find them in companies selling automation control equipments such as Omron, Siemens and Allen Bradley. These companies not only sell motion sensors but other types of sensors as well, such as Optical Fiber Sensors, Displacement & Measurement Sensors, Proximity Sensors, Pressure Sensors and more. Other types include capacitive type (which can detect metals objects), inductive type (which can detect both metal and non-metal objects) and the photoelectric type which has a transmitter and a receiver (more like a laser sensor which is commonly used for high tech security). These sensors are built durable and can withstand harsh environments and are most suitable for use inside a manufacturing plant but they are a bit expensive though. Since you only get the sensor then you have to make your own circuitry depending on the application you need. Most automation companies use a more flexible one like the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). PLC’s are programmable just like a computer only smaller, without the keyboard and monitor. You can set as many timer and counter as you like depending on the application and how you intend to use it.
Below are some of the common outdoor motion sensors available in the market today. They are available in wired and battery-operated type.
Motion Sensor Light – This is very helpful at night both for security and for lighting an area like pathways and hallways. Like for example in third world countries, toilets are installed outside the house. So you can just install it along the way to eliminate the need to turn on the switch every time you want to go to the bathroom at night. It stays lit as long as it senses someone moving. It can also sense animals, so if you have a pet, you must take it into consideration when buying one. It’s usually available in battery- operated type and uses an LED and can last up to three years according to some manufacturers. Some units use a floodlight for a much brighter and wider range.
Motion Sensor Camera – Equipped with SD card, it can store video equivalent to 45 days of recording. The battery can supply the camera up to 12 hours of continuous recording per one full charge. With the use of its built-in outdoor motion sensor, you have the option to record only when movement is detected. It can be connected directly into TV (with the cable supplied) for viewing. You can buy this type through online shops like Amazon and eBay.
Motion Sensor Sprinkler – It is used for scaring away unwanted birds from swimming pools and other pets like dogs and cats which liter on the lawn. It is attached to a water source; it sprinklers water when it detects movement. One of the famous brands is the Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler by Contech Electronics. It uses a standard 9-volt battery with a range of 1,000 square foot area for night and day operation.
