Thread: Parallax Motion Detectors

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A friend of mine brought me one of these. As soon as I have time, I want to try it out as a prop trigger. Seems to pick up well. Has anyone used these ? If so, how ? they are very cool and the small size would be great for hiding in props.

Apparently Radio Shack is selling them now.



PIR Sensor

Scary Terry did a review on it.
Parallax PIR sensor

I looked at using that sensor for to trigger a Pico Boo 105 controller. I didn't go with it because it was not rated for 12 V DC power which the Pico Boo provides. So I bought a similar sensor this year from PIR Sensors (scroll down the page about half way) . they look very similar

The sensor will not trigger the controller by its self nor will it energize a 3vdc relay coil.

I was able to get it to work but had to use this to trip a dry relay. http://simplecircuitboards.com/Spec%...20-%20Spec.pdf

The two worked great together and mounted easily in a small project box. I added a 3" pvc pipe "snout" to focus the sensor.

I think this is the same circuit as the one used in the relay board but I didn't have the time to experiment with it. Conver TTL into Relay - Digital I/O - NI Discussion Forums (scroll down to second entry )

The futurelec sensor has an adjustable time delay so you can set the amount of time the output signal stays on.

I used these since they are only 20 minutes away from me:

KC7783 PIR Detector Module (Assem and tested)

I built adjustable delay triggers out of them last year with 555 timers and relays.
Just had to cover the front with a short length of PVC to narrow the
pickup pattern. They work great. Only this year I found complete pir light fixtures at Lowes
for $13.

Originally Posted by scareisburg

I looked at using that sensor for to trigger a Pico Boo 105 controller. I didn't go with it because it was not rated for 12 V DC power which the Pico Boo provides. So I bought a similar sensor this year from PIR Sensors (scroll down the page about half way) . they look very similar

The sensor will not trigger the controller by its self nor will it energize a 3vdc relay coil.

I was able to get it to work but had to use this to trip a dry relay. http://simplecircuitboards.com/Spec%...20-%20Spec.pdf

The two worked great together and mounted easily in a small project box. I added a 3" pvc pipe "snout" to focus the sensor.

I think this is the same circuit as the one used in the relay board but I didn't have the time to experiment with it. Conver TTL into Relay - Digital I/O - NI Discussion Forums (scroll down to second entry )

The futurelec sensor has an adjustable time delay so you can set the amount of time the output signal stays on.

thanks,

I have actually already talked to Jeff at Simple Circuit Boards about these. Supposedly, you can power the motion right off of the trigger contacts of any of his programmable relay boards by connecting the motion's + to the relay's trigger terminal that yields +5 V to the board's ground terminal, connecting the motion's ground to the relay board's ground, and the output lead to the second side of the relay's trigger.

This same setup is supposed to work on the trigger of a cowlacious ISD board, but I haven't had time to test it out myself. Maybe this weekend if I have time.

Let us know how it works. I've got a cow board and may give it a try.

The only thing I know is the ones I bought would not active the Pico Boo 105, The Trigger LED would light but the program would not run.

It would be nice to have a list of devices they work with and any notes on connections.

I am not sure why you would go through the hassle when you can get a Comet PIR for 5 bucks at alarm stores. I use them on my 104, 105 and 108 without a problem and they have a case.

OOOPs...looks like they went up to almost 10 bucks. Rokonet Comet PIR Motion Sensor, 36 Ft - RK210PR available from Home Controls

Originally Posted by Tonguesandwich

I am not sure why you would go through the hassle when you can get a Comet PIR for 5 bucks at alarm stores. I use them on my 104, 105 and 108 without a problem and they have a case.

How are you connecting these to your trigger inputs ? From what I can see, these motions only provide a NC set of contacts.....

I was interested in the Parallax mainly due to their size. I was interested in something that could be incorporated into a prop (or figure) making the prop totally self contained.

I can show you how to wire for a picoboo box which is either NO or NC, you just need to push the right button on power up. I have about 12 Parallax, don’t use, just want things simple for pneumatic devices. I will be using one for a gravedigger that has a large routine.
If you are going to self contain them you need to remember your prop is going to be moving and deal with those factors that will create... such as limited positioning of your prop and timing. Also you will need to still create a blinder with the Parallax with something like a 3” PVC cap else it will go off when you don’t want it to.
I like the pico boo's because I can sit by my prop and make all changes I need in real-time. The Gilderflukes have a lot of power but I am not a fan of having to program them. HauntMasters seem to have better sound than the PicoBoos but the cost is high.
So for about 60 bucks you can get a controller with sound. I know as a home Haunter we tend to lean towards the cheap ways that usually end up costing us way more. The Parallax system is awesome but far from easy.
If you want me to post the pics for wiring a pico boo to a Comet I will (Will take you 5 minutes to wire)…. But I won’t unless you request since I don’t want to hijack.