12 Ways That Motion Detectors Can Be Used.

Able to sense movement by a variety of methods, they use that information to turn something on, turn something off or set something in flow.

Detectors are available as individual units, but are frequently incorporated within appliances, apparatus and devices.

Here are just twelve of the many possible uses for motion detectors.

(1) Burglar Alarm. Most of us are probably familiar with the concept of motion sensors being incorporated into home burglar alarm systems.

The thief does not have to start busting open a door or window before the alarm goes off. He enters the sensor's field of detection and the alarm is triggered, the siren wails and alerts the occupants and their neighbors. Depending upon the type of alarm system, a monitoring center also gets alerted that there is the possibility of an intruder on the property. All this without the burglar doing any damage to your home.

(2) Home Security Camera. We are also likely to be aware of the advantages of using detectors with home security CCTV. Having camera surveillance protecting you is great, but keeping the cameras recording 24/7 is not practicable.

A surveillance camera controlled by a movement detector only records when there is . . . movement, which could be intruders trying to get into your home.

Yet another application is (3) Security Lighting. An unlit house exterior is heaven for a night time burglar. He can perform his misdeeds without being seen, that's the way he likes it. Lighting around your home could give him a problem that he does not want, someone could see what he is up to.

You would not find having lights blazing around your home very pleasant though. It would be costly to run and would be a nuisance. The answer is of course, movement activated home security lighting. No movement, home security lights out, burglar creeps near your home and triggers the sensor, lights come on exposing the burglar. He cannot risk being seen so he departs as swiftly as he can.

Motion activated lighting can also be helpful in situations not related to security.

(4) Non Security Lighting. Having a porch light come on automatically can scare away a burglar, but it is also useful for you, saves having to try and get that pesky key in the lock in the dark. Motion detectors can also automatically light up dark stairwells and corridors.

Before we leave home security altogether. (5) Driveway Alarm. One of the prime uses of motion sensors is in driveway alarms. Want to be alerted when someone or something is coming up your drive? That something is usually a motor vehicle, good news when it means invited guests, could be bad news when it means strangers.

As soon as the vehicle passes the sensor you get an audible alert. Gives you a few extra moments to prepare yourself to greet your guests, or to deal with uninvited strangers.

As an alternative to a chime or a siren, some driveway alarms are designed to allow you to record a warning such as “ Attention, movement on driveway!”

(6) Child Movement Sensor. A motion detector can be used as a warning if your young child gets up in the night and wanders out of his or her bedroom. For that matter it can be used to alert you if they stray out of any room, day or night, that you need them to be in.

Can also warn if a senior suffering from Alzheimer's wanders. Doors can be locked of course, but that is not such a good idea in the event of fire. A motion activated alarm keeps you informed of the whereabouts of your loved one, but is not a hazard in an emergency.

(7) Pool Alarm. Your kids are old enough and responsible enough to play in the yard while you get on with some chores. However, although some of them can swim a little they are not permitted in, or near, the pool unsupervised. Your children are pretty obedient, most of the time, but kids are kids. A motion activated pool alarm can let you know if one of them gets near the pool.

There are broadly two different types of alarms for the pool. One type is basically your well known motion detector alarm. Kid passes the detector, alarm sounds. Of course, you do need somewhere to mount the alarm. If you have a barrier around your pool, no problem, just mount the alarm at the opening. If you have no barrier, then you need a post at each corner with a detector on each. That is going to cost you more than the one detector you'd need if you had a barrier, but kids can climb barriers.

The other type of alarm for the pool isn't strictly a motion detector, or is it? This type of alarm sits in the pool. Your child falls in, jumps in or is pushed in the pool. This causes movement, ripples, waves. The pool alarm senses the change in the state of the water and the alarm sounds. So, as it detects the motion of the water, we can say it is a motion detecting alarm.

(8) Motion Detecting Bird Scarer. These devices have built in detectors. When movement is detected they emit some form of bird scaring sounds, often the screech of an owl or hawk. The smaller units are designed to deter birds from nesting in lofts, on roofs etc.

Larger bird scarers are intended to keep birds from feasting off crops and to do that some of these employ jets of water instead of sounds.

(9) Cat Deterrent. Cats ruining your vegetable patch? Leaving nasty things in your kid's sandbox? You can deter cats from coming into your yard with a movement activated cat deterrent.

Many of these commercially produced deterrents emit bursts of high frequency sound that is above the range of human hearing, but can be heard by cats. Some also emit a blast of compressed air along with the sound. Other models spray the cat with a fine jet of water. Can also be used to discourage other animals, keeping raccoons away from the trash for example.

The smaller models can also be used to control the behavior of your own pets inside your home, stopping your cat from jumping on the counter or curb your Labrador's desire to sleep on your sofa.

(10) Wildlife Camera. In contrast to scaring animals away from your yard you may want to capture them on video, or in still photography. Somewhat like a motion activated home security camera used for a different purpose.

Why sit around in a bush all day waiting to get your shot? A camera with a built in motion detector can be left in a suitable spot, and will get your images, or video clips, when your furry or feathered friends trigger it.

(11) Store Door Alert. There are many ways an alert can be sounded when the door to a store is opened. Most stores like to keep their doors open during business hours however, looks more inviting that way.

A motion activated alert across the open doorway lets the owner, who may be out the back, know there is a customer waiting.

(12) Hotel/Motel Room Door Alarm. Thousands of people spend he night in a hotel or motel and don't encounter any problems at all. However some folks feel uneasy because you never know what sort of jerk is creeping around the place. You can lock your door but there may be more than the one set of keys and they can fall into the wrong hands.

A motion detector alarm set up with its field across the doorway will wake you if anyone attempts to get into your room.

Of course, a detector alarm may alert you but does not stop the intruder coming in, whereas this little device does - Door Stop Alarm.

That's 12 uses for motion detectors, there are bound to be many more. How can these useful little devices help you live your life better?

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