I have 2gig panel installed and the house already had a honeywell ADT system so we used the motion sensors that were here (Honeywell 5800pir-res)
The don’t seem to activate easy enough. I can walk thru the room or down the hall and have them not activate the light for longer than I think they should. When set in the mode with the LED on, they seem much more sensitive.
I wondered if it is a time thing (that it takes time for the message to get to the light), but I don’t think so for two reasons. The door sensors activate the lights immediate, and if I want into the room to where I know it should see me and stop, the light does not come on.
So, I assume it is the sensors.
What should I replace them with?
I don’t have pets so I can have them very sensitive.
I have surfed around and can’t find any comparisons of how well they actually work, just comparisons of features.
Honeywell 5898?
2gig pir?
Is there any difference if you are walking across versus at the sensor? One person told me that the sensors were better for across. One sensor is at the end of a hall so mostly walking at it. The other is in the laundry room with three doors in it but the predominate motion is toward it also.
I have just installed a system using the same senors. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your sensors: It is my understanding that unless the 5800PIR-RES motion sensor is in test mode, it will not re-trigger for three minutes after it has been triggered. This is done to preserve battery life on the sensor.
So to perform the test like you did you would have to stay out of the area the motion detector covers for a little more than three minutes and then re-enter that area and see if the sensor trips.
You can also put the sensor in test mode: Open the sensor, take out the battery, wait a few seconds and put it back in. Close up the sensor again. You’ll see a red light in front of the sensor. Wait till the red light goes out (the sensor is ready).
The sensor will now be in test-mode for 10 minutes, where it will trigger any time it sees motion. Also, you’ll see the red light come on on the sensor whenever it is tripped.
I understand the three minute delay after activating.
The problem is that I can walk half way into the room and hallway and it will not activate.
I put it into test mode and they seem much more sensitive. They activate on ANY movement (like I would like them to). But out of test mode, they are less sensitive. I have been able to get through both room and hall without being detected.
The way I understand things motion detectors don’t change sensitivity in test mode (unlike, say, a glass break sensor). Also, not sure how you check whether the sensor triggered when it is not in test mode. – I don’t think the red light comes on on mine at all when I trigger them when they are not in test mode (but panel reports).
In case you are relying on notifications from the panel when not in test mode, maybe there is some communication issue? – You said you replaced an ADT panel with a 2GIG, so I wonder if your problem could be related to range/signal strength? Maybe the 2GIG is less sensitive or you moved the panel to a different location? The 2GIG panel allows you to do a “Walk Test” which will also show signal strength for all the sensors. Maybe this will give a hint.
I am by no means an expert. Just some things I’d try to troubleshoot this…
The best way to test a motion detector to determine how they will function is to place your system on test mode with the central station, then arm your system away. Wait a few minutes since the last time motion would have registered on the detector, then walk into its field of view.
I have tested with the sensor test mode (red LED)
Then I use a rule for a light. I know there is a chance of rule delay, but for comparison I have a door sensor rule also and it always works immediately.
I have not worked with test mode with central station.
Then I use a rule for a light. I know there is a chance of rule delay, but for comparison I have a door sensor rule also and it always works immediately.
To definitively test your system’s response to alarm events you will always want to recreate the alarm scenario. Testing using automation rules is not a good way to test wireless motion detectors.