DIY Security Systems
As the crime rate continues to increase annually, protecting your home takes a higher priority. These days, homeowners are installing precautionary measures in their own homes to alert them of any suspicious activities. Various monitoring security agencies assist homeowners in detecting suspicious movement at home. There are also mobile apps that alert you of movement in the area even when you are away. Some residents are also learning how to build a motion sensor alarm on their own to improve their home security.
Why Install Motion Sensor Alarms At Home
A motion sensor detectors’ main purpose is to sense an intruder and send you an alert signal. Motion sensors work even when you are not at home and can alert you even when you are miles away. Aside from the possible home intruder, a motion sensor alarm also works for the following reasons:
- Sends you an alert when your teenager decides to sneak out.
- Signals you when someone is nearing the front door.
- Alerts you when your kids enter “no access” areas such as the garage or the basement.
- Alerts you if pets escape or enter an area of your home.
Motion sensors are discreet security guards that are ready to alert you of movement or warmth in your home, office, or studio. If you feel like you need to install one at home, then knowing how to build a motion sensor alarm can be a great thing to learn.
The Types Of Motion Sensors
Before building your own motion sensors, you will need to figure out the type of motion sensor you would want in your office area or living space. The two types of motion sensor systems are active sensors or passive sensors. The active motion sensors utilize ultrasonic sound waves, which gets reflected on the device. When disrupted, it proceeds to sound the alarm. On the other hand, passive motion sensors use infrared technology. When the device detects heat, the alarm is activated. Find out more about Motion Sensor Alarms.
Things You Need
Before you learn how to build a motion sensor alarm, we have to get the right parts and accessories for the job. The great thing about this procedure is that even beginners can make this!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a simple motion sensor using LED lights.
Grab these things from your local hardware store:
- 1.5 – 3V Buzzer
- PIR Motion Sensor.
- Arduino
How To Build A Motion Sensor Alarm
This procedure is detailed for learning how to build a motion sensor alarm.
- You will need to create a circuit that will only need 1.5 to 3V to function. Connect the anode of the buzzer to the terminal of the Arduino. You would then need to connect it to an external power source to give it the extra voltage the buzzer needs.
- The PIR motion sensor will detect any movement through the emission of infrared waves. If a human or pet passes by, it emits infrared radiation. The motion sensor detects this and will react. If other movements do not emit the same infrared levels, the motion sensor will detect that as well. Find the 3-pins of the PIR motion sensor.
- Pin 1 is the pin that receives a positive voltage. It would need about 5V to 9V DC of power for it to function.
- Pin 2 is the output pin of the device. When the device senses movement, this is the pin that sends out 3V.
- Pin 3 is the output pin of the sensor. It connects to the digital pin (D2) of the Arduino. Pin 3 receives output from the motion sensor. When the device detects movement, the Arduino receives the alert and will trigger the buzzer to sound off.
- After connecting all parts, you will need to upload the code found on the Arduino manual online or with the product guide. If it is the first time you run an Arduino board, make sure you download the software.
Things to Remember When Building a Motion Sensor Alarm
As crime rates continue to increase every year, homeowners will do what they can to make sure their homes and loved ones are safe. There are many modern alarms and detection systems available in the market. As you are building your own motion sensor alarm system for your home’s safety, always remember to install them at vulnerable points in your home.
Locate effective corners in a room that can cover the most space. A corner of a room can give a good view of your entryways and can detect movement in the area. Install them high up on walls. The height will provide the best coverage.
You can also place them opposite the room or an entryway so it can detect movement easily. Remember not to place them near a door, flowing curtains, windows, or plants as these can block their range of detection.
Conclusion
If this is your first time building electronics or learning how to build a motion sensor alarm, it can be a little overwhelming, especially if electronics is not your language. Still, the parts stated in this guide are easy to work with.
Building and installing motion sensors can greatly benefit your home or office space. Install them everywhere and anywhere, but it is recommended to put them in your hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, and offices and “no access” places. This is for the protection of your property and your family.