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How Do Motion Detectors Work In College Station?

July 29, 2023
Motion detector protecting interior of home

You’re likely to have a fairly good idea of what motion detectors do simply based on their name. Sure, they sense activity, but how exactly do they work? Take a moment to discover the technology that powers them and the different types of sensors you might find. You’ll get a deeper appreciation of how they work and how you may incorporate them into your contemporary smart home.

 


What is the technology behind motion detectors?

Sensing motion can be done in a number of specific ways, but motion detectors are ordinarily classified into one of two categories - active or passive.

● Active motion detectors: These sensors are viewed as active, as they continually broadcast transmissions like microwaves and then measure the time of response. Motion is indicated when the response time changes. Even though microwave sensors are most frequently used, you’ll also find active motion detectors that measure sound waves or infrared light.

● Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors: Usually encountered within home security applications, PIR motion detectors perform by recognizing variations in the ambient temperature. ​​In essence, the instrument learns what the standard temperature is supposed to be within a designated area. If there are rapid heat increases, like a trespasser skulking across the space, the detector observes it and triggers your warning. Since they aren’t continuously emitting signals, passive detectors usually need less power and are more cost-effective to run.

Besides active and passive, you could find hybrid devices that utilize more than one technology. These can help minimize false alarms, as each sensor has to be tripped before the warning siren sounds. Other alternatives include vibration motion detectors and tomographic devices that are typically employed in larger commercial spaces.

Ways to use College Station motion detectors

The chief goal of motion detectors is to detect motion within a designated area, usually to a distance of 50 feet away. You’ll commonly find them included in outdoor floodlights or as independent devices within your residence. When movement is sensed, they’ll trigger your alarm and advise your 24/7 monitoring team.

But present-day motion detectors are more versatile than they’ve been in the past. As a matter of fact, they are able to connect directly with other smart equipment. To illustrate, if activity is noticed, they may trigger your smart bulbs to switch on or your video camera to begin recording. They may even alert your smart thermostat to modify the temperature.

Get instant alerts and customize settings for pets

One more great advantage of current motion detectors is that you’ll have instant notifications transmitted to your cell phone every time the sensor is triggered. If you own house pets, you can even prevent false alarms by customizing settings to account for the size of your four-legged companions.

Customize Your Vivint Smart Home With Motion Detectors in College Station

Now that you have a deeper understanding of how motion detectors work in College Station, it’s a great time to incorporate them into your fully integrated smart home. Vivint’s motion detectors oversee large areas, provide wide-angle functionality, and last for years without needing a new battery. They’ll also work in perfect unison with your other smart home implements. Are you excited to begin? Contact (979) 356-2138 to speak with a knowledgeable Vivint specialist today.