PIR Sensor
This How-to is intended for:
Any audience.
Problem
You want to connect a PIR (Passive Infrared) motion detection sensor to the Make Controller.
Solution
The PIR sensor has three wires, which should be connected to the Make Controller Kit as follows:
- 5V (red) to a VIn on the Controller set to 5V. Note that the default voltage for VIn is 3.3V, so you'll have to set the voltage select jumper to 5V for this sensor.
- Ground (black) to a GND connector on the board.
- Signal (yellow) to an Analog In, 0-7.
The image below shows a PIR sensor connected to Analog In 0.
Discussion
Range
The PIR sensor is great for monitoring a wide area, as its cone is about 45 degrees. The longest distance it is sensitive to is 10 ft.
Signal
The PIR sensor gives a simple on/off signal. When it is triggered, it will read high for approximately one second. When the sensor is triggered for an extended period of time, it will continue to read high until no movement is detected.
You may have noticed that the PIR sensor is powered at 5V, while the inputs on the Make Controller read from 0-3.3V. Since we only need to read whether it's on or off, the sensor will work fine powered at 5V.
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