I have two older Aeon motion sensors that have ALWAYS been nothing but issues for me. They run for a few months then either go totally un-responsive or they start eating batteries like crazy. Aeon has replaced them several times but they no longer have any stock of this outdated unit. So I would like to replace these once and for all. Is the Gen5 Aeon a good choice or should I look at another unit…?
Well two reasons you might have had problems and will continue to have the same problems with their newer ones also are…
They are not outdoor motions.
They are battery powered is another problem.
I don’t think the Gen 5 (which I own indoor) will be much different or better for an outdoor application.
The best outdoor Motion sensor is probley not going to be z-wave on it’s own either. Your title didn’t say z-wave. Optix usually comes up for outdoor motions. Flase alerts will be the most common problem with a sensor that only has one pir sensor and no other types or more then one sensor inside. Dual sensors or microwave will have better results then any cheap indoor sensor put outside.
May be you can try to workout this way…
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z3810t3nbU]Z-Wave Driveway Motion Sensor - YouTube
OR
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30G5iMZ6sxQ]How to Wire a VX-402R OPTEX Outdoor Motion Detector to a Wireless Transmitter - YouTube
What is your application? Are you triggering lights based on motion? If AC power is nearby, use a standard motion-activated floodlight and wire in the Aeotec microswitch. Motion detector goes to the switch side and lights go to the powered side.
If it’s not for light but AC power is still nearby, you can still use the an inexpensive motion sensor and the microswitch without the flood lights.
Professional grade, dual sensor or microwave units would be best to minimize false triggers.
If you have 110AC in the location, try our new line of Z-Wave outdoor Motion lights.
Not only do they notify your controller when motion is detected, they will turn the flood lights on. At that point you can program scenes and notifications to be sent to you.
The best part is that these motions are made for the outdoors. The only caveat is that they do not work during daylight hours. But if your area is prone to false alarms, this is probably a plus.
http://www.007systems.com/z-wave-outdoor-motion-lights.html
to my knowledge the latest aeontec multi sensor is the only one that can afford to be placed outside (but sheltered).
Range is poor (approx 4 to 5 meter) and if used in cold weather you have to provide a 5v powersupply in it’s neighbourhood.
It is not a ‘pet safe’ solution neither, so expect false alarms. If you’re switching lights it should be ok.
Alternative to this, but much more expensive is to use a classic pir detector, and wire a zwave universal sensor from fiboaro in it.
See the manual of this sensor on fibaro’s website!
best regards,
Olivier