Optimizing Motion Sensor Detection

Questions

What are the horizontal and vertical fields of view for these Motion Sensors?

What is the detection range?

Where should I locate the sensors for the best detection?

Answer

Shown below is the range of detection for our home automation motion sensors:

	Sensor's fields of view and detection range

Horizontal Field of View:	+/- 45 degrees relative to the center (90 degrees total)
Vertical Field of View:	+/- 15 degrees relative to the center (30 degrees total)
Detection Range:	approximately 20 feet

Sensor Detection vs. Motion Direction

For best results, mount the motion sensor so that someone entering the area cuts across its field of view. Try not to place a motion sensor near heating or cooling sources (heat vents, air conditioners, direct or reflected sunlight). These can trip them inadvertently.

For more detailed information on how PIR motion sensors like the MS14A and MS16A work, please see this article:

http://www.ladyada.net/learn/sensors/pir.html