Sample Motion Triggered Camera Recording
Questions
How can I have motion trigger a camera event?
Answer
You can use this example to create a motion sensor-triggered camera macro. If you want to follow along, open the file called Video Samples in ActiveHome Pro. This file was installed as part of iWitness.
This macro is designed to monitor the front door. When triggered by the associated motion sensor, it will switch to the front door camera and start recording video. When motion ceases, recording will stop.
Step 1: Create the Start Recording Macro
If you have never made a macro before, please read Creating_A_Macro Creating A Macro first.
Create a new macro in the room named Front Yard. Change the name of the macro to Start Recording, and change the trigger address to M3 On -- the address of the motion sensor we have set up in the Front Yard.
Step 2: Select the Camera
Select "Video Functions" from the room list on the right side of Macro Designer, and then drag the "Select Camera" command into your macro. The camera named "Front Cam" should be selected by default, but you can select any camera using the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Record Video
Go back to the "Video Functions" selection in the room list and put the "Video Recording" command in the macro. It will automatically set itself to the "Start" function. This command will tell iWitness to record the incoming video to a file on your computer.
Step 4: Create the Stop Recording Macro
Create a new macro in the room named Front Yard. Change the name of the macro to Stop Recording and change the trigger address to M3 Off.
Step 5: Stop Recording Video
Go back to the "Video Functions" selection in the room list and put the "Video Recording" command in the macro. It will automatically set itself to the "Start" function, so select "Stop".
Conclusion
The macro is now finished.
Installing iWitness adds many new options to your ActiveHome Pro Preferences. Use these options to adjust how your ActiveHome Pro stores pictures and video, and how it works with your cameras. To open the video options, select Preferences from the Tools menu. Use the arrows at the top of the window to scroll through the Options tabs and click on the one you want to change. The sections below will help you with each new set of options.