BinKey

Miscellaneous PIR Sensors and Tilt Sensors

6 min read

Important Note

This entire repo was AI created - including all of the data within. The intent was to A) help me with my personal electronics inventory; and B) see how I could use AI to make that process a bit easier. DO NOT TRUST!

Miscellaneous PIR Sensors and Tilt Sensors

Collection of passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors and various tilt sensors for motion detection and orientation sensing applications.

Overview

This collection includes various PIR (Passive Infrared) motion sensors and tilt sensors from different manufacturers, primarily sourced from Amazon and other suppliers. These sensors are commonly used in security systems, automation projects, and motion-activated devices.

PIR Motion Sensors

Key Features

  • Passive infrared detection of moving warm objects
  • Wide detection range typically 3-7 meters
  • Adjustable sensitivity and time delay (on some models)
  • 3.3V and 5V compatibility
  • Digital output (HIGH when motion detected)
  • Low power consumption

Technical Specifications

  • Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V (model dependent)
  • Detection Range: 3-7 meters (model dependent)
  • Detection Angle: 100-120 degrees typical
  • Output: Digital HIGH/LOW
  • Trigger Time: 0.5-300 seconds (adjustable on some models)
  • Block Time: 2.5 seconds typical

Common PIR Sensor Types

HC-SR501 PIR Sensor

  • Detection Range: 3-7 meters (adjustable)
  • Detection Angle: 100-120 degrees
  • Operating Voltage: 4.5V to 20V
  • Adjustable sensitivity and time delay
  • Trigger modes: Single and repeat trigger

Wiring Diagrams

HC-SR501 PIR Sensor Connections

Arduino Uno Connection

HC-SR501       Arduino Uno
--------       -----------
VCC       →    5V
GND       →    GND
OUT       →    Pin 2 (or any digital pin)

Note: HC-SR501 can operate from 4.5V to 20V

Raspberry Pi Pico Connection

HC-SR501       Pico
--------       ----
VCC       →    VSYS (5V) or 3V3
GND       →    GND
OUT       →    GP2 (or any GPIO pin)

Note: Use VSYS for 5V operation, 3V3 for 3.3V operation

ESP32 Connection

HC-SR501       ESP32
--------       -----
VCC       →    VIN (5V) or 3.3V
GND       →    GND
OUT       →    GPIO4 (or any GPIO pin)

Note: Use VIN for 5V operation, 3.3V pin for 3.3V operation

Generic PIR Sensor (3-pin) Connection

PIR Sensor     Microcontroller
----------     ---------------
VCC/+     →    3.3V or 5V (check sensor specs)
GND/-     →    GND
OUT/SIG   →    Digital input pin

Note: Always check sensor voltage requirements

Mini PIR Sensors

  • Compact size for space-constrained applications
  • 3.3V operation for low-voltage systems
  • Fixed sensitivity and timing
  • Simple 3-pin interface (VCC, GND, OUT)

PIR Sensor Pinout

PinSignalDescription
VCCPower3.3V to 5V power input
GNDGroundGround connection
OUTOutputDigital output (HIGH = motion detected)

Tilt Sensors

Amazon Tilt Sensors (2 Types)

Type 1: Ball Tilt Switch

  • Mechanism: Metal ball rolls to make/break contact
  • Operating Angle: Typically 15-30 degrees
  • Contact Rating: 0.5A at 125VAC
  • Response Time: <10ms
  • Package: Cylindrical or rectangular

Type 2: Mercury Tilt Switch (Legacy)

  • Mechanism: Mercury blob makes/breaks contact
  • Operating Angle: Typically 10-20 degrees
  • High reliability and long life
  • Smooth operation without bounce
  • Environmental concerns due to mercury content

Tilt Sensor Specifications

  • Operating Voltage: Up to 250VAC/200VDC
  • Contact Resistance: <100mΩ when closed
  • Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
  • Mechanical Life: >100,000 operations
  • Operating Force: Gravity-operated

Applications

Security and Automation

  • Motion-activated lighting systems
  • Security alarm systems
  • Automatic door opening
  • Occupancy detection for HVAC control
  • Pet detection systems

Tilt Detection Applications

  • Anti-theft systems for equipment protection
  • Orientation monitoring for machinery
  • Leveling systems for platforms
  • Tamper detection for enclosures
  • Safety interlocks for equipment

DIY and Hobby Projects

  • Arduino motion detection projects
  • Raspberry Pi security systems
  • Home automation integration
  • Robot obstacle avoidance
  • Interactive art installations

Programming Examples

PIR Sensor with Arduino

const int pirPin = 2;     // PIR sensor output pin
const int ledPin = 13;    // LED indicator pin
 
void setup() {
  pinMode(pirPin, INPUT);
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600);
 
  // Allow PIR sensor to stabilize
  delay(30000);  // 30 second warm-up
  Serial.println("PIR sensor ready");
}
 
void loop() {
  int motionState = digitalRead(pirPin);
 
  if (motionState == HIGH) {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
    Serial.println("Motion detected!");
  } else {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  }
 
  delay(100);
}

Tilt Sensor with Arduino

const int tiltPin = 3;    // Tilt sensor pin
const int buzzerPin = 8;  // Buzzer pin
 
bool lastTiltState = false;
 
void setup() {
  pinMode(tiltPin, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(buzzerPin, OUTPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}
 
void loop() {
  bool currentTiltState = digitalRead(tiltPin);
 
  if (currentTiltState != lastTiltState) {
    if (currentTiltState == LOW) {
      Serial.println("Tilt detected!");
      digitalWrite(buzzerPin, HIGH);
      delay(100);
      digitalWrite(buzzerPin, LOW);
    } else {
      Serial.println("Level position");
    }
    lastTiltState = currentTiltState;
  }
 
  delay(50);
}

Installation and Setup

PIR Sensor Installation

  1. Mounting height: 2-2.5 meters for optimal coverage
  2. Avoid heat sources: Keep away from heaters, direct sunlight
  3. Stable mounting: Prevent vibration and movement
  4. Clear line of sight: Remove obstructions in detection zone
  5. Warm-up time: Allow 30-60 seconds for stabilization

Tilt Sensor Installation

  1. Secure mounting: Prevent unwanted movement
  2. Proper orientation: Align sensitive axis correctly
  3. Environmental protection: Protect from moisture
  4. Electrical connections: Use appropriate pull-up resistors
  5. Testing: Verify operation at desired tilt angles

Design Considerations

PIR Sensor Design

  • False trigger prevention: Avoid air currents and temperature changes
  • Detection zone: Consider Fresnel lens pattern
  • Power supply: Use stable, clean power source
  • Signal conditioning: Add debouncing for clean digital signals
  • Environmental factors: Account for temperature and humidity

Tilt Sensor Design

  • Contact protection: Use appropriate protection circuits
  • Debouncing: Implement software or hardware debouncing
  • Sensitivity selection: Choose appropriate tilt angle
  • Mounting considerations: Ensure proper orientation
  • Environmental sealing: Protect from contamination

Troubleshooting

PIR Sensor Issues

  • False triggers: Check for heat sources, air currents
  • No detection: Verify power, warm-up time, sensitivity
  • Continuous triggering: Check for moving objects in field
  • Short range: Adjust sensitivity, check lens alignment

Tilt Sensor Issues

  • No response: Check connections, orientation, contact integrity
  • False triggering: Reduce vibration, check mounting
  • Intermittent operation: Clean contacts, check for wear
  • Wrong trigger angle: Verify sensor specifications

Advantages and Limitations

PIR Sensor Advantages

  • Passive operation: No transmitted energy required
  • Wide detection area: Large coverage zone
  • Low power consumption: Suitable for battery operation
  • Simple interface: Easy digital output
  • Cost effective: Inexpensive for basic motion detection

PIR Sensor Limitations

  • Temperature sensitive: Performance varies with ambient temperature
  • False triggers: Sensitive to heat sources and air movement
  • No distance measurement: Only detects presence/absence
  • Warm-up time: Requires stabilization period
  • Limited through materials: Cannot detect through glass/walls

Tilt Sensor Advantages

  • Simple and reliable: Basic mechanical operation
  • No power required: Passive sensing
  • Digital output: Direct interface to logic circuits
  • Wide temperature range: Operates in harsh environments
  • Long life: Mechanical switches last many cycles

Tilt Sensor Limitations

  • Limited precision: Not suitable for precise angle measurement
  • Single axis: Most detect tilt in only one direction
  • Contact bounce: May require debouncing
  • Mechanical wear: Contacts may degrade over time
  • Vibration sensitivity: May false trigger in high-vibration environments

Storage Information

  • Location: Cabinet 3, Bin 28
  • Quantity: 10+ sensors (mix of PIR and tilt sensors)
  • Condition: New and used, various conditions
  • Variety: Multiple types and manufacturers
  • Documentation: Basic specifications and pinouts available

Graph View

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