Any PIR LED gurus on here?

fracster

fracster

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I need to set up some outside PIR LED lights, these will be placed woodside with no electrical supply nearby.

I have an old solar powered one that I have converted to accept 5xAA eneloops, this one has a solar panel as well and seems to work ok. But I need more light.

My thoughts were to get a motorbike battery,wire up two old car foglights with LED bulbs in them, and switch them on via a 12 volt PIR switch.Should work ok,but.....

...I cannot find a 12 volt PIR switch with a time setting on it, plenty without, but I really only need it to work from dusk till dawn. Otherwise pheasants and squirrels will set it off all day.

Anybody know where I can get a 12 volt PIR switch with a timer on it?

Or offer any advice on a different set up?

Thanks for reading my waffle.
 
Why does it have to be both in one housing?
It seems reasonable to use a 12v time switch connected to a 12v PIR connected to the LEDs
 
kendo1 said:
Why does it have to be both in one housing?
It seems reasonable to use a 12v time switch connected to a 12v PIR connected to the LEDs
Click to expand...
It doesn`t Ken, thanks for suggesting that. So all I need is a timer and a pir switch?
 
I think so. Wire them in series for them both to be on for the circuit to work at a certain time and when the PIR is triggered.
 
kendo1 said:
I think so. Wire them in series for them both to be on for the circuit to work at a certain time and when the PIR is triggered.
Click to expand...
That makes sense Ken, the time switch does not have to be waterproof, the battery and timer can live in a metal container, the PIR and light can be mounted on the outside of it. Otherwise the squirrels will chew everything.

Looking forward I could mount a solar panel on the box to help the battery out.

Thanks for the pointers Ken, given me some ideas.
 
I have been using several of the battery operated Mr Beams PIR LED lights as outside security lights / interior lights where needed and have been pleased with them so far ;).

- they often pop up on Amazon's daily deals, use readily available D / C type cells, not sure about battery life, as I have not yet had to replace any since my initial purchases last November / December (Black Friday deal) - I have one sited outside by the side of the garage ( the 300 lumen version) which comes on as 'any' car approaches at night, the motion sensor is reasonably sensitive and the light stays on for a further 20 seconds once motion ceases, and illuminates the area well. Although they are regarded as weather proof, I have sited mine in a semi sheltered area/taped up the seals, as some of the reviews on Amazon mentioned water ingress. This is the link to the higher powered versions.
 
You don't need a timer unless you have specific hours in mind, a photocell can activate at dusk and deactivate at dawn, switching the power to the light(s) on and off ... PIR then activating them as needed.
 
gramps said:
You don't need a timer unless you have specific hours in mind, a photocell can activate at dusk and deactivate at dawn, switching the power to the light(s) on and off ... PIR then activating them as needed.
Click to expand...
I cannot find a 12 volt one though Roger. Dusk till dawn would be ideal. It is for the badgers as i`m sure you have guessed.
 
gramps said:
You don't need a timer unless you have specific hours in mind, a photocell can activate at dusk and deactivate at dawn, switching the power to the light(s) on and off ... PIR then activating them as needed.
Click to expand...
Neat idea.
 
kendo1 said:
Neat idea.
Click to expand...

Take care where you place the photocell sensor, the photocell should not be in sight of any lights especially the one it is controlling, you want it in the most natural light you can put it in, don't put it in the shade of something.
 
Thanks all, very helpful.
 
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