We get asked pretty frequently to add exterior security lights on residential camera projects, and typically sell and install basic 120v versions. It recently occurred to me that with the proliferation of solar led security lights there must be a 12 or 24 volt version, which would be much easier to install alongside cameras. After a few minutes of searching I haven't come up with much, anyone seen one before?
Subscriber Discussion
Anyone Aware Of Any 12V Motion Security Lights?
CK
Carl Kristoffersen
Feb 16, 2018Quick search... first listing was Amazon, plenty of choices.
Add: If you are running a wire to the camera, you can run a power wire for the light, so it doesn't have to be solar.
GG
Gary Girton
Feb 16, 2018There are a few on amazon.
CK
Carl Kristoffersen
Feb 16, 2018Also, I'm looking at project using the DVR motion alarm output to control z-wave lighting control. With the analytics in the cameras, it seems much more customizable. Along with being able to control the lights with other methods.
Brian Rhodes
Feb 16, 2018That's a fair bit of integration. Which Z-Wave hub are you using?
You'll be able to do it with an IFTTT rule, but it still may be pretty complex.
Joseph Parker
Feb 16, 2018I set it up with a Honeywell Vista 20 with a VAM, set the alarm output on the DVR up as a non monitored zone on the panel, then setup a scene that turned on a zwave switch when the zone tripped.
CK
Carl Kristoffersen
Feb 16, 2018I use Homeseer, (a thread is posted below, havent read it yet :-) ) They have a variety of hubs, hardware and software based. Slight learning curve, but a good platform.
Brian Rhodes
Feb 16, 2018One aspect you may be aware of/ not aware of is that motion detection accuracy for many cameras, especially consumer cameras is lousy in the dark.
Even with Day/Night cameras, the picture is often too dark to see motion outside the IR range, or bugs trigger false events as they record, or image sensor noise due to higher AGC creates nuisance clutter.
This is why you'll find cameras equipped with a PIR that triggers an onboard IR LED that in turn triggers the camera to record. The Axis M1065-L is an example:
The PIR is much better at 'seeing' in the darkness than the camera image sensor.
I bring that up to say what if you could reverse your idea - use a z-wave PIR motion to turn lights on, then that would cause the camera to start recording. Would that work?
That approach would be easier to integrate, IMO.
CK
Carl Kristoffersen
Feb 16, 2018All good points, except, there are no good (edit) "outdoor" Z-wave PIR motions. :-(
But using a outdoor motion designed for security is the best option in most cases as they are stable, longer range with no false alarms. Also, they can easily be wired to control Z-wave devices. The plus side of camera motion detection is the masking capabilities and various video analytics. As for insects, I have not had many issues with them and false alarms. In most cases, that's not a concern I would have.
As for the reverse, sure it would be easier... but this idea came about because of other concerns, that's why I was looking for a different solution. :-)
U
Undisclosed #1
Feb 16, 2018I like the Bosch Z-Wave PIR. Wish they made an outdoor version. Guess they are cheap enough, I could test it's limits.
CK
Carl Kristoffersen
Feb 16, 2018To expand on that...
The relay output of the DVR (or motion detector) can go to the input of a zwave transmitter, Arduino, Raspberry Pi or just about any automation hub including Homeseer (some of which are built on the Pi platform).
A zwave transmitter will be able to control one or two devices. The controlling just being "turn on" signal and the light would have time-out built into it. The Arduino, considered to be a microcontroller, can control more devices, including on/off, IFTTT, but is limited in it's programming capabilities. The Pi, is a microprocessor based platform, and can be programmed more extensively. The Homeseer platforms are either Pi's, Micro PC's or software based installed onto PC's. Those hubs can have a variety of inputs and outputs.
Along with those options, There a quite a few other "hubs", more like interfaces, offered, such as Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, Alexa (which needs an intermediary interface :-( ), etc.
GG
Gary Girton
Feb 16, 2018MM
Michael Miller
Feb 16, 2018Check out FortrezZ as they have Z-Wave I/O modules which you can use to interface with your cameras/DVRs.
Brian Rhodes
Feb 16, 2018MM
Michael Miller
Feb 16, 2018I have one in but I haven't had time to implement it yet. I was going to use analytics to turn on some big LED flood lights with these micro switches.
Joseph Parker
Feb 16, 2018Sorry, found that one is well, but was looking for something with wider diffusion, and more importantly white. Should have clarified. The only 12v ones I've been able to find have been of the "halogen spot" variety. I've done the zwave trigger through my alarm panel, and actually had issues with false alarms when using the motion on the camera itself. We resolved that by attaching a Bosch outdoor motion to the DVR, then alarm output on the DVR to the alarm panel which triggered porch and front lights. It sounds complicated but was actually pretty simple.
CK
Carl Kristoffersen
Feb 16, 2018Outdoor motions are definitely better than camera, if you false alarms are really an issue. The camera idea is good enough for most cases, and more cost effective. As for spots, I dislike round fixtures. You can always modify a LED fixture as they all work off of low voltage DC internally.
Joseph Parker
Feb 16, 2018I was actually thinking of attempting to convert the one below wired:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077YHF4R9/ref=b2b_gw_d_simh_a1_3_p/137-6975595-4916119?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075D847KB&pd_rd_r=15HT2FW469VPVTPVQSYJ&pd_rd_w=btYPC&pd_rd_wg=XnJvp&pf_rd_i=b2b-desktop&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=15HT2FW469VPVTPVQSYJ&pf_rd_t=ABGateway&refRID=15HT2FW469VPVTPVQSYJ&th=1
CK
Carl Kristoffersen
Feb 16, 2018New discussion
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