Motion detection lighting help

kcult

kcult

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Long story short, a contractor installed a motion detection light, but threw away the box and instructions and I'm not sure how to set this thing. I don't know the brand and there are no clues on the unit to help me search.

I just want it to come on when someone pulls into the driveway after dark. Here's a pic of the controls.

20180224_115835.jpg

In an attempt to keep any discussion on track, this is my wife's project. She did the hiring, made the requests, and is footing the bill with her own money. Trying to set this light is the extent of my involvement and figured I would attempt it today while she's at work.
 
Button Pusher said:
Hi, set the slide switch to auto, that enables motion detector.
D2D is Dawn to dusk, light will be on all night.

Time adjusts how long the light stays on after motion turns it on.
Range sets the motion detector distance.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I had almost figured it out and have been testing the range, etc., but wasn't sure what D2D was. I was hoping it wasn't some kind of snoodling reference.
 
Maybe you figured that out already, I think in this case Lux changes the area being illuminated.
 
In my experiecne these lights always go bad quickly, or other people mess them up using the light switch. I've taken the motion out of mine and just use the switch when I want them on. Not as sneaky that way, but at least they are on when I want them on and off during the day.
 
CZfool68 said:
In my experiecne these lights always go bad quickly, or other people mess them up using the light switch. I've taken the motion out of mine and just use the switch when I want them on. Not as sneaky that way, but at least they are on when I want them on and off during the day.
Click to expand...

Glad to know I am not the only one to have similar luck out of them. Never seem to get more than a year out of one before it starts acting screwy. I only have one now just where I park for convience at night when unloading a car before I get inside to switch but fully expect to replace it atleast once a year.
 
CZfool68 said:
In my experiecne these lights always go bad quickly, or other people mess them up using the light switch. I've taken the motion out of mine and just use the switch when I want them on. Not as sneaky that way, but at least they are on when I want them on and off during the day.
Click to expand...

Jp8819 said:
Glad to know I am not the only one to have similar luck out of them. Never seem to get more than a year out of one before it starts acting screwy. I only have one now just where I park for convience at night when unloading a car before I get inside to switch but fully expect to replace it atleast once a year.
Click to expand...

Yep. I installed timers on my front porch, garage lights, and back deck...and they have a D2D setting. They've been running for probably close to 10 years at this point. Changed batteries for the 2nd time about a month ago. Can't really complain.

Only issue is the clock on this runs fast. Every couple months one has gained ~10 min, and one ~20. Crazy.
 
CZfool68 said:
In my experiecne these lights always go bad quickly, or other people mess them up using the light switch. I've taken the motion out of mine and just use the switch when I want them on. Not as sneaky that way, but at least they are on when I want them on and off during the day.
Click to expand...

This one still works.

Almost too good, in my opinion.
 
Going back to the original post, when faced with this problem (no manual, no idea of manufacturer) I have used the following process, which frequently works. I did this for the light at my previous house.
1. Do a Google search on a description of the device. Search for photos.
2. Find a photo that looks like your device, then go to that website to see if you can identify the manufacturer.
3. Go to the manufacturer's website and look for the manual.

I did this for a cheap dashcam I got for free. I found out that it was sold by a number of different vendors, including Sharper Image, and was almost universally regarded as a POS. I found the "manual" but it wasn't much help. :(
 
I like the motion sensing as a criminal deterrent. And remotely at the barn it tells me something's down there.
I also like the models that offer a nightlight option. They provide half normal brightness for an adjustable amount of time, like dusk +3hrs. Great for some lower level light to see around the house, but go to full bright when sensing something. After the night light feature shuts off, they still act like nomal sensor lights. Home Depot has them, but Lowe's does not.
 
Last edited:
Button Pusher said:
Hi, set the slide switch to auto, that enables motion detector.
D2D is Dawn to dusk, light will be on all night.

Time adjusts how long the light stays on after motion turns it on.
Range sets the motion detector distance.
Click to expand...
Do you know of a brand that will actually last?
I hate being 30" up on a ladder, especially on a slope.
 
I put in a Ring floodlight camera. Motion detection turns on lights and records video and audio, and sends an alert to your phone if you want it to.
Been a year, no issues.
 
kcult said:
Long story short, a contractor installed a motion detection light, but threw away the box and instructions and I'm not sure how to set this thing. I don't know the brand and there are no clues on the unit to help me search.

I just want it to come on when someone pulls into the driveway after dark. Here's a pic of the controls.

View attachment 42817

In an attempt to keep any discussion on track, this is my wife's project. She did the hiring, made the requests, and is footing the bill with her own money. Trying to set this light is the extent of my involvement and figured I would attempt it today while she's at work.
Click to expand...
The funny thing is the part about ”her own money”. Its all hers. You Only have what you hide or she lets you have. I know a fine southern family court judge that will be glad to explain the rules. He was very patient and made sure I understood fully before he quit
 
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