Modifying effective motion detection distance
I am considering buying the Smart Outdoor Camera (no siren), but the road (25 mph light traffic) (which is also where people walk, some with their dog(s)) is about 35' from the mounting point, and I don't want the light to come on with motion from the road, nor to trigger events. Since the motion detector distance reaches to 50', I only want it to turn the light on, and possibly trigger events, in our driveway, and I'd be setting the unit at about a 45° (side) angle to capture the driveway, and can tilt it down a bit. If I do the following, should I be able to achieve my purposes?
Also, there is a rhododendron bush whose top is about 5' below the unit mounting location. With a previous motion detector flood lamp, the leaves, when windy, would set off the motion detector, but the leaves were closer then, more like 1' away. With 5' of space, is it probable that I can set the unit to not turn the light on nor trigger events?
I asked Smart Assist (Duck Duck Go's AI):
Can the motion detector have it's range shortened?
The reply was:
Adjusting Motion Detection Range
The motion detection range of the Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera cannot be physically shortened, as it is designed to detect motion within a specific distance (up to 50 feet or 15 meters). However, there are methods to effectively limit the detection area.
Methods to Limit Motion Detection
Camera Positioning:
•Reposition the camera to ensure it faces a more restricted area. By angling the camera downwards or towards a wall, you can effectively limit the area it monitors.
Detection Zones:
•Within the Netatmo app, you can define specific detection zones. This feature allows you to select only the areas where motion detection should be active, ignoring other regions.
Sensitivity Settings:
•Adjust the sensitivity of the motion detection in the camera settings. Lowering sensitivity can help reduce the likelihood of capturing minor movements outside your desired area.
Schedule Notifications:
•Set time schedules for when the camera should be active. This can help avoid unnecessary alerts during times when no monitoring is needed.
By using these methods, you can better manage how and when the motion detection feature activates, ensuring it meets your specific needs.
Comments
1 comment
Within the app you have an option to ignore / record and notify / record only for certain events - persons / cars / animals / other .
This allows the camera to ignore moving trees etc
The same options apply to activation of the floodlight .
There are zones you can add to ignore as well - various sizes as long as there is no overlap .
Plus there is option to deactivate when property is occupied
Occasionally it cannot distinguish a bird ( magpie ) from a human if the bird is v close to the camera or there is a spider crawling on the camera lens
The siren option can be turned off and set on if you see suspicious activity. I understand from reading comments on Reddit that the siren camera does not work with HomeKit ( unless there has been an update)
There are many disgruntled owners of this camera on this forum but when it works- it is excellent. It records even when the WiFi cuts off and saves it on the internal SD card .
Another with floodlight and siren option without subscription is e.u. f.y which works as a standalone or the whole kit . It has good clear pics but is restricted by solar charging ( option to charge with mains is a faff due to disconnecting it and then re installing in mounted cradle ) great if on a south facing wall .
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