Plug-In Dualband Motion detector

[smokegrub]

A reliable plug-in dualband motion detector would be a popular, extremely useful product.  The product should have firmware allowing control of all features through the ISY. No need to access jumpers or make other adjustments mechanically.

[Xathros]

This needs to be posted in the Smarthome's  product request forum.  This device should include a rechargeable battery backup of some sort.

 

-Xathros

[larryllix]

My Insteon MS units are all completely settable from the ISY except the linking mode must be entered by pressing the MS Linking button.

 

A 9v adapter and some kind of 2.1mm to 9v battery clip and 2.1mm extension cord is required to not cut the wires off and void the warranty though. I haven't found that combo for under $15-20 yet.

[stusviews]

That seems reasonable for a device that eliminates buying and replacing batteries. Here's one that snaps on: http://smile.amazon.com/UpBright%C2%AE-Eliminator-100-240VAC-Universal-DURACELL/dp/B00FGG3GKE/ref=smi_www_rcolv2_go_smi?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

[larryllix]

That seems reasonable for a device that eliminates buying and replacing batteries. Here's one that snaps on: http://smile.amazon.com/UpBright%C2%AE-Eliminator-100-240VAC-Universal-DURACELL/dp/B00FGG3GKE/ref=smi_www_rcolv2_go_smi?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Thanks but...

 

That would be great if the cord was long enough to reach from a receptacle 18" above the floor to  a MS mounted in the usual position.

 

    and

 

The polarity wasn't backwards.

 

I figure since the adapters all have cords less than 4' long an extension is needed and then a 9v battery clip adapter. eBay has tonnes (metric) of them but they are all polarity backwards so that a battery can act as a power supply to a device with a plug.

[arw01]

I bought some 2.1mm barrel jack adapters that go to screw terminals, have not hacked that together yet, but a bit of soldering, some wire and will be there.

 

I was considering a pair of the Cat Eye style ones that also give you temperature and a few other abilities and are supposed to last a couple of years on their battery.  Z -wave however, so that's another piece of complications with the current ISY release.

[stusviews]

The polarity is not backwards. I use that adapter. But here's a more easily extended adapter: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9VGVO2/ref=s9_simh_co_p121_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=typ-top-left-1&pf_rd_r=11XWDE1W2KJK6FEAGHBD&pf_rd_t=3201&pf_rd_p=1827489602&pf_rd_i=typ01

[Brian H]

Smarthome use to see one with the proper snap connector on it.

Too bad it is now showing unavailable.

 

http://www.smarthome.com/hauntmasters-9v-adapter-plug-in-9-volt-power-supply-battery-eliminator.html

[stusviews]

Both power supplies I linked to have the proper snap connectors. Connectors are available separately: http://smile.amazon.com/2-1x5-5mm-Power-Battery-Button-Connector/dp/B005D65LEG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hpc_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=0W9ESXWT2H3KA5KK81QE

[larryllix]

The polarity is not backwards. I use that adapter. But here's a more easily extended adapter: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9VGVO2/ref=s9_simh_co_p121_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=typ-top-left-1&pf_rd_r=11XWDE1W2KJK6FEAGHBD&pf_rd_t=3201&pf_rd_p=1827489602&pf_rd_i=typ01

The advert lists it as a charger. That and some reviews say the polarity is backwards. Most  just report it doesn't work.  Almost all the 2.1mm to 9v clip adapters are built backwards on eBay also as they are made to use a 9v battery to supply a positive centre 2.1 x 4.5?? mm connector to a piece of equipment like arduino. That and/or being a battery charger  makes the polarity backwards for a 9v battery replacement. Cord could always be cut and reversed

 

If you use a wallwart adapter that has an odd polarity plug  (negative centre), the cable adapters should work fine. I am trying to avoid the negative polarity tipped connectors  if I can since all the equipment I have purchased in the last ten years or so seems to have standardised on positive tips now.

 

I bought one of these 9v adapters in the 1 ampere version with the flat receptacle side face  and on the second unplug the live pin pulled out and was left sticking out of the receptacle. After taking the junk apart the construction was "an accident looking for a place to happen". There was no bumps, no knurling, no anything on either pin that could hold them into the plastic case face.  I did some peening of the pins inside, epoxied the pins to the case, and resoldered the wires onto the pins. Very dangerous construction but I figure the ones with raised power pin panel may have a better construction that can last more than two or three unpluggings.

 

The second unit you listed looks good except for the short cord again.  Thanks. I didn't come across that one before but amazon.com says they won't sell outside the US.

[larryllix]

Smarthome use to see one with the proper snap connector on it.

Too bad it is now showing unavailable.

 

http://www.smarthome.com/hauntmasters-9v-adapter-plug-in-9-volt-power-supply-battery-eliminator.html

Many reports that one put out over 12 volts, obviously an analogue transformer based adapter.

 

Are the MSes ok with higher voltages?

[stusviews]

The advert lists it as a charger. That and some reviews say the polarity is backwards.

That's not possible. A battery charger and battery eliminator have the same polarity, that is, the positive terminal of the charger/eliminator connects to the positive terminal of either the battery or what it's supplying power for.

[larryllix]

That's not possible. A battery charger and battery eliminator have the same polarity, that is, the positive terminal of the charger/eliminator connects to the positive terminal of either the battery or what it's supplying power for.

This needs rethinking of the logic somewhat

 

In regards to a 9v battery clip style connector to 5.5x2.1mm x jack adapter cables.

On a battery, or battery eliminator, the small (male) connector is positive and inserts into the larger female socket of the equipment.

On a piece of equipment, or load,  like an MS, the large female connector is positive so it can accept the one from above.

 

 

To put it in another perspective using only the positive polarity connections. KISS

 

On a 9v battery supply adapter to say an 5.5x2.1mm Arduino input jack.

 -The positive small battery male connector --> the female clip on the adapter cable --> the tip of the jack-->Arduino power jack positive

ie. On a supply adapter (or charger) the large female on 9v clip = positive

 

 

On a battery eliminator adapter (same as the battery polarity)

- The wallwart jack tip positive --> the small  male clip on 9v adapter cable --> MS 9v battery clip large female socket (accepts a battery male positive)

ie. On battery eliminator adapter  small male on 9v clip = positive

 

 

 

After cruising eBay for a few days looking for possibilities is appears that all or almost all of these adapter are built reversed for using wallwarts with equipment.

I find this the same as all the LED vehicle lamp replacements. They are all positive ground and none work in N. American vehicles. Of course many of the vendors are real smart and state "If the bulb doesn't work just rotate it 180 degrees and reinsert in the socket" duh!  The tip doesn't change position.

 

Of course what are you going to do?  Reverse the wiring with different size push-on lugs?. Cut the wiring and have a positive case in a negative ground car? Pay $25 to ship the $4 bulb back to China so you get a replacement? Has "sucker" written all over it.

 

Buyer beware!

[stusviews]

I can't vouch for eBay battery eliminators, but all I've gotten from Amazon (4 in total, 3 different styles) have the correct polarity. Or you could make your own: