Methods of Motion Detection
    
    
In this section I am going to show you four different ways of detecting motion for use as a prop trigger. Two of them are hacks of existing motion sensors, one (X10) is a wireless solution, and the last is an electronics solution based on the parallax motion sensor and a microcontroller or prop controller such as a prop1. All have advantages and disadvantages depending on the prop, the on time required for the trigger, and the amount of time before the prop can be triggered again. Among these four methods you should be able to satisfy the requirement of almost any prop. The four options are as follows:


The floodlight Motion sensor:

Advantages
Easy to use
Fairly inexpensive

Disadvantages
The least amount of control
Only a few reset time options

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The Wall Switch Motion Sensor

Advantages
Easy to use
Fairly inexpensive
Adustable on time from  15 seconds to 15 minutes

Disadvantages
Indoor use only (must protect if using outside)

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The X10 Wireless motion sensor

Advantages
Wireless
small sensor
good range

Disadvantages
Most expensive option
avarage on time delay options

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The Parallax Motion Sensor

Advantages
The most configurable
Smallest sensor
The most adaptable
Can control multiple props
Can be sequenced (mini show controller)
Programmable in basic (Picaxe, Basic Stamp, Prop 1)

Disadvantages
At least basic electronics knowledge required (in links on the main page is a free online electronics course)
Must learn basic (for some microcontrollers)
Some circuits need to be made
If new to electronics small to moderate start up cost (some things you may already have)

Take me to the Parallax Motion detector how-to