Adding a motion sensor
One of the best ways for reducing power consumption and extending tube life is to use a
motion sensor. This can either be a PIR (recommended: HC-SR505) or a microwave detector
(recommeded: RCWL-0516, shown on the right).
You can also use other types of sensor, but it is important that you choose one with a 3.3V
output. If you choose one with a 5V output, you could damage your controller.
Motion sensor automatic detection
The motion sensor is automatically detected if it is installed, and the default blanking operation
is disabled. From the time that the motion sensor is detected, the clock will automatically go
into blanking more when the clock detects that no one is there to see the display.
This greatly increases tube life! You can see the effect of blanking by comparing the values of
“Total Clock On Hours” and “Total Tube On Hours” on the summary page. For a clock in my
bedroom, the on hours is less than 5% of the total on time, therefore increasing the tube life by
more than 20 times.
If no motion sensor is detected, the tubes will either be never blanked, or blanked according to
the time schedule you have chosen.
HC-SR505 PIR
RCWL-0516
