INSTEON Motion Sensor Quick Start Guide
Models: 2842-222, 2842-422, 2842-522
Tools Needed
- Small Phillips screwdriver
Introduction
The INSTEON Motion Sensor is an indoor/outdoor motion sensor designed to turn INSTEON-controlled lights on and off in response to movement. It includes a photocell, enabling configuration to activate lights only at night. Pairing with INSTEON software allows for extensive automation possibilities.
The package contains the Motion Sensor, a 9V battery, a swivel mount, and 2 screws.
Operation
When Motion is Sensed
- When motion is detected, the Motion Sensor sends an ON command to up to 30 linked INSTEON responders and flashes its LED (unless it is daytime and the unit is in night-only mode).
- The sensor begins its automatic countdown.
- Sensing motion during the countdown resets the timer, enabling "occupied" versus "unoccupied" modes.
- When the countdown expires, the sensor sends an OFF command to all linked responders (unless in on-only mode).
Applications
- Turn on driveway or front step lights when visitors approach.
- Keep your fountain activated when you are home and off when away.
- Enable energy-saving modes for HVAC and lighting when no one is present.
Setup
Insert Battery
Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw and cover from the battery compartment on the back of the unit. Attach the included 9V battery. Do not replace the compartment cover until instructed later in this guide. Wait 5 minutes for the circuit to stabilize. To confirm functionality, tap the Set button a couple of times while observing the front of the unit. Each tap should cause a red LED behind the sensor lens to flash. The LED may also flash when motion is detected, indicating normal operation.
Dual-Band Products and Access Points
To control powerline-only devices, at least one INSTEON Access Point (#2443) or other dual-band product must be installed in your home.
Make Motion Sensor a Controller
- Press and hold the Set button on the Motion Sensor for 5 seconds. The Motion Sensor LED will start blinking red.
- Set the responder to the desired state (e.g., turn on, set to 50% brightness, or turn off).
- Press and hold the responder's set button until it double-beeps. The Motion Sensor LED will stop blinking.
- Test by tapping the Motion Sensor's Set button. The responder should react appropriately. The Motion Sensor LED will blink red.
- Repeat steps 1-4 for up to 32 responders.
Detecting Area
The motion sensor has a specific detection pattern. The diagram illustrates the coverage angles and distances, showing a maximum detection range of 12 meters.
Placement Tips
Select a location that provides the required coverage, considering the following potential issues:
- Reflective surfaces: Avoid aiming the detector at mirrors or windows, as this can distort the coverage pattern or reflect sunlight directly onto the detector.
- Air flow: Avoid locations with direct high air flow, such as near air duct outlets.
- Moisture: Do not place the detector near sources of steam or oil.
- Sunlight: Do not aim the detector where it might receive direct or reflected (mirror) sunlight.
- Obstruction: Ensure large objects like plants or filing cabinets do not obstruct the detection area.
- Pet rejection: To minimize false triggers from pets, avoid aiming the detector at stairways accessible to pets. Do not place furniture or objects higher than 3 ft. (0.9 m) that a pet could climb onto (e.g., a couch) closer than 6 ft. (1.8 m) to the detector.
- Fireplace: Do not place the detector near a fireplace due to heat and light.
- Snow or ice: Snow or ice on the Fresnel lens can interfere with motion detection.
- Dirt: Dirt on the Fresnel lens can also interfere with motion detection.
Mount Sensor
- Use the two included small screws to secure the swivel mounting bracket at your desired location.
- Slide the Motion Sensor onto the swivel mounting bracket (to the right) until it clicks into place.
- Aim the Motion Sensor towards the area where you want to detect motion.
- Test by walking through the area. Responders should activate upon sensing motion and turn off 30 seconds after the last motion is detected.
Adjust Detection Area
- Tap the Set button on the Motion Sensor until the linked responder(s) turn off.
- Within 10 seconds, move outside the detection area.
- Wait 20 seconds.
- Walk into the detection area. Your linked responders should turn on (the LED will flash on initial motion, then once every 8 seconds during motion).
- If the LED does not flash while moving within the desired area, re-aim the sensor (usually by pointing it upwards).
- If the LED flashes while you are moving outside the detection area, aim the sensor to decrease its range (usually by pointing it downwards). If results are still not satisfactory, place Jumper 1 on both pins (refer to Setup Modes).
Setup Modes (Optional)
Set Jumpers
Jumpers are small plastic connectors that act as switches. A switch is "on" when the jumper is installed on 2 pins, and "off" when installed on 1 pin or missing.
- Jumper 1 – Sensitivity: To reduce the detection range by approximately 33%, carefully remove Jumper 1 (the left-most jumper) from its single pin and reinstall it on both pins. Tap the Set button once, wait 10 seconds, and activate motion to set the new sensitivity.
- Jumper 2 - Disable LED: To disable the LED (it will still operate during setup), install Jumper 2 on both pins. Tap the Set button once, wait 10 seconds, and activate motion to set the new mode.
- Jumper 3 – Night-Only Mode: To have the sensor operate only when dark, install Jumper 3 on both pins. Tap the Set button once, wait 10 seconds, and activate motion to set the new mode. Note: It takes approximately 3.5 minutes (or 7 Set button taps) to detect the difference between day and night. Refer to the Day/Night Threshold section for details.
- Jumper 4 – On-Only Mode: To disable the automatic-off countdown, install Jumper 4 on both pins. The Motion Sensor will then only send "On" commands. Tap the Set button once, wait 10 seconds, and activate motion to set the new mode.
- Jumper 5 – Remote (Software) Management: To manage all sensor settings via INSTEON software (like HouseLinc), install Jumper 5 on both pins. Follow your INSTEON software instructions for sensor management.
Adjust Modes
Adjust Dials
- Left Dial – Adjust Automatic "Off" Countdown: Use a small Phillips screwdriver to set the desired time duration for the OFF command after the last motion is sensed. Turning the dial fully counter-clockwise sets the countdown to 30 seconds; fully clockwise sets it to 2 hours. Intermediate settings provide a proportional duration between 30 seconds and 2 hours.
- Right Dial - Day/Night Threshold: Use a small Phillips screwdriver to adjust the day/night threshold to your desired light level. Turning the dial clockwise increases the threshold (making it easier to register as "night"), while turning it counter-clockwise decreases it (making it easier to register as "day"). Turning the dial fully clockwise will always register as "night," regardless of ambient light. Turning it fully counter-clockwise will always register as "day." Intermediate settings select the specific light level for day/night determination. To test, set the sensor to night-only mode and tap the Set button 7 times. If it registers the current light level as "night," linked responders will turn on with the first motion. If it registers as "day," the LED will flash, but responders will not activate.
Troubleshooting
Symptom | Resolution |
---|---|
Sensor won't link to responders | Move a dual-band INSTEON device (e.g., Access Point) closer to the Motion Sensor. |
Sensor won't control linked responders |
|
LED flashing rapidly after motion is detected | The sensor did not receive an acknowledgement from one or more linked devices. If this occurs repeatedly, move a dual-band INSTEON device closer to the sensor, or unlink devices that are no longer in use. If responders are unavailable, use software or perform a factory reset to remove unwanted links. |
LED not flashing upon motion |
|
Not sensing motion |
|
LED is double flashing upon motion | Low battery warning – replace with a fresh battery. |
Remove Motion Sensor as a Controller
- Press and hold the Set button on the Motion Sensor for 5 seconds. The Motion Sensor LED will start blinking red.
- Press and hold the Set button on the Motion Sensor for another 5 seconds. The Motion Sensor LED will continue blinking red.
- Press and hold the responder's set button until it beeps. The Motion Sensor LED will stop blinking.
- Test by tapping the Motion Sensor's Set button. The former responder should no longer respond.
Factory Reset
Return Motion Sensor to Factory Settings:
- If possible, remove the Motion Sensor as a controller of all responders before proceeding.
- Remove the battery.
- Wait 15 seconds.
- While pressing the Set button, reattach the battery. The LED will turn on after approximately 2 seconds.
- Continue pressing the Set button for 5 seconds, then release it. The LED will turn off after approximately 2 seconds.
Note: If responders are not unlinked, they may continue to respond to the Motion Sensor even after a factory reset.
Owner's Manual and Tech Support
For the most up-to-date Quick Start Guide, visit http://www.insteon.com/support. Contact the INSTEON Support Line at 866-243-8022.
FCC and IC Warnings
The digital circuitry of this device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15B of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause such interference, which can be verified by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to eliminate the interference by one or more of the following measures: Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna of the device experiencing the interference; Increase the distance between this device and the receiver; Connect the device to an AC outlet on a circuit different from the one that supplies power to the receiver; Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This apparatus has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital apparatus, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are intended to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This apparatus generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this apparatus causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the apparatus off and on, the user is encouraged to try one or more of the following corrective measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the apparatus experiencing the interference. Increase the distance between the apparatus and the receiver. Connect the apparatus to an AC outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult your dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for additional suggestions.
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