Adding PIR Sensors to Internet CCTV

October 9th, 2023



The new breed of CCTV cameras known as wireless internet CCTV cameras or IP cameras is totally digital, more like a computer than a traditional camera.  This new type of camera detects changes in the digital image that its sensor “sees” to decide whether something has moved within the picture.  This method of detecting movement can be improved upon by adding a passive infra-red (PIR) sensor to the camera, as this article explains.

There is a limitation to using internet CCTV cameras to detect movement.  These cameras determine whether movement has occurred within their field of view by examining changes in the digital images that the camera’s optical sensor produces.  One problem with this approach is that changes in the digital image may have been caused by something other than a person moving around.  For example, if a streetlight suddenly comes on outside a room where the camera is located, there will be a big change in the digital image because it will be suddenly brighter.  The camera will notice this change and will raise a motion detection alert – a false alarm in this case.  There are several ways to resolve this problem, for example by using sophisticated image processing software in the camera or on a central computer so that people are “recognized” as people and an image-wide change in light level is ignored.  A simpler solution, however, is to use a PIR sensor.

A top-quality wireless internet CCTV camera will usually have a small block of connectors known as an I/O or input/output port, which has several purposes.  The port is just a series of holes where wires can be attached and tightened with a screw.  The pair of connectors known as the input connectors are the ones used if you want to connect a sensor such as a PIR sensor.  The inputs are used because the sensor is sending a signal into the camera, as opposed to the camera sending a signal outward.

You need to choose a PIR sensor that will work with the camera.  The camera’s ports will be able to accept incoming signals of a certain wattage and voltage and attaching anything to the input ports that sends in electrical signals above the allowed range could damage the camera.  Fortunately, most PIR sensors have a standard output signal, and cameras in Chico, CA are designed to work with most of them.  Choose a good quality sensor that can be adjusted for sensitivity and set to exclude the movement of small objects such as pets.  To make fitting easier, go for one with a built-in battery.  Although it is possible in theory to power the sensor from the camera, in practice it is tricky to get enough power to the sensor and often easier to go for the battery option.  Next, we will look at how the sensor is attached to the camera.

Take a look at your camera’s manual to find the pair of input connectors within the connector block.  Then, you simply take the two wires from the sensor and connect them to the input connectors of the camera, making sure you connect positive and negative wires to the appropriate connectors in accordance with the manual. It is no more difficult than wiring a plug.  Next, attach the sensor to the wall or ceiling so it is “looking” at the same view as the camera.  This means that when the sensor detects movement, the camera will be recording that movement.  We also need to make a small change in the camera, as the next section explains.

The internet CCTV camera itself needs to be configured so that it will raise the alert and record images not when the camera itself detects movement, but rather when its input port receives a signal from the PIR sensor.  It is usually a case of changing a single setting on the camera’s event set-up page, so that any motion detection “trigger” is ignored; rather it will be a signal from the input port that causes the camera to raise an alert.  This is usually a simple change but will vary according to the camera model, so please consult the manual for details.

By using a standard PIR sensor with your wireless internet CCTV camera in this way, your camera will be able to detect movement more accurately and consequently the number of false alarms will be greatly reduced. Contact a PIR sensor expert in Chico, CA to learn more.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268