Motion Detection Test Setting Vs Less Sensitive/More Sensitive Setting

[sbtyper]

Hello all, I am trying to understand the difference between the 2 settings. What is the difference between the Motion Detection Test vs the Less Sensitive/More Sensitive setting under rules. Isn't that the same thing? I did go through the forums and looked at the Motion Detection video but i still cant understand the difference.

For example if I go to Camera 1 and under the motion detection test I set it to 90%, does that mean that motion will be 90% sensitive?  Then for that camera's rule i go to the Less Sensitive/More Sensitive section and adjust the sensitivity? How does that differ than what I just adjusted under the Motion Detection Test? 

Now I am going through the website and it is currently labeled as Less Sensitive/More Sensitive Vs what the Android App labels it as 'Fewer Videos/More Videos'. Am I to assume that it is going to record few/more videos on that 90% sensitivity? 

I have 6 Cameras and all of them are using rechargable batteries and I am having to change out the batteries every 2 days because it is picking up too much motion since I live in an area where there is a lot of wind. 

I love this product but I just need to find that sweet spot regarding motion. Once I get a good understanding I believe I can adjust the cameras accordigly to my liking.

Thanks All. 

[jguerdat]

A lot of this is just trial and error.  The Motion Test simply helps you determine where motion is detected.  The Sensitivity / More/Less Videos setting then allows you to set at what level the detection must be to start recording.  Thus, they're related but not at all the same.  The former helps you define the area, the latter is used to determine the amount of motion needed to start recording. So, once aimed, adjust the sensitivity to minimize false detections.

I have one camera that points almost due west so the afternoon sun bouncing off moving leaves/branches gets me a lot of false recordings.  I've moved it to a higher location to increase the angle the camera is pointed down hoping to reduce the falses.  Not enough time to make a determination yet so, again, trial and error is needed.

On the rechargeable side, the TangsFire 1000mAh batteries are far outrunning the UltraFire/GTL 2300 mAh batteries.  Check out the threads in Buying Options and Tips forum.

[sbtyper]

Ok so if on the motion detection test I set that to 100% I should be able to pick up more motion in the area Vs 50%?

[jguerdat]

I suspect that the motion detection (not sensitivity) test uses 100% so it detects any activity. I don't know that for sure but that's how I'd do it - determine where the field of view is and then set the actual sensitivity afterwards.

[sbtyper]

I adjusted the Motion Sensitivity to 20% just so I can see how it works and left the cameras to record 100% More Videos. I have the Purple GTL 2300's so yeah i think I am going to check out the Tangsfire ones.

[sbtyper]

Jguerdat when u bought the Tangsfire batteries are you using the provided charger to charge these batteries or are u using a different charger? I am using the Nitecore universal charger to charge the GTL's wondering if the charger is not fully charging the batteries.

[jguerdat]

I only have the TF and UltraFire (should be the same as the GTLs) chargers.  Never tried a universal charger.  My TF charger doesn't quite charge to the same level as the UF charger (a difference of about .05v after sitting for a couple of hours to let the charge stabilize). However, TomMac says his charge the same so it appears to just be a slight difference in chargers.  If you can get 4.10v on your batteries after a complete charge and then letting them sit for a time, your charger should be fine.  If it's lower, then I'd suggest comparing whatever chargers you have and use the one that charges the most.  Might only equate to an hour of extra life but every bit can help.

[CML]

I have tested both my outdoor cameras extensively to try to lower the sensitivity so birds don't set off the motion detector.  Unfortunately when I lower the sensitivity, the range (angle) of detection decreases.  For instance, when I change sensitivity from 100% to 65%, I have to walk directly in front of the camera to set the motion-recording.  Is there some other setting I'm missing?

[oldkid]

I'm having trouble with sunlight, shadows, or swaying branches causing mine to go off. I think it has more to do with the sunlight and shadows causing it to go off. It is difficult to pinpoint but I have tried every sensitivity setting and it won't stop it from sending me false alerts.

I am probably just going to have to move the camera and see if that works, I cannot take false alerts for 3 hours a day when I'm at work.

[KristynM]

oldkid,

A good troubleshooting step is to swap locations of the camera to a location where there is minimal movement of environmental interference compared to where it is currently located.

To help you with testing the location and the motion detection sensitivity, you could use the Motion Detection Test located under Settings > Camera Settings > Select your camera > Motion Detection Test. The LED will flash to show you where motion is detected. 

I'll be looking forward to hearing from you with your results.

[oldkid]

Thanks Kristy for those ideas, and I have thought about moving the cameras in question. But I really like the position of where the cameras are now, I will play around with the different sensitivity settings, or maybe just make the frame smaller. It's a shame that these cameras cannot tell the difference between a tree branch or a person trying to break into my house. One of these days the cameras will advanced enough to pick up on heat signals given off by the movement as well. Ha! So far, I would like to comment that the Arlo is the best motion or lack of detection (false alarms) on the market.

[KristynM]

oldkid,

Thank you for the feedback. Your feedback and is much appreciated. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have further concerns or suggestions.