What parameter is affected by adjusting the motion sensitivity?

[JmarEvans]

What parameter is affected by adjusting the motion sensitivity? I had assumed it would be the distance where the motion occurs, but the icons to either side of the slider show a person standing still and a person running fast. Is it, then, the speed of the object that triggers the recording?

I have a camera mounted above my front porch, facing the street, which about 30 yards distant. The motion detection is set to 90. When a car passes, it gets triggered, but when a pedestrian passes on the sidewalk, about 15 yards away, nothing happens. Do I need to move the slider more towards the standing person icon so it will catch slower movement? Is it possible to trigger on motion on the sidewalk and entry path, yet avoid the street motion?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

[JamesC]

JmarEvans,

The issue you're describing sounds like it has less to do with sensitivity and more to do with the range of the motion being captured.

15/30 yards is far outside the intended range for motion detection. While the camera may pick up motion further than expected (best motion detection range is between 5 and 20 feet), results may vary.

Consider taking a look at this article for tips on best position for your Arlo cameras: How do I position my Arlo Wire-Free or Arlo Pro Wire-Free camera?

JamesC

[JmarEvans]

JamesC,

Thanks for the link! It was very informative.

I keep hearing that the detection range is limited to about 20 feet, but I'm getting triggers from passing cars and my street is about 20-30 yards from where my camera is mounted.

I'm still looking for information regarding what parameter is controled by adjusting the sensitivity slider. The icons to either side of the control show a person standing (on the left, low value side) and a person running (on the right, high value side). From that, am I correct to assume that the control is setting how fast something moves before a trigger is generated?

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

[JamesC · Accepted solution]

JmarEvans,

Essentially, the higher number on the slider (sliding to the right) will allow the camera to be "more" sensitive to motion while the lower number (sliding to the left) will allow the camera to be "less" sensitive.

Arlo cameras detect motion using PIR (Passive Infrared), The PIR sensor detects changes in the amount of infrared radiation being emitted from the objects entering its view versus the rest of the viewable environment. As you increase the sensitivity level (sliding the sensitivity to the right/higher number) this causes the camera to trigger motion detection in response to smaller changes in the IR being radiated (more sensitive).

JamesC

[Discouraged]

That motion detection range would have been a good addition to your advertising and packaging for outdoor cameras.  I just spent $700 for six cameras that do not detect motion untill I am within 10' of them and after their 6 second delay I'm out of frame before the video starts recording.

Yes, I've the sensitivity set to 100%.  Yes, they are mounted at 8 feet above grade to avoid being dismounted.  Very misleading advertising, but you made your money.  Good Job.

[jguerdat]

It could be the WiFi connection to the base being the issue.  What are the WiFi indicators looking like?  Can you reposition the base to be closer to the cameras?  Sometimes it's not the distance but interference from other 2.4GHz wireless devices near the base and/or walls/wiring/ductwork that blocks the signal sufficiently to cause a problem.  In that case, only small movement of the base may be needed.