Combo Flex ECT

Instructions
[PIR sensor attached to your unit should look similar to the one above]
The information on this page explains use of the Passive Infra Red (PIR) motion detector, which comes wired to the Flex ECT.  If you are not already familiar with the basic operation of the Flex ECT, after you read/get a printout of this page, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to get a printout of the Flex ECT instructions.  [Note: the test procedure referred to, there, are replaced by the Test Procedures described below.]
 
 

*** NEW FEATURE ***
Starting in 2004 Combo Flex units will have a sensor indicator.
This indicator is a small red LED (see photo below) that will illuminate
whenever the PIR sensor is activated.
 
 




D.C. Test Procedure (no A.C. power applied)
The power toggle switch of the Flex should be in its "OFF" position.
The A.C. power cord of the timer does not have to be plugged in for this test.

Plug the  9-volt Battery Eliminator in a socket and snap the battery clips of the Combo Flex and Battery Eliminator together.

Cover the PIR motion detector with a coffee cup, or any other object that wil completely cover it,  having opague sides and top. 

The T1 and T2 knobs on the Flex ECT should each be set to a little over "1" on their respective dials (so timing does'nt take long).   (the  Energize  toggle switch position doesn't matter for this test)

Turn the Combo Flex ECT power switch "ON".   Wait  1 minute to allow the PIR sensor to "warm up".
During this "warm up" time the PIR may not function,  but after about a minute the PIR-timer system will operate
as described below.

After this minute, remove the covering object from the PIR - this action should immediately cause T1 to begin timing as indicated by the green LED above the T1 knob.   Also the red LED on the white terminal strip at the front of the unit will light whenever the PIR sensor activates.  Once T1 times out, its LED extinguishes,  and T2, as indicated by its green LED,  begins timing.

When T2's LED goes out,  the Flex ECT has completed timing and is ready to reset.  However, at the instant of reset the timer must have no signal on its sensor terminals.  This means that the PIR can not be sensing anything at the moment of reset.   [you can see if the PIR is sending a signal via the red LED indicator]

If the PIR sensor red LED is lit  when the timer is ready to reset,  the timer will wait until there's no PIR signal, to reset.    To encourage immediate reset after T2 times out, limit the field of view of the PIR sensor,  as described at the bottom of this page or just cover it again.

A.C. Test Procedure
Start with the power toggle switch in its OFF position.  It will be assumed that the A.C. test is carried out right after the above D.C. test with the Battery Eliminator plugged in and connected to the battery snap of the timer.

Plug the timer's power cord into a three prong A.C. socket.
Plug into the timer's A.C.  socket a light or light fixture that's turned "on".
(make sure that the bulb in this fixture is working, first)
With the same,  short, time settings for T1 & T2 used in the D.C. test, put the
Energize toggle switch handle toward => T1 (its LEFT position as you read top label).

Turn the power switch ON and again wait for about a minute to allow the PIR sensor to stabilize (warm up).    Remove the covering object from the PIR detector.    This time when T1 is timing (its LED is "ON"), the light plugged into the Flex ECT should also be "ON".

Toggle the Energize  switch to T2, which is its "RIGHT most" position as you face dials.  Now when you uncover the PIR sensor,  the A.C. light should come on when T2 is timing.
______________
 

Proper Mounting Position:
The small PIR detector is symmetrical,  so,  unlike other PIR detectors,  may be mounted in any position.  There is a hole in the circuit board.  If this hole is filled with glue, use a drill or hobby knife (carefully) to open.  Then it can be used for mounting by nail or push pin; it can be hung vertically through this hole using a wire, paper clip, "S" hook, etc.      The PIR sensor will detect motion 15 to 20 feet away when it is mounted vertically,  at least five to six feet from the floor.      ***Outdoors => aim the PIR detector so that  there is a large background object, such as the ground, or a wall of some kind behind the person/s being sensed, this is much better than aiming into an open space.
 
 

Masking for Narrow View Detection:
An 'aiming tube' is easily formed from a  3 x 5 card.  It fits around the lens of the PIR,  and restricts the location where triggering can occur.   This  'aiming tube'  forms a  "gun barrel" sight and forces triggering in a direct line with the 'aiming tube'.  With our latest units,  you can position this aiming tube using the PIR sensor indicator as a guide.    Click Here for a photo "how to build".

__________________

Operational Principle of Passive Infra Red (PIR) motion detectors:
This type of sensor detects moving infra red (heat) source/s that can be differentiated from background infra red radiation (ambient temperature).   The temperature of a moving object can be detected, if it is significantly higher than ambient temperature.   PIR detectors, such as ours, can reliably discern moving heat sources of at least eight to ten degrees F,  higher than ambient.   As the human skin temperature is around 90 oF, this means that, to be detected, ambient temperature should be no higher than 80 o F.    During summer months or when ambient temperatures get above this temperature, a PIR motion detector may not be effective.
____________________

How to make an "aiming tube":

                                          1                                                 2




                                                      3                                              4


 
 
 
 

     Click HERE for Flex ECT Instructions