DFRobot SEN0523 Infrared indoor break beam sensors
How to use sensors outdoor in sunshine and extreme solar heat
The long recessed tube may solve the direct-sunlight problem, but for an outdoor installation it creates another one: rainwater, dirt and condensation.
There is also an important point in your drawing (@ 0:46): the reflected sunlight path shown in orange only exists because of the lower part of the tunnel. If the bottom is open, that particular reflection path simply cannot occur — the sunlight continues downward instead of being reflected back towards the receiver.
So the lower wall is not only unnecessary for shading, it is actually counterproductive: it creates both a reflecting surface and a place where water and dirt can collect.
I would use the same basic principle as a traffic signal: shade from above and from the sides, recess the receiver, but leave the bottom open. That blocks direct sunlight from the relevant angles while allowing stray light, rainwater and dirt to escape.
Thanks for the constructive feedback. It is appreciated.
The long recessed tube may solve the direct-sunlight problem, but for an outdoor installation it creates another one: rainwater, dirt and condensation.
The solution has been tested in heavy rain (@ 4:24) The funnel is conical and the water runs off. At the end of the vide(@ 4:48) it is shown how to protect the funnel with a small glass pane. However, I have not tested whether condensation is a problem.
I would use the same basic principle as a traffic signal: shade from above and from the sides, recess the receiver, but leave the bottom open. That blocks direct sunlight from the relevant angles while allowing stray light, rainwater and dirt to escape.
Using matte black filament will significantly reduce reflection of the sun's rays (@1:13)
New IR sensor SEN0523 in- and outdoor housing test build.
The new design looks like the right approach to me. There is just one detail I would change: the cut edge does not provide a well-defined drip edge. I would simply add a small chamfer on the inside so that rainwater is guided to the outer edge and drips off there.
Using any sensor outside can be a challenge.
Heat, cold, dirt, water for starters. And that's without the wildlife.
I can just see a local spider taking up residence under the shelter of the hood and making a beeline for the lens.
A lot of commercial infrared break beam devices, gate openers for example, seem to go for designs that are clean and smooth.
I learnt that lesson when trying to find suitable motion sensors in insect rich hostile environments. I did try whatever was to hand like plastic flowerpots to protect the sensor, only to provide a home for spiders and snails.
I don't have a 3d printer, where can I buy them these covers?
Perfect as a general approach. One small caveat: the front side walls can still reflect sunlight toward the receiver when the sun is low and coming from the side.
I would probably shape the hood roughly like this: keep the top extended for sun and rain protection, but cut the sides back towards the front to reduce surfaces that could reflect low-angle sunlight towards the receiver.
I would also add a defined drip edge on the inside so that water running along the hood is forced to drip off instead of following the surface towards the sensor.
The hood diameter should be kept sufficiently large so that the extended upper part still provides good shading without unnecessarily restricting the receiver's field of view towards the transmitter.
Something along these lines ...
Very nice. professionally. Unfortunately, I use the simple drawing program TinkerCad.
If the sun is a problem, the "Direct sun" design should be used: IR sensor SEN0523 RECEIVER direct sun outdoor housing by JEBM-DK - Thingiverse
I have testet the design and it works well.
I am happy with the two new designs and would like to thank you for helping me develop them.