Hey All,
I'd like to install some motion sensors outdoors and have been shopping around for a weatherproof unit. I'm finding stuff like this that has a 28V alarm signal. Won't that smoke an Arduino?
Anyway I'm looking for a form factor something like that that'll work with an Arduino. Any and all leads are appreciated.
Thanks
Rich
Yes that would cook an Arduino if you did nothing to the output signal but they don't look weatherproof anyway (take a look at the rear battery cover - seems like a standard indoor unit to me?)
Anyway, if this were my project I would use a standard, Arduino-compatible PIR like this or a much smaller device (which does not have the sensitivity / darkness controls) like this one both types being available locally not just the Far East (just expect to pay a bit more).
Then mount it in a suitably sized weatherproof project box (eg from Maplins or the Far East at half the price) and cut out the hole for the sensor to just come through. Then seal with transparent, outdoor silicone sealer (bathroom sealer). Easy to do and you can even mount the Arduino and the rest of the gubbins in the same box if you get one big enough.
That's my take and what I would do in the absence of cheap, weatherproof, Arduino-compatible PIR units 
Please repair your links.
Suggest you use "preview" to test your postings.
Oh, also strip off the "?hash=" tail from eBay links.
Paul__B:
Please repair your links.Suggest you use "preview" to test your postings.
Oh, also strip off the "?hash=" tail from eBay links.
Duly repaired and thanks for pointing that out, but why is it so difficult to paste in a URL on this forum (I notice others have moaned about this too).
I go to a web page, copy the URL and paste it into the 'link' popup here, duly removing the http:// prefix already present. I then somehow get quotes added (!) and the http:// prefix seems to reappear sometimes too. Is there an easier way or is it just me - that was rhetorical Paul, I already know what you will say to that :))
Ralph_S_Bacon:
Duly repaired and thanks for pointing that out, but why is it so difficult to paste in a URL on this forum
You need to specify your OS and browser. I have no troubles - but then I do it a lot.
Ralph_S_Bacon:
I go to a web page, copy the URL and paste it into the 'link' popup here, duly removing the http:// prefix already present.
The browser tends to re-interpret the URL - "copy" tends to automatically add the "http://" which is otherwise not shown. When the pop-up appears, the "http://" is already highlighted and focussed and the new URL will simply replace it unless you click on it first.
Ralph_S_Bacon:
I then somehow get quotes added (!) and the http:// prefix seems to reappear sometimes too.
As above. But you should examine it carefully in the preview.
Paul__B:
But you should examine it carefully in the preview.
Noted. I will be extra vigilant in the future. Thanks for the explanation of why this happens too.
I think that as others have said, your best bet would be to place the entire thing into an acrylic or similar container. Will it be outside? You may consider just placing it behind a window or other piece of glass.
-Tyler