Motion Sensors: How to Know Which One to Use?

Other Hardware Sensors
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Hi yall,
I have ZERO knowledge of coding, and i'm unfamiliar with Arduinos. I have to do a project for school were I will be constructing a motion activated pet feeder!

I'm, looking for a motion sensor that will activated when the pet is in front of it. The motion sensor will active a lid covering the food dish.

What motion sensor would work the best for this type of application?

Thanks in advance~

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Do you need a motion sensor, or perhaps a proximity sensor that will only trigger at a short range.

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I would use a breakbeam detector like this.
Will work with any color pet, white, black, or spotted.

or

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If you are specifically instructed to use a motion sensor I'd suggest the popular and cheap HC-SR501.

But if your brief is more flexible then consider a simple microswitch-based approach. Perhaps a lightweight plastic board, levered to activate the switch when the pet steps on it.

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Start by better defining your problem. A pet can range from an ant to an elephant, and that will affect your choice of sensor. Are you feeding your pet liquids, solids, or something else? How big is the lid? What will drive it? What will power the system? Where will it be located, and what are the ambient conditions? More information is needed to determine the appropriate sensor—after all, it could be for a goldfish, for all we know!

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For your motion-activated pet feeder, a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor would be ideal. Some recommended options would be:

Recommended PIR Sensors:

  1. KEMET USEQMSEA011680

    • Supply Voltage: 1.75V ~ 3.6V
    • Output Type: Analog and Digital
    • It has a compact size and low power consumption. Ideal for small, battery-operated projects. But one disadvantage is that these are surface-mount devices (SMD), which might be more challenging if you're unfamiliar with SMD soldering.

  2. SparkFun SEN-13968 (OpenPIR)

    • Supply Voltage: 3V ~ 5.75V
    • Output Type: Voltage
    • It is very easy to use with common platforms like Arduino, especially for beginners. It offers a plug-and-play experience without needing special soldering techniques. If you're unfamiliar with electronics, this is likely the easiest sensor to integrate into your project.

  3. Panasonic EKMC1604111

    • Supply Voltage: 5V
    • Detection Range: Up to 16.4 feet (5m)
    • It is a high-quality sensors with reliable motion detection and a long range. Different lens configurations are available depending on the type of detection pattern you want. They are expensive than other options, but their performance and ease of use can justify the price.
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A PIR sensor will only activate when the pet is moving.
And a PIR is usually way too sensitive (several metres).

I think a proximity sensor (IR distance sensor) would be more suited.
See this page.

A simple platform/switch or beambreak, as suggested by others, could be easier if you're a beginner.

Don't use ultrasound, which is in the hearing range of most pets.
Leo..

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These Infrared proximity sensors are ideal for detecting the presence of a pet at short range.

The short range digital sensors, like this one may the best choice, but the analog ones give you actual distance measurements.

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Sounds like we're doing a similar project!! I'll have to revisit this. :smiley:

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Really how so??

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Please ask a moderator to merge your three topics on this project into one. If you're wondering why, read

again.

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