FALSE ALARM!
When working with equipment, your best option is to really get to know the
technology. Doing your homework on the strengths and weaknesses of any
given device might just help you recognize false alarms. This can take a
bit of online research, but the advantage is well worth the time. For
instance, you wouldn't want to think you've captured real live evidence
of paranormal activity only to find out your tools cried wolf.
Motion detectors have several different types and several things
that can go wrong. Passive Infrared (PIR), Magneto Resistive (MR),
Photoelectric, and Ultrasonic sensors are some of the
commonly used motion detectors. With all sensors, you want
to watch out for simple things: Curtains and insects and
pets! Oh my! Yes, small disturbances, such as a moving
curtain, can trigger false alarms.
Although masking portions of the lens or adjusting
settings on the motion detectors can help stop
some of these difficulties, your best bet is to
always have a pre-set camera or use a video
motion detector so that you can see
exactly what is moving. Also, please
note that certain motion detectors
such as Microwave (MW) motion
detectors can sense movement
through walls! Just because
the action is not on video,
does not mean it wasn't
the neighbors cat
creeping along the
outside wall.