Setting Up a Mailbox Motion Detector

January 28, 2002 - Last October we posted a story from one of our customers who liked to keep an eye on his mail (10/15's "Protecting the Mail"). Cesar Tan recently followed up with us by sending us a picture of his mailbox with motion detector and specific instructions for our readers on how to re-create this setup. Interested? Read on!

Setting up a Mailbox Motion Detector By Cesar Tan

Equipment Needed:
     X10 VCR Commander
     X10 EagleEye Motion Detector
     X10 Transceiver Unit
     X10 Wireless Cam System (Use B/W if you want to capture during nights)
     X10 Chime Unit (optional)
     VCR unit and TV

How it Works:
When someone opens the mailbox, the motion sensor will send a signal to the X10 transceiver module. The transceiver then turns on the X10 camera and the VCR Commander starts to record the action (focused on the mailbox). The X10 chime unit will sound to let us know about the action. Usually, we would expect at least two events each day - #1 the mailman puts in the mail, #2 you pick up the mail. Other than that, expect that there are intruders.

How to Set-Up:
     X10 EagleEye Motion Detector = A1
     X10 VCR Commander = A1
     X10 Wireless Cam = A1
     X10 Chime = A1
     X10 Transceiver Unit = A

NOTE: Above, I just made it a very simple connection for easy setup. Actually, what I have is a very complicated X10 household system with 8 wireless cameras (with 1 NINJA Pan-n-Tilt), 2 VCR Commander II units, 8 motion detectors, chime units, multiple lamp and appliance modules, and an ActiveHome Kit for use with my computer (running macros). My household can be viewed over the web and I have remote access to my X10 system. Imagine how I love this system! More power to X10!!!!

Regards,
Cesar Tan

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