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Motion Sensor

Protecting an entire room with a single device

Written by Cath Smith
Updated over 2 weeks ago

The Abode Motion Sensor uses advanced algorithms to detect movement while minimizing false alarms. Mount it in a corner or on a wall and it will protect an entire room. When movement is detected while your system is armed, it triggers an alarm signal to your Hub for immediate alerts via the Abode app.

Motion Sensor

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NOTE

The Motion Sensor is not pet-immune. Pets that enter the detection area will trigger the sensor. Mount high and aim away from areas where pets roam to reduce false triggers.

Parts overview

Part

What it does

Pairing / Test Button

Press once to pair or enter Test Mode; located on the front of the sensor

LED Status Light

Off in normal operation; lights up for 2 seconds when tamper is triggered; lights up each time motion is detected in Test Mode

Sensor Lens

PIR detection lens. Do not cover or obstruct

Back Cover

Removable for battery access and screw mounting. Contains knockout points for mounting

Enclosure Screw

Phillips screw at the bottom. Loosen to separate the two halves

Configuring motion sensor behavior

You can set how the Motion Sensor behaves when your system is armed in both Home and Away modes:

Setting

What happens

Inactive

Motion sensor is off. No alarm triggered

Active after countdown timer

Starts the entry countdown timer when motion is detected, then triggers an alarm

Countdown on door sensor

Countdown only starts if a door sensor was opened first. If motion detected without a prior door open, alarm triggers immediately

Active immediately

Alarm triggers the instant motion is detected. No countdown

Pairing your Motion Sensor

1. Make sure you have the latest version of the Abode app installed.

2. In the app, tap Menu (≡), then "+ Add Device".

3. Tap "Motion Sensors", then "Indoor Motion Sensor (No Camera)".

4. Remove the clear plastic battery tab from the back of the device, then tap "Continue".

5. Wait for the red LED on the front to stop blinking, then press the Pairing/Test Button once. A green checkmark in the app will confirm success.

6. Name your sensor and tap Next to finish.

Testing before you mount

Use Test Mode to confirm your intended mounting location is within wireless range and detects motion correctly before permanently mounting.

1. Press and release the Pairing/Test Button once to enter Test Mode.

2. Leave the room and wait 1 minute for the sensor to warm up. Do not trigger it during this time.

3. Walk in front of the sensor. The LED will light up for 2 seconds each time motion is detected.

TIP

For a live test with your alarm: arm the system in Away mode, leave the room, wait for the system to fully arm plus 1 minute warm-up, then walk in front of the sensor. The alarm should trigger. Disarm afterward.

Installing your Motion Sensor

Placement tips

• Mount at 6.5 feet above the floor for optimal detection coverage

• Mounting in a corner gives the widest field of view

• Do not aim at heat sources such as fireplaces, heating vents, or windows in direct sunlight

• Do not aim at areas where pets walk . The sensor is not pet-immune

• Avoid placing behind curtains or objects that obstruct the lens

Adhesive mounting

1. For a flat wall: peel both sides of the large rectangular tape and apply to the back cover, then press firmly onto the wall.

2. For a corner: use the two thin strip adhesives on the chamfered corners of the back cover, then press into the corner where two walls meet.

3. Apply pressure for several seconds to ensure secure adhesion.

Screw mounting

1. Loosen the Enclosure Screw at the bottom of the sensor using a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Separate the two halves of the sensor and remove the Back Cover.

3. Hold the Back Cover against the wall in your chosen position and drill through the knockout points into the wall. Use the included wall anchors for drywall.

4. Reattach the sensor front to the mounted Back Cover and tighten the Enclosure Screw. Do not overtighten.

Installation Example

motion_sensor_mounted

Replacing the battery

The Motion Sensor uses two AA alkaline batteries (older models use one CR123 Lithium). You'll receive a notification in the app about one month before the battery is fully exhausted.

1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the Enclosure Screw at the bottom.

2. Separate the two halves by pulling them apart at the bottom.

3. Remove both AA batteries and press the Pairing/Test Button 5–6 times to fully discharge.

4. Insert new high-quality alkaline AA batteries, following the +/- polarity guide inside the sensor.

5. Re-join the two halves, starting at the top, then the bottom.

6. Re-tighten the Enclosure Screw and reinstall.

Technical specifications

Specification

Detail

Dimensions

3.51 × 2.64 × 2.09 inches

Weight

4.5 oz (with batteries)

Battery

2 × AA alkaline (pre-installed, replaceable)

Expected battery life

Up to 5 years

Communication

AbodeRF (433MHz)

Integrations

Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, CUE automations

Operating temperature

14°F to 113°F

Certifications

FCC, CE, IC, NOM


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