Limiting PIR Sensor Range

[Traveler]

I want to limit the field of vision of the Parallax PIR sensor. I'd like to make it so someone has to more or less be directly in front of my unit to activate it. I've seen the solution about putting the sensor back inside of a PVC tube to restrict side vision. I've had some luck with that however but that takes up more room than I'd like and seems rather inelegant. Has anyone tried just painting a vertical slit on the lens? Maybe something like a cats eye slit leaving the meddle area unpainted but painting the side areas thus restricting what the PIR can "see"?

Has anyone tried this?

Are there other PIR sensors on the market that are compatible with the AP-16+ that might have such capability?

[JonnyMac]

That dome cover on the PIR is a Fresnel lens: it gives the sensor a wide angle of view. I know that some have removed this to create a narrower field. You might give that a try.

[Traveler]

Thanks for that idea Jon. I may give that a try

[gadget-evilusions]

I made brackets that limit the field of vision from PVC angle and aluminum in the past.

Recently I have been having them 3d printed. https://www.shapeways.com/product/UZBVUSRZ7/sensor-bracket-for-parallax-pir-sensor?key=cc40a45442ab1ee9308322b6ecfbe84c

[JonnyMac]

That's a cool design, Brian. I have a friend with a nice 3D printer so he usually prints things for me, but I've been wanting to try Shapeways. Are you happy with the final print?

[gadget-evilusions]

Everything I have gotten from shape ways has been very nice. I like getting instant pricing. It takes about 2 weeks to get parts, but I don't have the overhead of needing my own machine.