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(More customer reviews)Given all of the so-so ratings for other solar-powered motion detector flood lights, I went into this purchase with some reluctance. I had originally wanted the solar-powered motion detector flood lights from Brookstone, Solar Motion Detector Light (because of its high user reviews), but that item appears to be no longer available.
However, so far, my experiences with the Brinkmann have been very surprising, and very positive. It installs easily - two screws for the light-battery pack-sensor unit, and three screws for the solar array. One 15-foot flexible cable connects the array to the battery pack. The provided instructions tell you to position the solar array so that it points due-south (a magnetic-north compass is useful but not required), and preferably, you want to mount the array where it gets maxium sun exposure all day (avoid shade from trees and rooflines as much as possible). In the winter, you'll want to watch for, and if necessary, remove, snow build-up. Two floodlamps allow you a pretty wide variety of positioning options - for example, I needed to illuminate both the sidewalk and the doorlock.
The instructions indicate that you should solar-charge the battery for at least three days before operation. There is a sensitivity range dial on the bottom of the sensor, which I set to the maximum. There is a mode switch on the bottom of the sensor with three positions - AUTO, TEST, and OFF. A removable rubber stub prevents inadvertent switch movement. With the switch in TEST, you can adjust the positioning of the sensor for optimal sensitivity, and you can adjust the position of the flood lighting. Most important, you can do this during daylight hours (so you're not wavying your arms around like a madman at night, or tripping over the garden hose or the dog walking back and forth to the sensor).
After the second day of charging, I did some simple experimenting with sensitivity of the sensor. My initial impressions were that the sensitivity was significantly shorter than the manufacturer claimed 75 feet (it was more like 25-30 feet). However, the lights were bright enough for my needs - granted, they are not nearly as bright as AC-powered floodlights, but they do cast MUCH more light than the typical gloomy solar-powered walkway/garden/outdoor lights.
After the third day of charging, I set the mode switch to AUTO. Returning home after dark, I was very pleasantly surprised that the sensor picked up my car as I pulled up the driveway. There was ample lighting, and without additional triggering movements, the lights stayed on for a good 90 seconds. Furthermore, the sensitivity was very good - easily covering the 75 feet from the sensor to the driveway (so it would appear that sensitivity is related to battery charge).
I have only one drawback (so far) - the color of the unit is industrial dark gray. It would be nice if the manufacturer would have additional colors, such as white, black, and neutral tan for better house matching. I may try painting mine with Rustoleum spray paint. An additional product suggestion would be the ability to add an additional battery to the unit the same way that you can add additional battery packs to a computer UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
Other potential problems could be how well the unit charges during the gloomy rainy and snowy days of Fall and Winter - I'll post a follow-up review in about 6-7 months. Also, I'll post some additional product photos.
For now, however, this unit is HIGHLY recommended.
Additionally, I have a FIVE-star rating for the seller OUTLET TRAIL - the unit was packaged inside a second, tight-fitting cardboard box, and shipping was very prompt.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Brinkmann 821-8000-0 Solar Home Security SL-8 Motion Detector
Keep your home, RV or tool shed out of the dark with this Brinkmann Solar Motion Detector Home Light! SAVE BIG! No wiring required and no extra costs for you. Using only a screwdriver, you simply mount the solar panel on the roof, or any sunny location, and run the 15' cord to the light box mounted under eaves, entryways, patios, garages... it's your choice. The sun does the rest. The solar panel has a rechargeable 6V lead acid battery that charges during the daytime hours, and powers the 10W bulbs at night. Built-in photo cell prevents daytime operation so it's fully charged and ready to go when darkness falls. The infrared detector senses motion up to 75' away (can be adjusted from 3' to 75') and turns the lights on automatically. The light turns off automatically 1 1/2 minutes after the motion stops. Automatic temperature control reduces false triggering. Detector head and lamps can be adjusted horizontally and vertically. Solar panel measures 6 1/4 x 1/2 x 6 1/2" and the kit weighs 5 1/2 lbs. Order ONLINE Now! Brinkmann Solar Motion Detector Home Light
Click here for more information about Brinkmann 821-8000-0 Solar Home Security SL-8 Motion Detector
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