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Motion Detector Documentation

User Manuals

Motion Detector (MD series)
User Manual

Advanced Application Notes
for Advanced Users

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For information regarding our Motion Detector for Blink, please refer to the Blink documentation.

The following information relates to our older MD series of motion detector products.


What is the difference between Blink and the Motion Detector (MD series) products?

Our MD series of motion detectors has been replaced by our new product Blink. Blink replaces our old Time Lapse Intervalometer(TL series), Programmable Scheduler (PS series) and Motion Dector (MD series) products. You can purchase an X-band motion sensor for use with Blink here.

Are the motion detectors (MD series) compatible with the new HERO4 camera?

The motion detector (MD series) is compatible with all GoPro HERO cameras, except the HERO3 Silver and the entry level grey HERO cameras. The HERO4 solution requires the use of GoPro’s most recent firmware in addition to a firmware patch provided by CamDo, which will be emailed to you after you purchase your product.

What is the difference between the PIR and X-Band Motion Sensor?

The PIR Sensor detects movement by registering the change in infrared emissions from a warm body by comparing multiple panels in its view. Therefore it detects warm objects moving across the sensor, side to side or up and down. The X-Band sensor uses doppler detection of microwaves bounced off the object and is triggered by motion towards or away from the sensor.

Infrared can pass through some thin transparent or translucent plastics, but in general, not through glass. Microwaves pass through opaque plastics and glass, but not metal. The moving object does not need to be warm to trigger the sensor.

Can I use more than one sensor?

Yes. Multiple sensors can beconnected in a logical OR so that any one sensor will trigger the camera. This means that multiple sensors of different types, including sensors from other suppliers in many cases, can be placed in different locations in order to trigger the camera more reliably or in advance of an animal moving into a scene.

Does the controller board fit inside the waterproof case?

The board does not fit in the standard case. The board fits in the extended backdoors provided with the GoPro accessories such as theGoPro LCD Bacpac or theGoPro Battery Bacpac. A small hole can be drilled into the housing to allow the sensor’s wires to pass through the housing.  

Motion Detector with O-RingA simple means of securing the camera with the controller board in the standard case for use indoors or in good weather, is to use an O-ring or a rubber band to hold the camera in the case with no backdoor. Pictured is an AS568-134 which fits nicely.

Outdoor Weather Resistant Enclosure

CamDo now offers anOutdoor Weather Resistant Enclosure designed to house the Motion Detector and other CamDo controllers along with space for a high capacity battery.

X-Band Motion Detector in DRY Enclosure for GoPro Cameras

How can I setup the motion detector to only trigger during the day?

It is possible to use a simple photocell to prevent triggering at night. If you have a slight knowledge of soldering, you will probably be able to follow the instructions in theApplication Notes.

I am a hacker. Can I use the cable on the board to trigger the camera using other devices?

Yes! If you have a little knowledge of electronics, you can use the controller board to trigger the camera. The interface is documented in theCamDo ControllerApplication Notes for Advanced Users. It is actually quite easy to connect external triggers such asmotion detectors,intervalometers ,security systems, or to configure the camera tostart automatically whenever the car ignition is turned on, for example.


Yes. The controller board was originally designed to handle custom projects we built for scientists and professional photographers. It is very flexible and can be reprogrammed to respond to different kinds of control inputs. It also has an opto-isolated output which can be used to control lighting, or give different types of feedback.Contact us for a quote for your application.

I know how to write code for the MSP430 processor. Can I reprogram the chip with my own firmware?

Yes. The SBW interface is brought to the edge of the board, so you can even use the Texas Instruments Launchpad ($4.30) to program the device. There is a tutorial: Use your launchpad as a programmer. Let us know if you come up with something really brilliant!