Motion sensor malfunctions and their elimination. Proximity sensor not working on android

Hello, dear users mobile devices on the base operating system Android and, of course, the readers of this useful resource. In today's article, I will tell you how to quickly and easily disable the proximity sensor in android mobile gadgets.

But, for starters, let me give definitions to the proximity sensor and tell you why it is needed and what functions it actually performs.

Proximity sensor - a device that triggers on certain actions when approaching an object. Most obvious example: Automatically press the accept call button when you hold the Android device to your ear. Also, the proximity sensor can serve other purposes.

It may seem that the sensor is very useful thing, but in some cases it just gets in the way. For example, in cheap Chinese devices, such a sensor works very badly. Therefore, it would be better to turn it off completely, since it is very simple to do this, it is enough to make a small adjustment in the Android operating system.

It is about this tincture that we will talk with you in this material. So, let's go - turn off the proximity sensor.

Shutdown

I will consider disabling the proximity sensor on Android using an example Galaxy phone S4.

On all devices, the principle of disabling the proximity sensor is different, it depends not only on the version of the operating system, but also on its adaptation to specific model smartphone from another manufacturer. But, by and large, the principle of shutdown is the same everywhere, the names of the items may only slightly differ, so keep this in mind.

Do the following:

Additional ways

If the above method to disable the proximity sensor did not suit you, then you can use one of the following, some one will probably work for you. So let's take a look and apply:

1. In order to disable the sensor, if none of the methods in the settings help, you can use the special software installed on an Android device. The application is called Smart Screen Off and you can download it from this link. In addition to the proximity sensor, this application will also allow you to customize other features of your Android device;
2. Also, on some devices, a special request to turn off the sensor may work. The request looks like this: * # * # 0588 # * # *. Enter this code and press the call button. This method, of course, does not work on all devices, but it may work on your smartphone model.

motion sensors in Everyday life are actively used in security and alarm systems, for economical mode of power consumption in lighting systems and other needs. If the mode of their operation is violated, do not rush to call a specialist or send the device to service center for repair. In most cases, a malfunction occurs due to changes in the environment or in the power supply circuits, the consequences of this are easily eliminated by yourself. It is rare that individual elements on boards, microcircuits, transistors, relays and other parts that require the intervention of professional specialists break down. But for proper elimination malfunctions and settings must be understood general principle operation of these devices.

How motion sensors work

There are many types of motion sensors:

• infrared;
• microwave;
• ultrasonic;
• combined.

All of them are united by a common principle of operation, when changes appear in the review sector electrical signal amplified, fed to a relay that closes contacts to turn on, alarm, lighting or other devices, such as a fountain or music. Let us consider in more detail the work of infrared sensors, since they are most in demand by consumers due to price and quality.

Infrared sensor design

One of its main elements is a pyroelectric detector, which consists of a pair of rectangular crystals that respond to infrared radiation within a certain distance. With a uniform space background, currents of the same magnitude are induced in the crystals. When a heat source appears in the sector of one of the crystals, there is a difference in the magnitude of the currents. This pulse is amplified, converted into a digital signal and sent to actuators, relays with a group of closing contacts.

For more effective work a Fresnel lens is installed in front of the pyroelectric sensor at a distance of 1.5–2.5 cm, which focuses infrared radiation on the crystals. More precisely, this is an optical system from a group of lenses of 20-60 pieces, milky or gray, made of plastic. The system has a spherical shape, due to this it expands the space of the sensor field of view.

The sensor, which is located on the left in the figure, is recommended to be hung on the ceiling in the center of a large room with several inputs. An overview of such a device is 360 ̊, three pyroelements with a sector of 120˚ each ̊.

The second sensor has a horizontal field of view of no more than 180 ̊, it is usually placed in the direction of a door or an outer gate, fixed on the walls of buildings, it has the ability to change the direction of the vertical field of view.

The main signs of sensor malfunction, possible causes

There can be three signs:

• unauthorized activation, at any time for no reason;
• does not turn off the lighting lamp;
• does not include lighting lamp or others terminal devices, does not respond to obvious signs of movement in the sector of its review.

The sequence of troubleshooting and their elimination

In any case, you need to start with an inspection appearance, whether there are obvious mechanical damage to the optical system of the Fresnel lens, or a simple layer of dust and dirt. If necessary, wipe the lens and check the operation of the sensor. This is the most common and simple reason malfunctions. If there is no positive result, you will have to do more complex operations:

• Remove the housing and check if the connection is correct.

• Use a multimeter or other instrument to check for incoming power to the PCB input.
• If there is power, simulate the conditions under which the sensor should operate. Install average level lighting, in which the sensor is triggered during the dark and daylight hours, the maximum sensitivity level and the minimum operating interval.
• If in this position the sensor starts to work, gradually from the sensitivity level, then the lighting and the time period of work, set desired parameters. Periodically checking the operation for the source of movement.
• After these operations, if the result is negative, turn off the power electrical circuit, filming everything decorative elements and carefully examine the printed circuit board.
• Areas of burnt elements, the integrity of wires and jumpers, the reliability of soldering radio components are identified. It is recommended to do this with binocular glasses or a magnifying glass. If you find poor-quality soldering, solder the contacts of the missing elements. Then check the functionality of the sensor.
• If burned-out elements are found, replace them after checking the parameters of neighboring ones involved in the circuit chain.

• If, when simulating driving conditions, the relay is activated, a characteristic click is heard, and the lamp does not light up, then the circuit between the relay contacts and the lamp is faulty, ring it. The relay contacts may have oxidized, replace it or clean the contacts. I do not consider a lamp failure, this should be checked first.
• Measure the DC voltage after the converter, depending on the sensor model, it can be from 8–24 V (see the diagram and other documentation). Measurements are taken relative to zero, on the boards it is convenient to take the “-” of the diode bridge.
• In the absence of the necessary voltage, ring the elements in the converter circuit, most often these are rectifier bridge diodes.

It happens that a short circuit in the circuit following the bridge or stabilizer dampens the incoming voltage. To verify this, turn off the entire circuit after the stabilizer. If there is voltage, look for a short circuit, a faulty element after the stabilizer. So you can ring the entire circuit to the relay and the lamp, if you find faulty elements, change them and check their performance. If you follow this technique, the cause of the malfunction will definitely be found, this method is good when a person has the skills to work with electronic technology, measuring instruments can solder. When there are no such skills, you need to limit yourself to the first points: wiping, setting, checking power. In case of malfunction of the elements on the board, contact a specialist.

Often, mobile device users are faced with the fact that during a call the screen lock does not work, which prevents involuntary pressing on the display. The problem in this case lies in the proximity sensor. There are several reasons for the incorrect operation of this element of the smartphone. Now we will figure out how to enable / disable the proximity sensor on Android, or configure it if necessary.

In this case, we are talking about a small contactless device that recognizes the approach of an object to the smartphone. As a result of the correct operation of this function, the gadget's display will turn off automatically when you bring the phone to your ear. This will prevent accidental pressing of the touch buttons during a call (for example, with your ear, finger or cheek).

In addition, the proximity sensor on Android can significantly save battery power, because when the screen is on while talking with another subscriber, the battery power is intensively consumed.

Enable or disable the proximity sensor on Android

As a rule, the sensor on the device is active by default. If in your case this is not the case, or this function was somehow disabled by accident, then it will not be difficult to enable it. This is done as follows: go to " Settings", find the section" System Applications", select the item" Telephone»:

Then press " Incoming calls"and move the slider to the active position in the line" Proximity sensor” (on some gadgets you will need to check the box):

Depending on the smartphone model, the activation of the sensor will look a little different, for example, by opening the dialing field immediately, we call the call settings menu or by pressing the " Settings”, or by pressing and holding the hardware options button. And after that, as it was written above, in " Incoming calls» turn on the sensor:

If the question is about how to turn off the proximity sensor, then, accordingly, we go the same way and deactivate the function (uncheck).

How to set up (calibrate) the proximity sensor

This element is located at the top of the smartphone, usually to the left or right of the front camera lens:

On some models of Android devices, it can be seen with the naked eye, while on others it is quite difficult to detect. If, during a call, remove the phone from your ear, and then bring your finger closer to the front camera, then the display that goes out after that will tell you the location of the sensor.

It is quite possible that the reason for the incorrect operation of the sensor was an elementary ingress of dust on it. In this case, you can restore the normal operation of the function simply by cleaning the device - turn off the smartphone and blow through with a jet compressed air. Then you need to restart your gadget and check if the sensor has recovered.

If this manipulation did not bring the desired result, then you can resort to sensor calibration, which is performed in several ways.

With the help of the system

We open " Settings", select the item" Special abilities ” (on some devices “ Screen”), find the line “ Proximity Sensor Calibration»:

Then, we follow the system prompts step by step, let's see the video more clearly:

Through the engineering menu

Using the engineering menu, you can check the correct operation of the sensor, and, if necessary, calibrate it.

To do this, enter the following character set in the dialing field: *#*#3646633#*#* Now open the tab Hardware Testing»(equipment testing) and press the button « sensor”, choose “ Light/Proximity Sensor»(light/proximity sensor):

• Choose " PS Data Collection» (acquisition of proximity sensor data);
• IN next window choose " Get One Data»;
• After the appearance of the number 0 "Apply a palm to the proximity sensor on your smartphone and press again" Get One Data»;

If as a result we see a number 255 , then our sensor is functioning normally.

For settings:

Choose " PS Calibration", then " Calibration". After that, without closing the sensor, click on "Calculate min value". After the inscription " Calculate succeed"bring a sheet of paper to the sensor at a distance of 2-3 centimeters and click on" Calculate max value", after which we need to click" Do Calibration"and restart the smartphone:

Using third party software

If all the previous methods did not help to normalize the sensor, then you can use the Proximity Sensor Reset application (for rooted devices).

Download and install the app from the Play Store. After starting, activate the big button " Calibrate Sensor". Now cover the proximity sensor with your hand and press " Next»:

Then you need to remove your hand and press again " Next", and then " Calibrate" And " Confirm". At the request of the system, we provide superuser rights (ROOT). After the performed actions, we are waiting for the completion of the reboot of the smartphone.

Now you know how to enable / disable / configure the proximity sensor on Android. However, if in your case the problem has not been resolved, then it is possible that you will need to calibrate the display or flash the smartphone. In addition, sometimes the sensor may not work correctly due to a hardware failure, then you cannot avoid contacting a service center for help.

The constant presence of a small canister of gasoline in the car or the car owner voting on the highway with a request to refuel, all this is a consequence of the fact that the fuel sensor does not work in the car. The failure of this sensor does not affect the operation of the main mechanisms of the iron horse, but it significantly affects the comfort of using the car, since it constantly becomes necessary to calculate how much the car has driven since the last refueling and how many more kilometers you can drive without stopping at a gas station.

Article author: mudriy_lev
Specialization: repair of autogenerators and servo drives in the car.
Place of work: service center. Experience: 2 years.
Education: higher - electrical engineer, secondary special - mechanical assembly work mechanic.

Consider the main reasons.

Potentiometer and its problems

On modern cars a wide variety of fuel level sensors are installed. The widest niche was occupied by sensors based on potentiometers. This type of conversion of fuel level information into an electrical signal has a large number of merits.
There are two types of sensors based on this method of measuring the fuel level:

• lever (became widespread)
• tubular (used mainly on large vehicles)

If the lever-type fuel level sensor does not correctly indicate the fuel level, then the reason associated with the potentiometer that caused this malfunction may be as follows:

• Potentiometer contacts oxidized
• there was a natural wear of the tracks or the slider of the resistor
• natural aging of the resistor
• resistor mismatch nominal value

Potentiometer Troubleshooting

A symptom that the contacts of the potentiometer have oxidized is the temporary absence of true information about the fuel level in the gas tank. The owner notices that from time to time the indicator shows reliable information. Usually in this case, the light indicating the end of fuel works flawlessly.

To diagnose this malfunction, it is necessary to visually inspect the variable resistor of the fuel level sensor. Oxides will stand out in a different color than normal. According to their number, a decision is made what to do next:

• clean (in case of low amount of oxides)
• move the slider (if only part of the tracks is oxidized)
• replace the fuel level sensor with a new one (if the oxides are significant and have damaged the tracks or the slider)

A symptom of the natural wear of the tracks and the slider is either a complete failure of the sensor, or its correct operation only in certain areas. A visual inspection in this case shows the run-down of the tracks, and in more rare cases, damage to the slider.

If it is possible to move (bend) the slider to an undamaged area, then the sensor will please the owner with its long, trouble-free operation. But if the slider is damaged, or there has been a serious destruction of the tracks, the repair does not make sense. Must be purchased new sensor fuel level.

To establish the next reason why the fuel sensor does not work, you need a multimeter, or an ohmmeter of any design. The resistor can change its resistance and, as a result, show false information. Checking the resistance value with an empty, full and half-filled gas tank will reveal this problem. Repair in this case is not advisable, since it is more reliable to install a new sensor.

If problems with inaccurate fuel level arose after installing a new sensor, then common cause is the discrepancy between the resistance and the nominal value. This situation arises due to the fact that the sensors are similar in appearance, but their various modifications have different resistance values.

The float is not informative

Problems when the fuel gauge does not work are often related to the float. 2 types of floats are installed on cars:

• hollow (plastic, plastic, metal)
• made of lightweight porous material

The first type of float faces the problem of mechanical damage. As a result, gradually the pointer arrow does not reach the maximum with a full tank more and more. The float is filled with gasoline and the gasoline sensor shows the wrong level every day more and more. Repair in this case is carried out by replacing the float.

The second reason why the fuel sensor is lying is faced by both types of float. As a result of mechanical damage to the gas tank, the float seizes. In this case, the indicator will either show a single value, or work only in a small range. Elimination of this breakdown is possible only by replacing the gas tank.

"Bona fide" previous owner

It makes no sense to control this type of “malfunction” on devices. If the car was only purchased on the secondary market and the fuel level sensor does not work in it, it is necessary to remove the fuel pump and see if this sensor is present. There are times when this sensor (or part of the sensor) is simply missing as a result of the "pre-sale preparation" of the previous owner.

The sensor incorrectly shows the fuel level due to the bending of the lever

The main symptom of such a problem is that the indicator needle does not reach one of the extreme marks. The elimination of this malfunction is carried out by editing the lever. But since such a malfunction does not appear on its own, but is the result of a mechanical effect on the gas tank, the float may jam after the lever is adjusted. In this case, repair or replacement of the gas tank will be required.

Indicator and its problems

Also, the reason why the fuel sensor does not work may be hidden not in the sensor itself, but in the indicator, which shows the wrong fuel level as a result of wedging of the movable winding of the indicator and, as a result, the impossibility of its free movement.

A motion sensor is an electronic device that responds to moving objects and is used to protect residential, commercial and industrial premises, lighting control. Motion sensors are part of the systems " smart House”, where they control the functioning of heating, ventilation, opening gates with automatic drive etc., determining the approach of a person.

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Motion sensors

How motion sensors work

According to the principle of operation, motion sensors differ, but they all perform the same task. Each has advantages and disadvantages:

1. Active sensors use infrared energy, radar waves, and other methods to cover a given area. The sensor sends active pulses, receiving in response echo signals that occur when waves are reflected from objects. When a person enters the scanned area, the response time changes and the sensor is triggered;
2. Passive infrared sensors work by measuring infrared energy environment. All living things generate heat, and this is the basis for the functioning of the sensor. When a person or animals are in the area covered by the sensor, an increase in infrared energy occurs. Sensors can be calibrated to only trigger at certain levels infrared heat to prevent their operation when birds and small animals move;
3. Beam and photoelectric sensors rely on a focused beam of light moving between the emitter and the sensor unit. Typically, this beam is invisible infrared energy, some inexpensive devices use visible beams. Some passive sensors rely on ambient light to trigger, but then motion is only detected in their immediate vicinity.

The most effective motion detectors - active sensors, although they use more power to run and require calibration to avoid false positives. Passive infrared allows you to cover much large area at lower power consumption, but a slow increase in temperature can cause delays in the operation of the detector.

Most popular view sensors - passive infrared detectors. Their sensing element registers infrared waves focused by lenses. Built-in lenses also contribute to the expansion of the sensor coverage area. In this case, the voltage is increased through the amplifier, compared with the background signal and fed to the relay. If the signal does not go beyond the background, the relay contacts remain open. As soon as the signal level increases, the relay closes the contacts and connects the load circuits.

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Principle of operation infrared sensor movements

Additional Information. People with a skin temperature of 36.6°C emit infrared energy with a wavelength of 9 to 10 micrometers. Therefore, sensors are usually sensitive in the 8-12 micrometer range.

Sensor location

The device has operational characteristics limiting the scanned area. When installing the device, this must be taken into account, in particular, the vertical and horizontal angle that limits the viewing area, and the length of the action. Based on these parameters and the local terrain, the installation height is selected.

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Motion sensor coverage area

Typical types of sensor failures

Users in the operation of motion detectors are faced with various malfunctions. Types of emerging defects:

1. The equipment connected to the sensor does not turn on, despite the appearance of moving objects in the scanned area;
2. When the sensor itself is triggered, the relay contacts do not switch;
3. The detector does not turn off the light in the absence of conditions for its operation;
4. Spontaneous switching on and off of equipment.

For craftsmen familiar with the operation electronic circuits, it is possible to repair the motion sensor with your own hands. Sometimes major repairs may not be required.

Ways to repair the motion sensor

Always start with a visual inspection of the sensor. There may be mechanical defects, damage to the lenses or housing. They accumulate pollution. Often, simply wiping the lens will fix the problem.

When everything is checked external factors that can affect the operation of the device, the case opens, and the search for internal defects begins.

Important! You will need to check the device under voltage, so you need to know and follow all the rules of electrical safety.

1. After opening the outer casing, check if the detector is connected correctly;

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Motion detector connection diagram

1. Using a multimeter or tester, control whether the voltage is suitable for the input contacts of the sensor;
2. If tension is present, proceed to artificial creation conditions for triggering the detector. When modeling, you must first set the settings: set the degree of illumination (average for day and night), set the sensitivity to the maximum, the response time to the minimum;
3. If the adjustment of the settings did not lead to a positive result, it is necessary to turn off the voltage from the device and disassemble the sensor, gaining access to the printed circuit board;
4. Again, a visual inspection is carried out to identify burnt components. At the same time, it is checked whether the wires are intact, whether the soldering is reliable. If visible defects are found, it is necessary to repair the wires and elements on the printed circuit board;
5. If burned-out parts are found, it is necessary to replace them by selecting identical ones according to the relevant parameters, and be sure to check adjacent elements, even if they do not show signs of damage;
6. Cases when, when simulating external conditions for triggering (passing by a person), a clicking sound of closing the output relay contacts is heard, but lighting working from it do not light up, may indicate a malfunction of the electrical circuit from the relay contacts to the lighting fixtures. The defect may be in the relay itself, for example, oxidation of the contacts, then they need to be cleaned. Integrity of wires going to external load, is also checked. If there is only one lamp, it may burn out. But, as a rule, this is given priority attention;
7. The detector circuit is powered by a converted DC voltage from 8 to 24 volts. To detect defects in the converter, it is necessary to check the voltage at its output. This indicator is measured in relation to "zero". For "zero" you can take the minus point of the capacitor installed after the bridge of diodes. In the absence of voltage, all parts of the converter circuit are checked, including the diodes of the rectifier circuit;

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Motion sensor circuit board

1. The relay is powered through a transistor. Its serviceability also affects the operation of the circuit. The multimeter controls its performance.

Adjusting sensor settings

On the front part of the motion sensor housing for lighting, there are adjustment knobs:

1. SENS. Used to set the degree of sensitivity;
2. TIME. You can set the time interval from the appearance of moving objects until the sensor is triggered;
3. LUX. Setting the required level of illumination.

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Motion detector controllers

Adjusting the settings serves to set the operating parameters required by the user. The settings affect correct work detector.

For the LUX control, you usually start setting from the middle position, but if the installation sites are too dark, then you can set it closer to the “night” icon.

Important! Particular care must be taken when adjusting the SENS controller, since incorrect operation of the sensitivity parameter blocks the operation of the complete sensor circuit.

At the beginning of regulation, they are set to the maximum SENS and to the minimum TIME, and artificial conditions circuit operation. At normal operation sensor with these settings, you can gradually set the desired indicators, with each shift of the regulators, checking the correct functioning of the device.

A good detector does not turn off the circuit

There are situations when the sensor is working, and the lighting devices do not turn off, despite the absence of external conditions for operation. The reasons may be the following:

1. The time interval TIME has been set too long. We must try to reduce it;
2. High level of illumination. It is necessary to lower it by moving the LUX control;
3. Third possible reason, rarely observed, is the residual load on the circuit after a long stay under voltage. In this case, you can remove the power from the device and reapply after a short time period.

Spontaneous triggering of the sensor can be observed in the presence of nearby sources of radio waves, electromagnetic fields, located nearby heat sources. Most of these factors can be eliminated by properly positioning the sensors.

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Proper installation of sensors

If the motion sensor does not work, the search for reasons must begin with external examinations and checking settings. Only trained users can start more complex repairs on their own.

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