Recommendations for Motion Sensors

[Mark Arzillo]

Anyone have any recommendations for motion sensors?  I've read through many of the posts and see people having trouble with several of them.  Anyone with opinions or direct experience with the following models?  Also, are there others you may suggest?

 

Aeotec by Aeon Labs Gen5 Z-wave Plus 6-in-1 Multisensor 6 ZW100-A

Looks to be one of the best but it is a bit pricey at $58 on Amazon.  Also, based on this thread it may not be ready for prime time with the ISY.

 

BeSense ZWave Ceiling PIR Motion Detector for SmartThings

Pretty cheep at $30 on Amazon but not sure if it will work with ISY.  Questions on Amazon indicate it does.

 

Z-wave Plus Motion Detector, Easy to install with PET Immunity, White (PIRZWAVE2.5-ECO)

A bit expensive at $56 and based on this thread may not work very well.

 

Insteon 2842-222 Wireless Motion Sensor

Gets decent reviews, very expensive at $64.

[lilyoyo1]

Where did you find the price of the insteon motion sensors? Smarthome sells it for 40 bucks.

 

I prefer fibaro motion sensors. It works really great with the ISY and is very small. You can generally find it on smarthome or Amazon for about 52 dollars.

[Brian H]

2842-222 is the older Insteon Motion Sensor. I see your link is for an Amazon store seller. That price is high.

The present 2844-222 Insteon Motion Sensor II is $39.99 but right now only the Motion On and Off is supported in the latest 4.6.2 released firmware.

I understand 5.? will support all the options.

[MWareman]

I’ve just purchased more of the Aeotec gen5 units. I like logging the temp and humidity as a bonus to motion detection. They are slowly replacing my CAO tags in strategic locations...

[sandryseibert]

I'm using several Aeotec Gen5, not only a motion detection, but environmental condition monitor, however they sometimes fail to report motion, I see the motion LED triggered, but my Zwave network don't show any message. So for specific locations I've opted to use the Insteon which is a lot more reliable and don't send replays. I didn't noticed any failed message from my Insteon for the 2yrs I'm using them, also they don't cause the ghost phenomenon or replay message (replay mean to send the command twice or even three times).

[ScottAvery]

I have some of the older insteon models laying around. May use for pet related things, but I hate the surface mounted devices and would prefer to have a hardwired device in-wall for a cleaner look in the main living areas.  I have a bunch of inline-lincs and micro-lincs that I could wire in behind to get a signal to the ISY, but I have not had time to research options for the hardwired device.  The ones I see at big box stores have unwanted buttons for physical interaction.

 

EDIT:  checked my order history: got the last insteon detector at $22 on Amazon.  $64 is a wee bit out of line, but it is out of production...

[stusviews]

I have some of the older insteon models laying around. May use for pet related things, but I hate the surface mounted devices and would prefer to have a hardwired device in-wall for a cleaner look in the main living areas.  I have a bunch of inline-lincs and micro-lincs that I could wire in behind to get a signal to the ISY, but I have not had time to research options for the hardwired device.  The ones I see at big box stores have unwanted buttons for physical interaction.

 

EDIT:  checked my order history: got the last insteon detector at $22 on Amazon.  $64 is a wee bit out of line, but it is out of production...

 

I have several in-wall motion sensors wired to Micro Modules. Works like a charm. In most cases, the controlled device is a dimmer, so no sudden bright lights.

[ScottAvery]

I have several in-wall motion sensors wired to Micro Modules. Works like a charm. In most cases, the controlled device is a dimmer, so no sudden bright lights.

 

What do you use for the hardwired motion detector?  brand/model?

[stusviews]

After months of trials, I've settled on TOPGREENER TDOS5, mainly because a neutral is needed. Sensors without a neutral are less dependable. It doesn't hurt that they're also low cost

[dennisric]

When will we ever see a fix for these new motion 2844-222 in the ISY ?  I have purchased three of these when they first came out and can't use them at all. I should have sent them back I guess. The ISY sees these but does nothing with them. I see the sensor, dusk dawn and low battery. I can make it show On and OFF by pressing the set button. I set a program for when the sensor shows ON to turn on a lamp and nothing happens. The ISY doesn't seem to be able to use these at all.  I have never had any problems with the old ones except for batteries not lasting in outdoor situation for more than about eight months. They always worked. But of course you can no longer buy those. I am in need of three motions for outdoor flood light control. I was hoping for the new model to work because of their size and can be put out where they aren't seen. Anyone out there using these new crappy motion sensors.

[larryllix]

When will we ever see a fix for these new motion 2844-222 in the ISY ?  I have purchased three of these when they first came out and can't use them at all. I should have sent them back I guess. The ISY sees these but does nothing with them. I see the sensor, dusk dawn and low battery. I can make it show On and OFF by pressing the set button. I set a program for when the sensor shows ON to turn on a lamp and nothing happens. The ISY doesn't seem to be able to use these at all.  I have never had any problems with the old ones except for batteries not lasting in outdoor situation for more than about eight months. They always worked. But of course you can no longer buy those. I am in need of three motions for outdoor flood light control. I was hoping for the new model to work because of their size and can be put out where they aren't seen. Anyone out there using these new crappy motion sensors.

Do they not work with ISY v5.0.11b  ?

[Mark Arzillo]

I’ve just purchased more of the Aeotec gen5 units. I like logging the temp and humidity as a bonus to motion detection. They are slowly replacing my CAO tags in strategic locations...

 

I'm using several Aeotec Gen5, not only a motion detection, but environmental condition monitor, however they sometimes fail to report motion, I see the motion LED triggered, but my Zwave network don't show any message. So for specific locations I've opted to use the Insteon which is a lot more reliable and don't send replays. I didn't noticed any failed message from my Insteon for the 2yrs I'm using them, also they don't cause the ghost phenomenon or replay message (replay mean to send the command twice or even three times).

 MWareman & sandrysibert,

 

I assume you are talking about the MultiSensor 6 (ZW100), correct?  Amazon has them for $55.95 and a 2 pack for $104.95.  There are mixed reviews where some indicate the humidity sensor is not accurate and the range on the motion is inadequate.  That would not work in my environment as I have large open spaces in my house.  Also, at least one review indicates it does not work well with UDI but no specifics.  Never heard about the ghost phenomenon you are talking about.  How often does it happen to you?  Based on the reviews on Amazon I would not likely purchase this sensor for the price.  Their web site is impressive but that's just good marketing and often doesn't reflect the effectiveness of the device.  Would you continue to purchase these after your experience with them?

 

EDIT:  checked my order history: got the last insteon detector at $22 on Amazon.  $64 is a wee bit out of line, but it is out of production...

 Scott,

 

I don't see any Insteon motion sensor for $22 on Amazon.  Can you provide a link?

 

When will we ever see a fix for these new motion 2844-222 in the ISY ?  I have purchased three of these when they first came out and can't use them at all. I should have sent them back I guess. The ISY sees these but does nothing with them. I see the sensor, dusk dawn and low battery. I can make it show On and OFF by pressing the set button. I set a program for when the sensor shows ON to turn on a lamp and nothing happens. The ISY doesn't seem to be able to use these at all.  I have never had any problems with the old ones except for batteries not lasting in outdoor situation for more than about eight months. They always worked. But of course you can no longer buy those. I am in need of three motions for outdoor flood light control. I was hoping for the new model to work because of their size and can be put out where they aren't seen. Anyone out there using these new crappy motion sensors.

dennisric,

 

I was considering the Insteon Motion Sensor II (2844-222) but based on your post as well as this thread I'm very hesitant.  Do these work at all on the ISY or are they totally useless until the update finally comes out?  Seems like the 5.x build has been in Alpha since May 2015 (2 years 6 months ago) which doesn't give me a good feeling on when we might expect it to be released to GA.

 

 

Thank you all for the suggestions.  I'm still however not any closer to making a decision as to which motion sensors to purchase.  The CAO tags are interesting but I'm not a fan of needing access to the Internet for them to work.  I like the Aeotec MultiSensor 6 and the Insteon 2844-222 for their features and ergonomics and would likely lean towards the Insteon but based on the reviews neither are very good at this time.

 

The search continues...

[lilyoyo1]

I have a couple of the 2844 motion sensors for testing and they work fine for what I would do for them. Their full feature set is not supported with the ISY at this time.

 

For personal use, I use the fibaro motion sensors and they work great

[stusviews]

My motion sensor requirements are twofold, first and foremost, an established ISY version. Even a version that's not perfected is adequate, as every system has bugs. An Alpha version is nowhere close, no matter how many users find praise. A second requirement allows the device to be a scene controller, minimizing the response time. I understand that ISY v.5+ meets the second requirement (for both Insteon and Z-Wave), but not the first.

 

 The search continues...

 

zippo, for me, there's no search, just waiting--unless, of course, an unanticipated solution occurs. I have no prediction at this time., it is, after all, unanticipated

 

I don't know what will happen next, but I can hardly wait.

[ScottAvery]

When will we ever see a fix for these new motion 2844-222 in the ISY ?  I have purchased three of these when they first came out and can't use them at all. I should have sent them back I guess. The ISY sees these but does nothing with them. I see the sensor, dusk dawn and low battery. I can make it show On and OFF by pressing the set button. I set a program for when the sensor shows ON to turn on a lamp and nothing happens. The ISY doesn't seem to be able to use these at all.  I have never had any problems with the old ones except for batteries not lasting in outdoor situation for more than about eight months. They always worked. But of course you can no longer buy those. I am in need of three motions for outdoor flood light control. I was hoping for the new model to work because of their size and can be put out where they aren't seen. Anyone out there using these new crappy motion sensors.

 

Stu and I were discussing using hardwired detectors for indoors, but for outdoors I would never want to use a battery device.  You can very easily wire in an in-line linc or micro module to respond to a hardwired outdoor motion sensor that is installed at the light fixture, assuming you are talking about flood lights.

[ScottAvery]

 

 Scott,

 

I don't see any Insteon motion sensor for $22 on Amazon.  Can you provide a link?

 

 

It was not a recent purchase.  Just remarking that $64 is a result of it being out of production, not what it sold for before.

[jbushyhead]

2842-222 is the older Insteon Motion Sensor. I see your link is for an Amazon store seller. That price is high.

The present 2844-222 Insteon Motion Sensor II is $39.99 but right now only the Motion On and Off is supported in the latest 4.6.2 released firmware.

I understand 5.? will support all the options.

I'm using ISY with v4.6.2 and I notice that it will not recognize the new Motion Sensor II as 2844-222, instead incorrectly seeing it as the older 2842-222.   I also see no way to adjust the range sensitivity of the newer device like we could with the older one.  Until someone finds a fix and/or proper control via my ISY my new Motion Sensor IIs are useless and I'm putting back my older sensors - flaws and all.

[stusviews]

I'm using ISY with v4.6.2 and I notice that it will not recognize the new Motion Sensor II as 2844-222, instead incorrectly seeing it as the older 2842-222.   I also see no way to adjust the range sensitivity of the newer device like we could with the older one.  Until someone finds a fix and/or proper control via my ISY my new Motion Sensor IIs are useless and I'm putting back my older sensors - flaws and all.

 

The earlier motion sensor is not a flawed sensor at all. The newer sensor will not be fully recognized until v5 makes it out of Alpha,

[asbril]

I would welcome assistance with the following.

 

I have a motion detector in the laundry room of my apartment where the service elevator of the building is.

The program that I want is when someone comes out of that  elevator the light in the laundry room  comes on for 2 minutes.

However someone may be active in the laundry room and if that light was already on before the motion detector activates, I do not want the light to go off after 2 minutes.

 

I have tried several programs and I even think that it worked for a time, but now I am lost. What would be a good program for the light to go on for 2 minutes, when activated by the motion detector, but only if the light was not on already when 'motion detected'  ?

[Mark Arzillo]

I would welcome assistance with the following.

 

I have a motion detector in the laundry room of my apartment where the service elevator of the building is.

The program that I want is when someone comes out of that  elevator the light in the laundry room  comes on for 2 minutes.

However someone may be active in the laundry room and if that light was already on before the motion detector activates, I do not want the light to go off after 2 minutes.

 

I have tried several programs and I even think that it worked for a time, but now I am lost. What would be a good program for the light to go on for 2 minutes, when activated by the motion detector, but only if the light was not on already when 'motion detected'  ?

 

How about you have the motion sensor turn on the light if there is motion and then start a state var that counts the minutes since motion was last detected in the laundry room.  Each time motion is detected you set the state var to 0.  Have an alternate program that increments the state each minute.  Then have a program turn off the lights if motion has not been detected in laundry room for X minutes using the state var.

 

I've never programmed for motion yet since I am still searching for the ones I want but in theory this should work.  I've played around with light switches like this to where I don't auto turn off lights at a specific time if they were recently turned on.  The idea being a human turned them on and they likely do not want them turned off.  Once I get motion sensors this will change to incorporate motion in the logic.

[mwester]

I've found that recording the state of the light in a variable, state or otherwise, is unreliable (old programming maxim: if you have multiple copies of something, it's correct in at MOST one place...).  So, my solution is to dim the light to slightly different levels based on how it was turned on, and then it's easy to have a program determine if it should turn it off or not.

 

As a simplified example, every evening my mudroom light turns on at 41% for a few hours (so the dogs can see their dinner while they eat...).  There's a door sensor as well -- and it triggers a program.  If the "door-opening" program observes that the light is at 41%, then it sets the light to 91%.  If it observes the light being "off", it sets it to 99%.  If the light was at 100%, then it leaves it at 100%.  Then it arranges for a "light off" program to run after a short delay.  The "lights off" program checks the light's level: if 91%, it sets it back to 41%.  If 99%, it turns it off.  If 100%, it was originally turned on manually, and it leaves it as-is.

 

It's actually a bit more complicated, since there's also a motion sensor, and the dog's lighting is dependent on sunset, etc.  But you probably get the idea - use programs, and set the light level itself to record the state it should be returned to.

[lilyoyo1]

I would welcome assistance with the following.

 

I have a motion detector in the laundry room of my apartment where the service elevator of the building is.

The program that I want is when someone comes out of that elevator the light in the laundry room comes on for 2 minutes.

However someone may be active in the laundry room and if that light was already on before the motion detector activates, I do not want the light to go off after 2 minutes.

 

I have tried several programs and I even think that it worked for a time, but now I am lost. What would be a good program for the light to go on for 2 minutes, when activated by the motion detector, but only if the light was not on already when 'motion detected' ?

How about creating a folder that allows your motion program to run only when the light is off.

[asbril]

How about creating a folder that allows your motion program to run only when the light is off.

How would I do that ?

[stusviews]

Create a folder. Add the condition to the folder, for example:

===================================================================================
BR <--this is the folder

Folder Conditions for 'BR'
If
        Status  'EX / Devices / EX Side Door-Sensor' is Off
 
Then
   Allow the programs in this folder to run.
 
 

[asbril]

Create a folder. Add the condition to the folder, for example:

===================================================================================

BR <--this is the folder

 

Folder Conditions for 'BR'

If

        Status  'EX / Devices / EX Side Door-Sensor' is Off

 

Then

   Allow the programs in this folder to run.

 

 

Ok Stu,

 

Excuse my ignorance... I have created that folder and added the laundry room motion detector to IF.

But where and how should I program that the laundry light does not switch OFF if the detector detects motion ?

Should I not use IF for the ceiling light, with the condition IF ceiling light is ON....  and then create a program that ignores the motion detector ?

 

As you can see I am pretty confused