Zwave motion detectors vs Insteon motion detectors?

[Blackbird]

I noticed Zwave has many more motion detectors than Insteon.  Just wondering if they are any better especially when it comes to using them in colder areas like a garage.

 

Thanks

[Techman]

I use the Zwave Multisensor 6, they perform well and are compatible with the ISY. In addition to motion they also have temperature, humidity, and several other nodes. They use the latest series 5 zwave chip and all their parameters are configurable via the ISY. They can be powered by either batteries or a 5 volt wall wart.  I prefer them over the Insteon motion sensor.

https://aeotec.com/z-wave-sensor

 

[Bumbershoot]

I use both types in my garage. The Insteon motion sensors are preferred for performance reasons, as they link directly to my Insteon light switches, which results in the lights getting turned on almost instantly upon motion being detected.  Where a second of lag in getting the lights turned on doesn't matter, then my Aeotec Multisensor 6 works just fine.  The humidity and temperature data it provides is useful, though the Insteon MS II now provides temperature as well (only on ISY beta firmware, currently 5.0.14).  My garage is attached, so low/high temperatures aren't an issue. 

[gzahar]

I have 2 older insteon sensors in my garage.

Work fine other than needing battery replace occasionally.

 

[Blackbird]

Very helpful info guys.

 

Thank you

[lilyoyo1]

I have the new insteon motion sensor, the fibaro motions and a couple of Dome motion sensors. 

All of them are about equal in performance. I do prefer the fibaro motion sensors the most due to being able to place the sensor in a way to point it exactly where I want it to cover. The dome motions are similar to the fibaro in size. Due to the way the magnet is placed, you cannot fine tune it as easily for placement.

Depending on needs, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the sensors. 

[Techman]

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that the firmware for the Multisensor 6 is field upgradeable whereas the Insteon products are not. I find this to be a big plus.

[ctviggen1]

I know the last post here was a while ago, but I would like to revisit this.  I have two of the older models of Insteon motion sensors, and I tried two of the new Insteon motion sensors, but they only lasted less than a year outside.  Meanwhile the two older model versions I have, I can't remember when I bought them, and they still work (several others have failed, though).

I originally had other older model Insteon motion sensors on trees on my driveway, which is  30+ feet from the nearest Insteon switch.  I only have three Zwave products, all ceiling fan switches, in my house.  These switches would be even further from the trees, and on a second floor of the house, so up effectively to the third floor (basement, first floor, then second floor).

Would I be better off buying new Insteon motion sensors (the old ones seem very expensive), or trying Zwave motion sensors for this driveway application? 

[simplextech]

20 minutes ago, ctviggen1 said:

Would I be better off buying new Insteon motion sensors (the old ones seem very expensive), or trying Zwave motion sensors for this driveway application? 

From your description of your z-wave env you don't have a strong enough mesh to support the motion sensors at such a distance.  Going the z-wave route would require additional expense for more powered devices (could be power plugs, and outdoor plugs would help a lot).  However it is additional cost you're looking at.  If you go this route there are a couple outdoor offerings for this.  The HomeSeer outdoor motion sensor that is a direct attachment for standard flood lights and there's the Zooz outdoor motion sensor.

As you already have a good Insteon deployment and those work I would stick with those and grab a couple spares during the discount sales SmartHome has quite often.

[jec6613]

I generally prefer the Insteon motion sensors for lighting control - they direct link, the new MSII are small, and I don't have any issues using them outside (I do run USB power to them though).  Z-Wave have a longer wake time and are very sleepy devices, though I may add some as I strengthen my Z-wave network for their alternative sensor uses.

[paulbates]

3 hours ago, ctviggen1 said:

I know the last post here was a while ago, but I would like to revisit this.  I have two of the older models of Insteon motion sensors, and I tried two of the new Insteon motion sensors, but they only lasted less than a year outside.  Meanwhile the two older model versions I have, I can't remember when I bought them, and they still work (several others have failed, though).

I originally had other older model Insteon motion sensors on trees on my driveway, which is  30+ feet from the nearest Insteon switch.  I only have three Zwave products, all ceiling fan switches, in my house.  These switches would be even further from the trees, and on a second floor of the house, so up effectively to the third floor (basement, first floor, then second floor).

Would I be better off buying new Insteon motion sensors (the old ones seem very expensive), or trying Zwave motion sensors for this driveway application? 

The older models, if you can still get them, can be slightly modified to make them last outdoors. Its the front bezel that leaks. Put a bead of super glue on the left, right an bottom seams of the front bezel. I've had 3 outside for at least 3 years, right out in the open

Paul