8 MORE SmartThings Motion Sensors Compared!

[@Chucka1463]

Thanks. Great work. I would love to see a review of buttons (not wall switches) that work with SmartThings.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Great idea Chuck! Thanks for that!

[@BrentSerdiuk91]

I use the Ikea tradfri range of stuff and not had any issues. Reasonably priced as well

[@Inovelli]

Another great video! Always happy to be a part of your lineup. -Brianna | Marketing Manager

[@AutomateYourLife]

Always happy to have such great devices from your lineup in our videos!

[@AlexanderLong]

so how long the "cooldown" time setting you would recommend on those sensors? especially for lightning ? since all my smart light automation setting already can set for duration so feel it might be ok to have the sensor detect motion or no motion sooner?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yeah so I'd set the ones you can to about a quarter of the time you want to use for turning off the lights. So if you want to turn your lights off in 1 minute after motion stops, try and get a cooldown around 15 seconds. But in general anything from 15 - 30 seconds works well and splits the difference on battery life vs function for me! But for battery

[@aidanbazan7769]

At 3:05 you say the ZooZ ZSE18 motion sensor doesn't re-trigger motion, does that mean it will just go "no motion detected" and stay that way until you leave and come back?

[@AutomateYourLife]

It actually means that it'll stay "motion detected" until you go away. :)

[@aidanbazan7769]

@@AutomateYourLife that’s what I was hoping for. Highly considering that one. Or Phillips hue.

[@lany_07gaming]

Nice info and review,great comparisons.👍

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh thank you Lany!

[@EsotericArctos]

I do prefer ZigBee mainly for a cost factor at this stage. ZWave is so expensive here at least. It is good to see so many devices that do work with SmartThings.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yeah these are definitely a bit up there in the price range. I'd prefer to keep my costs down for most normal use cases. But I do love a couple of these for their specialized features!

[@cornbreadcuban5456]

Does the Aeotec not have a lag issue when you’re not using a cloud feature or the proprietary hub?

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's a double negative

[@dankelley9361]

Brian, excellent review of Zwave motion sensors that work with SmartThings! Love how you differentiate action & modes between available sensors. Didn’t see that video you mention about setting up an automation to trigger a camera and automatically show it on an echo show! Thanks for all your efforts!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Dan! Thanks! Sorry I might have forgotten to put it in the description. So here's how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2achH-LaK-Jh9k

[@aimadelhabti6888]

Hi Brian I'm considering adding the Fibaro to my z wave ecosystem. My kids tend to leave their rooms' ACs on when they leave them. However, I'm afraid their ACs will be killed off when they sleep. The rooms are 5×5. What do you think? Will it work? If not, what other motion sensor would you suggest? The routine I'm planning will turn off the ACs but won't turn them on, on detection (electricity bills are a killer here.] Many thanks for any tips.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Time Limit the turning off of the AC on Motion Detection just to the daytime. That way, when they sleep it becomes just based on temperature.

[@philipperostin]

Just installed a Zooz 4 in 1 Zwave Plus motion sensor in my garage. Its the best I ever installed, easyly beating Third Reality, Philips Hue, Wyze etc... It simply works, was a breathe to set up in Smart Things, and NEVER ever disconnects from the hub (So far, but all the others start disconnecting as early as the second or third day). Bonus, you have temp, light and humidity !

[@AutomateYourLife]

Funny, I had a few disconnections on the 4 in 1 in the last few weeks. The Third Reality and Hue ones I've had near perfect performance on. I think it's more about SmartThings actually right now though. Otherwise, that sensor's been great for me too :)

[@philipperostin]

@Automate Your Life Well t hat's a bit strange. For Hue, 2 of them work perfectly , one never works for more than a day. For TR l have one very dose from the Hub and works well. Another one is closer to the hub but has some concrete to go throught and never stays connected as well as a sengled door sensor in the same area. I replaced the TR with Zooz and the sengled with a ring one and they both work perfectly. I guess radio waves are selecting in quebec!!! Lol. Darn french people 😂

[@nairreDDerrian]

When is Aeotec gonna release its Smartthings sensors? Do you expect them to be as good as when Samsung was still doing Smartthings devices?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Derrian - I've seen the listings come and go so I feel like it's imminent. The sensors should be exactly the same, but as far as I've seen...a bit pricier.

[@NeilNatic]

@@AutomateYourLife everything aeotec does is too expensive. Their sensors have been some of the most expensive on the market the entire time. I was really upset to see them take over the Samsung hardware

[@zsqduke]

What’s the default DTH for the GE Enbrighten sensor? I have a few that look the same but they are 35331 and with the Aeon multi 6 DTH I get usable temp and lux reporting

[@AutomateYourLife]

It's just the standard ZWave Motion Sensor, so not a DTH there :) Maybe I'll try that and see!

[@zsqduke]

@@AutomateYourLife I did some reading and found you could change parameters by switching the DTH to z-wave tweaker and then switch back. I successfully set the motion delay to 5 seconds and temperature and luminance report interval to 5 minutes. This is a super good sensor now because it runs locally! You should look into it

[@ItsElliotGough]

Any idea when you’ll be reviewing the switchbot motion sensor (and contact sensor?) would love to hear your thoughts on them

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'm not sure I'll do a full review Elliot. I'm playing with them a bit this weekend, but might not produce a whole video on them. I don't know that there'd be enough want for that video. As in...the problems with KZbin.... However, I guarantee I'll be showcasing them and showing how I'm using them as we go through a couple of videos related to Alexa, Google, and specifically SmartThings. :)

[@LonestarMarty]

Are you using the smartthings classic app? Do they still have it on an android device? I have apple and cant find the classic one anymore

[@AutomateYourLife]

Classic is long gone Marty, so nope!

[@LonestarMarty]

@@AutomateYourLife oh I see. Thanks for the information and great video too!!! 🙌

[@smody121]

I need a motion sensor I'm looking to pair with a lutron caseta on/off or dimmer switch that's on the outside of my pantry to turn the light on and off when we pop in and out. So reset time and usb compatibility are probably my main focuses, any suggestions for that scenario?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'd just go with the basic Zooz one in that case from this lineup. We have a second comparison with a few more that might work.

[@smody121]

@@AutomateYourLife thanks, yea i watched both vids and since I'm newer to the automation game it's difficult to parse through them all. I was thinking one of the Zoos sensors so I'll re-watch those sections, thanks!

[@Brandon-pq1pn]

I'm trying to find a Samsung hub v3 to use in relation to an existing v3 hub to expand my coverage. I know they stopped manufacturing them and directing people to the aeotec hub. I can't even find the aeotec hub for sale, what's happening with the smartthings hubs?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Couple links for the hubs - In case you're looking for the new hub from Aeotec: amzn.to/2NCVJoA (Amazon affiliate link) or Popp here: popp.to/?ref=AYL and use code AUTOMATEYOURLIFE for 2% off! But here's a good breakdown: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGHLk6awmK6tY5I and kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIfTmpebp7Ohb68 Follow us for regular SmartThings updates please!

[@caseylasalle]

Have you done one of these videos for outdoor motion sensors?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Not a whole video cause there aren't a ton, but there's one in this video!

[@ankursabre4811]

Great video Brian! Question about the Zooz 4-in-1 sensor - the device handler you are using appears to have many more customizations than the one that Zooz suggests on their website. Can you please share the link to this DH? Thanks!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Don't say I never did nothing for ya ;) automatelife.net/the-zooz-4-in-1-sensor-custom-device-handler-for-smartthings-that-i-use/

[@edneicastro2]

Congratulations for your videos, I'm from Brazil, and I translated to send you, where I find the device handless of these devices, please.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Ednei - Check out our tutorials channel here: kzbin.info/door/wdEwQFG-zftr6c7G7wmFvA The videos for each different sensor are there. The link to the device handler code is available in the description!

[@robdekoning1574]

Where in Canada can you get the Aeotec TriSensor for $45? Aartech, although I'm not sure about availability, list it at $85. So I'm not breaking the bank, but staying with Z-wave, I'm leaning towards the NEO Coolcam sensor at $30. Note, I'm a HA user, having migrated from Smartthings when they killed the Link on my Shield. Never looked back either!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Two links in the description for Canada!

[@LOY80Y]

Love the videos. Its helped me decide what smart devices to purchase and try. Its always great to see that someone takes the time to review and compare different sensors. Just wondering how are you getting those settings? I've got it paired with the Aeotec Smart Hub and i'm using the Smartthings app on my iPhone. The sensor i'm referring to are the Aeotec Tri Sensor and even the Aeotec Multisensor 6 you reviewed in your other video. Is it some sort of custom device handler? Sorry still new to the smart home space and just started looking into zigbee and z-wave devices. I've bought a bunch of Aeotec devices recently and i'm starting to set a few things up. Havent set up the Multisensor 6 yet but i suspect these settings aren't there out of the box.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yep! It's a custom device handler with almost all of the ones in this video. If you look in the description though, you'll find some tutorial videos. I even have one for the Tri Sensor. :)

[@LOY80Y]

Ok great thanks!

[@MrJLequesne]

Can you review the lovolo sensor, supposed to work without movement, just detects human presence. So the lights dont go out when your still.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Got a link James?

[@MrJLequesne]

@@AutomateYourLife yes, www.livoloeurope.eu/livolo-full-product-catalogue/livolo-human-sensor-pir-light-switch-vl-c701rg

[@AutomateYourLife]

Sadly, there's no North America version so I'd have trouble. :(

[@JC-xd3xt]

How would I know which device is locally run and which is cloud? Is it controllable to be local by choice or its by software chosen?

[@AutomateYourLife]

It's really easy to tell which ones are local by looking at your list of devices in the account.smartthings.com IDE in the devices tab. Look for Local or Cloud in the sheet there. As for how to tell before you buy a device...for the most part if it's ZigBee or Z-Wave and doesn't require a custom device handler it'll be local. 😃

[@JC-xd3xt]

Thank you for the info. So pretty much I'll need to use the IDE page only to determine the local/cloud status and not like on the app or something. Can I just quickly ask as well for your recommend on a water leak sensor thats good and works with smartthings? Thanks

[@houstonshomeautomation3524]

Great video man ! I use smartthings as my default to put into clients homes. I'm happy to know I can put all z wave sensors in ! Cuts down on battery call back issues !

[@AutomateYourLife]

Especially those wired in ones. Slow down those cooldowns a bit and you should be good for a long time!

[@SuperPaulmax]

Hi any way yo integrate globe contact sensors with smartthings? Thanks

[@AutomateYourLife]

Not that I've seen so far!

[@AutomateYourLife]

The way to try would be to put them into the Smart Life app and try to bring that in. If they show, great! But as far as I know they don't.

[@SuperPaulmax]

@@AutomateYourLife thanks will try that

[@Farmercist1]

I am looking for a motion sensor to turn on lights when someone is in the room. It seems most have motion detection and then stays on for "X" minutes/seconds. I want something that as long as there is motion (for 10 seconds or 2 hours) it doesn't turn off

[@AutomateYourLife]

You might be looking for a presence sensor. And actually, it depends on how your hub handles it more than anything. SmartThings should allow things to stay on if motion is continued to be detected in the space. But you gotta move if it's just motion!

[@niravniel561]

Hi, you mention that Samsung will remove the custom device handlers, do you have any idea what will happen with all the xiaomi / aqara devices that also use custom device handlers ?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I don't know but I assume those will get a pretty basic device handler and work fine

[@niravniel561]

@@AutomateYourLife thanks a lot

[@cornbreadcuban5456]

Some more info on the disconnection issue that you seem to have with a number of other sensors would also be a crucial part in the review process. Kind of makes the whole spread of sensors now questionable.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I don't have any disconnection issues. When you move sensors around a home, they disconnect until you rebuild your Z-Wave network.

[@baltimorelegodad3702]

Can you do a video to let us know how these may work with the Ring Basestation?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Sad story, I don't even have a Ring Basestation. I can look at it cause I know a few folks who do, but it's a tougher one for me to execute at the moment Joshua. I'm also not sure any will, tbh.

[@georgecherish]

can this work with smart things airconditioner?

[@AutomateYourLife]

All of them will work with anything integrated into Smartthings!

[@starshipduck]

It is my understanding all 700 series Z-Wave devices should have OTA and S2 always so I believe the ZSE40 has those built in just not advertised.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I confirmed with their support resources before I published this. So this is the official word from Zooz!

[@ronm6585]

Thanks Brian.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thank you sir!

[@GrandmaHatesTech]

Nobody can tip toe through your house with all those sensors 😀

[@AutomateYourLife]

ahahhaha not even you Granny

[@tbone9405]

What happened to Insteon?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh they still exist...just not a system I'm using :)

[@ElliottMorris]

Our Zooz ZSE18 fails to detect motion about 20% of the time (about 10' distance with sensitivity at highest setting), which is very frustrating. Anyone else have reliability issues with this sensor?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I've had a really good experience with this sensor. If you're using SmartThings, you might want to check out some of the data in the IDE about routing. Maybe there's an issue there. This video will help if you're using SmartThings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJbUXpyfppp8g5Y

[@ElliottMorris]

@@AutomateYourLife thanks for the reply. I'm using Home Assistant, and what I notice is that the blue LED doesn't come on at times, so the device itself isn't detecting the motion. I have sensitivity turned all the way up, so I am perplexed. I installed this in our laundry room, which is also the entry to and from the garage and has no windows, so it is dark. Kind of frustrating to come into the house with your hands full and the lights don't turn on because the sensor doesn't detect us. Maybe its faulty and it's time to try a different sensor.

[@MrJLequesne]

Zooz need to make products for uk zwave too!!!

[@EsotericArctos]

If you can't get Z-wave there are plenty of ZigBee sensors that work well and they are universal 🙂

[@somemovingpictures]

I caught the cameo appearance for the "Ekophonic." And, as an aside, I also have trouble with my imaginary friends triggering cameras and motion sensors. However, in my case, there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of the devices.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Ohhh you caught that hey? Might be time to add a bit of a delay to see if they hold for a few seconds and lower your cooldown on them?

[@somemovingpictures]

@@AutomateYourLife You missed the point. My imaginary friends are indeed triggering them. You see, I have a vivid imagination. Oh well, a joke explained is a joke ruined.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Wait. Ohhhhh!!! Ahahahahahaha!!!

[@justinw6448]

So which one would be your go to in your own home?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh I'm using the outdoor one heavily right now, and I like the Zooz and inovelli 4 in 1s for the balance of sensors vs price. They all have a spot and will actually lol!

[@justinw6448]

@@AutomateYourLife I was looking at buying a couple of the zooz zse11 but they were sold out at the time. I like that they can use usb

[@PhilKulak]

Man, you Smart Things guys jump through so many hoops. Just use Home Assistant and all the parameters are visible and editable by default, no "device handler" nonsense needed.

[@AutomateYourLife]

ahhahahaha, I still can't get my H.A working right. Feels like the devil you know sorta thing

[@LuckyPandaX]

I just need one that works w/ AA or AAA battery. Don't want to keep a million types of batteries in my drawers.

[@AutomateYourLife]

ahhahaha put the outdoor sensor everywhere then? But seriously, these all have the same type of battery! You'd only need one type!

[@LuckyPandaX]

​@@AutomateYourLife Those wireless buttons need CR2450. Also CR123A rechargeable is uncommon so you'd have buy a separate charger, in additional to a bunch of charger I already have. I just think about the environmental impact of all those unreliable plastic sensors that I end up tossing and the batteries that end up in the landfill.

[@TheThomasdahl]

Any designer needs a better motion sensor lens? Let me know.

[@AutomateYourLife]

You offering to make em one Thomas?

[@cornbreadcuban5456]

on and on with SmartThings. There is better out there.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think it's the best overall. You can say one aspect of a system is better than ST, but as a whole package it's still the best

[@whitewhitewhite2446]

My jay ares light burned out

[@whitewhitewhite2446]

20th booster will exist unfortunately

[@cooliipie]

What's up

[@frostythebeerman6324]

I'm coming to realize that every maker of these devices has their own hub, and Aqara seems to have closed to door to anyone else connecting to their devices ) I think I need to settle down and watch a lot more KZbin videos. I thought it was just a matter of buying a door sensor and that was it. When you buy a device you are buying into their eco-system it seems kind of like Apple or Android... Canon or Sony kind of thing. Amazon says this hub --> Aeotec Smart Home Hub is their top choice. Has Zigbee and Z-wave. I am so new to this and realize now, I need help. Nobody yet I've found on KZbin goes into a real beginner video telling us just what we are getting into.... when you decide on a sensor, you are also buying into that maker's hub... like the Aquara, they have closed their door to anyone else trying to use their devices... I just bought the Aqara door sensor, but now don't know if I should send it back to Amazon... as I'll be closing down my options. Also - smart bulbs... what happens if you buy any brand smart bulb from Amazon, and want that to "trip" on, it seems this can't be done easily say with the Aqara system. Open a door, Aqara door sensor alerts the smart bulb to turn on.... but in reality it seems that doesn't work. you would need an Aquara light switch and regular light bulb, or a smart bulb made by Aquara. Yeah for a beginner, there really isn't any real *beginner* info out there, in terms of the eco-system you're buying into by buying that first sensor.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Frosty, on my channel there is a WHOLE series of newbie videos. How to Build a Smart Home 101 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2Szlniaf66DnK8 Smart Home Hubs 101 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYrLg5l3pcuprc0 Smart Home Automations 101 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWawd2aDo7KggNk Watch those. Then you'll be good. And they're on the main page of the channel.

[@frostythebeerman6324]

@@AutomateYourLife Good morning Brian ! ah thanks for writing back ! I'm going to go start watching those today ! thank you ! 🙂