I’m trying to find a motion sensor (or rather collection of sensors - 5 sensors in 5 different rooms) that I could get to turn on a wemo smart plug (WSP080) and then turn it off 30 minutes after the last motion is detected. Currently I have a hot water recirculation pump being powered by the plug set to run each evening from 6PM-10PM. I watched a tutorial by John Stone the DIY Smart Home Guy (INSTALL: Watts Hot Water Recirculation Pump - Instant Hot Water - YouTube) and was inspired to explore options for a system that was controlled by motion sensors vs. a set schedule. I WOULD use his list of equipment, etc. however it’s from 2012 and so I’m guessing a bit antiquated… So far I haven’t found anyone that has had success doing what I’m trying to do (tried posting on reddit’s ifttt Chanel as well as another forum). Currently I’ve been unable to reach Mr. Stone. I’m not married to the Wemo smart plug. Totally open to other equipment configurations though I’d prefer to keep it simple if possible. As I’m writing I’ve realized that a system that would support electronic door locks might be a great addition as well but not the main goal at this point. YouTube and Google have proven helpful, but frankly a bit overwhelming. My programming capabilities are rather limited. Thank you for taking the time to read and any help/advice offered would be much appreciated.
If you have a ZigBee or Z-wave network then there are lots of motion sensors to choose from. Aqara ones are good.
Thank you for your suggestion! I will look into the solutions ZigBee offers and let you know what I come up with.
Kind regards,
Jon
Hi Templeton. I googled “how to set up a simple Zigbee Network 2022” and ended up watching this tutorial “Home Assistant Beginners Guide: Installation, Addons, Integrations, Scripts, Scenes, and Automations” ( Home Assistant Beginners Guide: Installation, Addons, Integrations, Scripts, Scenes, and Automations - YouTube ) and from what I gather, the best set up is one in which I have a dedicated “always on” laptop/computer running home assistant. I’m guessing this is the most current approach? This smart plug is actually at a rental home and I don’t live there. I’m guessing I can’t “set it up” with a mobile app on my phone and then come back to the rental periodically to make sure the motion sensor/smart plug are functioning correctly. Also, I should probably mention that I’m predominantly a mac/iOS user.
There is a saying that, if the only tool you have is a hammer, then everything looks like a nail. That is to say, I think I know how to solve your problem with Home Assistant but it may not be the simplest solution.
With HA you’ll need a small computer that runs 24/7. A Raspberry Pi is ideal but tricky to get hold of. A thin client PC from eBay will also be good but draws a little more power.
I’d then suggest getting a Zigbee dongle: a Conbee II or a Sonoff Zigbee 3 Plus would be my suggestion.
Then you’ll need Zigbee motion sensors and a Zigbee plug/outlet. Aqara FP1 motion sensors are good. You’ll need to find a Zigbee outlet that has a suitable current rating suitable for the pump.
In fairness this is going to take a significant investment in time.
Maybe another community member can suggest something simpler.
Templeton, I really appreciate your response! I don’t mind the investment in time and I’m actually just working at it piecemeal as I have several other projects on my plate.
I watched Home Assistant 2022 - Which Hardware to Buy + Full Install Guide - YouTube and he highly recommends the Dell Optiplex 3050. So as far as a “thin client” PC that’s where I’m inclined, though I’m open to suggestions. I also have an older (2016?) p/c laptop that has been gathering dust for a while. Don’t know if that could be added to the mix - possibly as a “sandbox” experimental component, though if it’s more of a headache I’d prefer going another route.
I’ll go with the SONOFF ZigBee 3.0 Plus that you mentioned.
I’ll be looking shopping around for an Aqara FP1 motion sensor though ultimately I’d like to have 5 in the set up. From a quick search they appear to be running around $50. Do you know of any other suppliers that would be more economic out there? Any particular supplier you recommend? Doesn’t look Best Buy carries them and ideally a brick and mortar place would be nice as I could return them if they were defective, etc.
Also, the SONOFF SNZB-03 ZigBee Motion Sensor Amazon.com was recommended but seems more tailored to turning on lights. I’m trying to figure out if it will turn on a zigbee outlet…
As far as outlets, the pump draws less than an amp when running and I came across this Decora Smart Plug-In Single Outlet, Zigbee Certified https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Decora-Smart-Plug-In-Single-Outlet-Zigbee-Certified-DG15A-1BW/315388352 and it looks like it might fit the bill, though again, I’m open to ideas.
Again, thank you for your input! Enjoy your weekend!
Hi @homeBoy816
The laptop could be put to use. It could have the added advantage that, if the battery is still in reasonable condition, it’ll have a built in UPS.
I apologise I meant the Aqara P1 which is between $10 and $20.
I expect the outlet will be fine.
Morning @templeton_nash I’ll try to put my laptop to use. Currently running windows 10? and I’ll probably try installing Linux Mint. Based on a brief google search, that version seems to be best option.
Will look for the Aqara P1!