I have a SML004 connected via ZHA. The connection is working fine but I’m having issues with the sensitivity. There are some related topics. However, the problem that I’m facing seems different.
At the default sensitivity setting “medium”, motion detection is triggered far too often, by birds at daytime and cats at night, too.
When I lower the sensitivity setting to “low”, motion detection is effectively turned off entirely. I can stand in front of the sensor and wave like mad but nothing happens.
I can switch back and forth between “medium” and “low” (or “lowest”) with the same results.
Any ideas what I can try? I’m also open to replacing the sensor with a different brand that does the job properly.
I can relate, in a similar type of location. I gave up on detecting people with motion sensors during daylight, and just have the sensors for when we go outside in the dark (beyond the purposely dim porch lighting).
What I find interesting, however, is the 5 sensitivity settings, that seem to be working better than when I set this over the course of last year (The lowest sensitivity works for me now, which wasn’t the case last year). So, your post has me revisiting those settings on the 4 outdoor detectors this morning.
What you might consider doing is mount another motion sensor further into this scene, and face it sideways or towards the other sensor. Group them, and only have them report when both are triggered. If another motion detector is too far away when mounted at that fencing in this scene, mount it on a pole or somesuch closer to the first motion sensor (within about 30 feet of each other should work, not sure how far one can push that).
Edit: I realize that wasn’t quite right. You’d toy with that IF you got low sensitivity working again. The one I tested is mounted above my head, and it triggers on Lowest when I’m within 3 feet of it. I’m not sure if sensitivity is about the amount of motion or the distance from where the motion occurs. I’ll have to play further.
Note, though you probably know already: If using ZHA for these, see which responds best for your needs - the Occupancy entity or the Motion entity. (No Z2MQTT here)
Thanks for your input. I’m more and more getting the impression that my unit is not working correctly. For everyone else the motion sensor seems to trigger more or less frequently depending on the sensitivity level while for me it’s a binary “all or nothing” switch. It’s the same for “occupancy” and “opening”. I didn’t see a specific “motion” entity.
Maybe I should get another one and see how it works. If it shows the same behavior I could return it as defective. Otherwise, I could use the likely broken one indoors.
I sent a note to their support team clearly saying that I’m using Home Assistant. A week later they responded that they only offer support when using the app. In between they asked for screenshots from the app.
I’ll try to get my hands on a Philips Hue bridge and give an update.
