There are today lots of zwave sensors available. Thanks to the extensibility of Vera, it is even possible to use other protocols (lan, rfxcom, chacon, etc…) to use even more sensors.
I would like to know if and how you managed to get/make those sensors that are NOT yet available?
Here is a list of ideas:
[ol][li]The Mailbox sensor. Based on weight or opening sensor?[/li]
[li]Weight presence sensor. In other words, Is there someone on the couch even though nothing moved in the room?[/li]
[li]Door bell sensor. Did you use a door sensor that you rewire?[/li][/ol]
I am looking forward to reading crazy things here ;D
I used a HRDS1 with a pendulum switch attached to sense if the awning was moving too much due to wind; if it tripped then it would pull the awning in!
I have some spare wireless alarm sensors that I’m thinking of re-purposing now this type of thing, and may even use them with a regular SPST push button switch, to act as a tiny one button scene controller, either for wall mounting (inside an electrical box), for a more mobile purpose, or the sort of things you are talking about!
I chose sound level sensor since the IP Cam app I have (LiveCams Pro) will stream sound from my Foscam IP cam and it has a squelch setting to lower back ground noise and also a noise level threshold that will send you an alert if the noise exceeds that level. The app even stays active when the iPad is in standby with the screen off, so you can use this app like a baby monitor for audio monitoring and then turn the iPad on for video monitoring. Not perfect but it works just good enough to replace a baby monitor.
I’m actually using a aeon labs DW sensor for a mailbox sensor. Attach the magnets next to eachother on the inside, as soon as someone opens it up, i get a text message sent to me letting me know when i get mail every day =D.
Ive been kind of playing around with the time when the postal office guy comes around everyday, usually around 2pm while im at work.
I know its really not that exotic, but just felt like sharing since im using the DW sensor as something slightly random than what it was intended to do.
I am using the Control By Web module to read the temperatures on a three compressor HVAC sytem.
Vera picks up the contactor on/off as well as the temperature in and out of each compressor and the chiller and condensor temps…nice system
Tim
I am using an everspring flood sensor attached to a air pressure switch. If the plant air pressure drops below the set point ie. the air compressor failed or was turned off, it will automatically switch off a bunch of equipment. Mostly heat seal machines that can be damaged if left on with no air.
Just added an Everspring flood sensor to my toilet systern. It detects when the water level drops in the tank, so I know it is currently flushing.
To make things more dramatic, Vera plays a fanfare tune on my Sonos when the toilet flushes. Keeps my 7 year old amused and encourages him to flush.
Now I wonder what I could do with that automatic soap dispenser…
LOL! Maybe someone will write a Smart Toilet Listener plug-in to collect statistics on all toilets in the house.[/quote]
Ha ha, yes and maybe add a Zwave door sensor to the toilet lid so you know when someone goes and flushes. I guess a door sensor and mercury switch could be zip tied to the toilet tank float arm for flush detection too.
Wow, talk about exotic sensors, Green Goose has cornered the market. Now how do I get one of the pet sensors onto the neighbor’s cat? I still haven’t seen this mythical ninja cat, only what it leaves behind in my yard.
LOL! Maybe someone will write a Smart Toilet Listener plug-in to collect statistics on all toilets in the house.[/quote]
Ha ha, yes and maybe add a Zwave door sensor to the toilet lid so you know when someone goes and flushes. I guess a door sensor and mercury switch could be zip tied to the toilet tank float arm for flush detection too.[/quote]
Just to update you on my progress with “exotic” sensors. I have a toilet seat sensor working. It’s completely invisible to users (sealed with silicone sealant), using very small reed switch and powerful neodymium magnet, connected to volt free contact.
I can now provide irrefutable evidence to my wife that the toilet seat isn’t always left up!
LOL
