Does anybody know of a photoelectric beam sensor to use with Vera 3?
Do you mean a Z-Wave option? If so’ no. In general just about any of them will work.
Also this should be posted in the lock, motion and security forum. It’ll probably get moved.
I agree with S-F. I haven’t seen one made for z-wave but every one made for an alarm can be wired to a z-wave contact (door switch) switch. Here’s a video of hows it done for this sensor, but same gets applied to any Photoelectric beam kit u want.
This is my favorite on the board so for:
I made the video of the driveway sensor that integlikewhoa linked above. In my case I used a motion sensor, but you can swap out the motion sensor for the break beam sensor or any of the other types of sensors that Dakota Alert makes.
Total cost $250 and here’s what you need…
$212.75: Dakota Alert BBA-2500
$38.54: Schlage RS100HC
Pros
[ul][li]No need to run wires outside[/li]
[li]Sensors can be mounted 300 feet apart[/li]
[li]Sensors have solar panels to recharge the batteries[/li]
[li]You can add up to 3 more sensors using the same receiver[/li]
[li]The receiver can play chimes in addition to triggering z-wave events[/li]
[li]Sensor can be located a really far distance from the receiver[/li][/ul]
Cons
[ul][li]$250 is pretty pricey![/li][/ul]
Actually I am using this in the house. My dogs set off the motion sensors. They have a large doggie door that bothers me at night. This will be set-up in case somebody decides it is a good idea to crawl through a doggie door, fight a couple of 90 lb dogs and then try to fight a Model 1911 45 ACP after that. This was the last piece of the puzzle for the home security portion of Vera for me. The AD2USB plugin for my Vista panel, 23 security cameras and this little photoelectric beast should do the trick.
@S-F and @integlikewhoa
Thanks for the links
@Albeebe
I watched your video and that was very helpful. I am going to use the Schlage RS100HC window/door sensor.
@dantheman1
I am using your photoelectric sensor idea
Seco-Larm E-931-S45RRQ Enforcer Reflective Beam Sensor with Round Reflector, 45 Ft.
I also bought a siren.
Fortrezz SSA2USR Siren Strobe Alarm Wireless Z-wave Red Lens
I picked up a 1.5V AC adapter and I am going to solder it in on the Schlage where the “C” battery goes. This way, everything will be AC powered.
MODIFIED: The Schlage uses a CR123 battery which is 3V
I just bought this stuff today and hope to have it up and running next weekend after everything comes in. I am sure I can set up all the needed operations in Vera.
Thanks everybody for all the ideas, comments, videos, etc. THIS FORUM IS AWESOME!!!
… this is a nice solution. I suspect this is good for your/our automation, but not security since it can been seen/avoided by people.
I put a motion detector in my front door entry - works well BUT it is too sensitive to mount facing the entry directly, it detects cars across the street 50’ away! I mount it 8" above the concrete floor and ‘hide’ it behind a planter so people walking up don’t see it. I set the 5 sec resent.
I will have devices hidden from the direction I am guarding against and the plane would have to be broken to see them. At least I am hoping this works for my security needs.