Dry contact question

[gikjll]

I have a ECOLINK dry contact sensor I have used with a IR beam for a couple years. The contacts don't seem to last so I am looking for a replacement. I don't want a relay switch, I need a contact sensor. I need a zigbee or zwave device that can sense when a switch closes and opens and report that to hubitat, like the zooz zwave contect does.

Thanks for all advice!

[ritchierich]

I use a Zooz Zen17 with an IR beam in my garage. Has worked well and I like that it can be plugged in vs batteries.

[PunchCardPgmr]

There's some good direct wire options that others will put forth but I've never used them myself (edit add: as many are Z-Wave). If you aren't happy with any of those I have done the following hack to a couple of different magnetic (window) style "contact" sensors with great success and have, thus far, lasted years.

DIY Wired Contact Hack Using Visonic MCT-340 E

After looking, unsuccessfully, for an off-the-shelf Zigbee device that would sense and report the state of mechanical contacts---relay contacts, simple pushbuttons, etc. I decided to make my own from a Visonic MCT-340 E. It's a "supported,'" relatively low cost magnet sensor used for doors, windows and the like. 'Turns out it is also quite easy to hack. (See photos.) [sensor%20hack%20small] [sensor%20hack%20PCB%20Small] Remove the battery cover. Pry off the rest of the rear cover. (Use a …

[gikjll]

This looks like a relay switch, how will it sense a switch opening/closing?

[johnwill1]

Fibaro Smart Implant will do it. 2 inputs and 2 outputs. It can report as a contact.

[ritchierich]

@gikjll

how will it sense a switch opening/closing?

Check out the details. Inputs can detect contact state as I have my beam sensor directly connected to the inputs
https://www.getzooz.com/zooz-zen17-universal-relay/

I also have my beam sensor power connected to the relay so I can turn off when my garage door is closed.

[scottgu3]

If you have a source of 5vdc near, I'm using Tuya Zigbee GDO to read a contact sensor in my septic system.

It's Zigbee, they are cheap, and seem to work great.

I'm also using the Zen17. It's really nice too.
S

[dadarkgtprince]

instead of an IR beam, have you thought about using a tilt sensor?

[scottgu3]

I expect he's not using the beam for door state detection, just turning it off when the door is closed...to save sensor life or power, or whatever.

S

[gikjll]

There is no gate. I use the IR beam combined with person detection by by ring doorbell, it notifies Alexa, who flips a switch, in case anyone is curious.

This way I can ignore the beam by itself! Cats, lizards and frogs and other critters cut the beam occasionally. Even had a bird fly through it. So my rule that notifies me only kicks off if a person is detected AND the beam is cut. This is on the entrance to my car port.

If that happens at night sirens go off, I get my gun and investigate

I do use zooz vibration sensors on my gates.. Important ones are backed with ring person detection also, same strategy.

[dadarkgtprince]

ahh, that's pretty cool. i did something similar on a small scale to notify me when my dog's feeder got low on food. never thought about doing it for entryways