I'm currently using a FortrezZ mimo2+ for z-wave monitoring of dry contacts and some output relays. works great, but at $80 each, it's not a cheap solution … even though it gets you two sensors.
I need four more dry contact monitoring points, and have an aversion to battery operated ones for this application (the contact points are already centrally wired, so I don't need the convenience, or maintenance overhead of battery power). Does anyone know if there any decent alternatives?, or any alternatives at all for that matter? (my searches keep coming up empty; everything is battery powered … it seems like this may be a z-wave unicorn)
Does that allow the relays to be used separately from the inputs (assuming you've used one)? … I like the price better, but a quick read through the description seems to indicate that the inputs/outputs are linked. Not a deal breaker; just trying to be sure I know what I'm looking at.
They are door contacts, but solely for the purpose of automation, no alarm scenario involved. I've considered rolling-my-own, with some ESP8266's, I just prefer to stay on the z-wave band if I can avoid pulling in my wifi.
I've even considered using a z-uno, but there aren't readily available Hubitat drivers that I found for it; and I'm not at the point that I feel like being the one to make some. I was really just hoping for an easy answer like the mimo, with a bit less of the price tag.
Just monitoring some doors, nothing magic in this case. I just always prefer to avoid battery powered devices when there is an option. Everything I own that requires a battery is predictably dead when I need it to work the most … but I suspect that describes pretty much everyone.
Yeah that's the problem with batteries.... z-wave battery reporting not being reliable just makes it worse. There's not just many options for mains powered contact sensors that are z-wave.... There's also the quibino which is a small unit...
The inputs and outputs are linked so if the external switch connected to Sw1 terminal is tripped, the state will change on the device connected to the R1 terminal. You don't need to connect anything to the R1 terminal and just monitor the device connected to Sw1, the reports will still come through to the hub.
I 3d printed a cr2 battery sized case that I then mounted a 3.3v regulator and female microusb breakout inside of along with nickel strips at ends of "Battery" for contacts. Allows me to use either a real cr2 battery or substitute my battery eliminator with usb wall wart and micro usb cable. Microusb on left and 3.3v regulator on right. I also used a 3d printed CR2 battery case combined with conventional 2xAA, C or D cell battery holders for spots where mains power wasn't convenient but I wanted better battery longevity.
Thanks for the clarification. Seems a shame to only be able to use half the module, but two of these costs less than one of the mimo2+ ... so even though they’re less flexible, they still make more sense to my wallet.
