Yes. That is what I use the SmartThings Arrival Sensors for.
The signal from the Xfinity might be not as strong as the ST.
edit: That's not right. It's stronger! Lower number = stronger!
Lot of variables though. Position of sensor, garage geometry, metal, etc, but should be similar for both.
We'll see if it works in actual use later.
ST chose 20 seconds for a reason, I imagine.
I'll stick to that for now.
While not related to battery life, the departure parameter on the driver, currently the default of 2 minutes, is adjustable.
Are there times you wouldn't have your phone when leaning or returning from the premises? And are you likely to be in range of Wi-Fi?
Hold on a second. I mispoke.
Lower is stronger! So the Xfinity is stronger than the ST.
Ok. If its just for the car you can deal with the battery issue like this:
You can get a USB to CR2032 pretty easily. a CR2450 is a little harder, but you can make an adapter for the CR2032 to 2450. Then you just plug it into your car USB or 12v to usb adapter and then never worry about it. Only runs while the car is running.
https://www.amazon.com/Connect-CR2032-Converter-Counter-Display/dp/B097N7F2RR
I thought about that. But it's a hassle too. I've got a gps and dash cam already plugged into the lighter outlet, then you'd have to string (another) wire and locate the device, then you sell the car, lol.
Can live anywhere in the car. Got any back 12v sockets? You don't have to really string it anywhere. Can live under the dash even. A fuse tap and you are done...
Not on this car.
I had a hardwired rear dash cam as well as a front one on my last MINI.
The current MINI, I just use a front one, with the wiring strung behind some plastic and a cigarette lighter plug.
It was somewhat of a hassle installing it hardwired, as I remember. I had it going to an unused fuse location. Worked fine, but getting the wire to the rear camera under the headliner and behind the wiper fascia sucked, as I recall.
Maybe it's just because I'm getting older and lazier.
Well, look at that. The ST arrival sensor shows departed.
The signal was indeed weak.
I've been having some issues with getting a strong (enough) signal for the ST sensor inside the garage.
I did place the XF sensor next to the ST, so maybe that's a factor.
I'll move it around and see if I can improve it.
Perhaps the XF sensor's stronger signal will help with this.
If it works, lol.
Looked at the ST sensor.
Battery replace 8/3 with Duracell. Not yet 4 weeks.
Voltage measured 2.96. Still some life left, I'd expect, but weakening?
Replaced battery. Started working again.
Better numbers:
If you are otherwise happy with the ST sensor, then consider the AA battery modification. I have been running two sensors like this for over 2 years (no battery changes yet). Others have reported 4+ years on the original batteries.
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I went away for a couple hours.
When I came back, the garage door rule didn't work.
Looking at the logs, it became 'present' about three minutes after the ST arrival sensor.
I knew was too easy.
Oh well.
edit: It acted up in other bad ways as well. It's back to being a generic zigbee contact sensor.
I changed it back and forth, etc, to the ST v4 sensor yesterday, but it wouldn't report every 20 seconds like it had. Then, around 1:04 this evening, it reported arrived! Zigbee logs, which I didn't run overnight, are now showing reports every 20 seconds. Weird. I'll keep messing with it.
edit: Sitting relatively near the hub, my usual Altoids tin in a covered metal pot didn't stop the radio waves. Neither did the tin box inside of an ammo can. Pretty strong radio, I'd say. Has to be something around the house...maybe some pipe.
my answer to presence sensor without a device...
I've set up three different way to sense presence.
a Shared variable using Hubitat, HomeKit and Alexa.
If any of the three, senses arrival or departure of my phone, it sets/resets the variable allowing arming/disarming HSM, turning on lights, etc.
It hasn't failed once since installing.
The trigger point is about 400' from the hub.
HomeKit usually detects first, Alexa comes close at second and Hubitat third.
Swapped devices in apps again.
Pasted Xfininity on windshield.
Left house for 2.5 hours.
Came back: rules worked perfectly!
I'll keep going with it.
Phone sensing is useful and I do use it (both GPS and Wi-Fi detection). However, there is merit for a separate sensor. For instance, I have one rule that only operates if I return home on my motorcycle.
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Subsequent arrival detections have taken 2 and 7 minutes. Too long to be practical.
