If a battery becomes a deciding factor, just remember that, GeoFencing issues aside, the battery in your phone is a constant.... If that make sense... It's something you will have to maintain either way....
I changed the name of the thread for clarity.
On this device what is the frequency of the supervisory transmission? In other words when the device is closed with the magnet how often does it send a message?
Check this out:
Zigbee log show it checking in every 20 seconds just like the ST sensor!
The driver is key!
I don't know, but the contact sensor I have on a door appears to be pretty quiet. It's always just about last on the Last Message list in zigbee settings.
The reason I am asking is if the supervisor message is an acceptable interval for you purpose then the battery will last years. If you need it more frequent then having the device open will make it run nonstop and drain the battery at some rate. If you can live with that ok. If you need more battery life them adding a timer to the device to enable it on an interval can help extend battery life.
Seems kinda bulky and something to forget. I like the phone and geofencing or scripting connecting to wifi etc.
You wouldn't want to carry one in your pocket, but it's not that much bigger than the ST.
I have velcro'ed now to a car window.
If you are relying on a car leaving the property, then some kind of pressure sensor you drive over might be an alternative....? Not ideal I will admit,,,
Is your use case only for the car?
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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.
