Hi All,
I want to build a rain sensor that will open or close the rain sensor circuit for my sprinkler controller. I have a rain sensor now that is "OK" but I'd like to also be able to switch if off based o upcoming rain storms. It should be battery powered and will have very little current go through it. Any ideas? Amazon is my best friend but damned if I can find something...
TIA - Bill
I built this rain gauge and it works quite well. The parts are available on Amazon. I did have an issue keeping the aqara sensor contacted to HE (on my case I think it was distance and obstacles) so I bought a cheap Aqara m100 hub to pair it too and use the M100 as a matter bridge to HE.
This is a more up to date link for the Misol rain gauge component:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806271093007.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.4067430f0VfHxK&algo_pvid=9e489e3d-4559-4586-9559-02238eda9ef8&algo_exp_id=9e489e3d-4559-4586-9559-02238eda9ef8-0&pdp_ext_f={"order"%3A"525"%2C"eval"%3A"1"%2C"fromPage"%3A"search"}&pdp_npi=6%40dis!USD!15.84!11.88!!!15.84!11.88!%4021032f3717794912950067791ed277!12000037267538519!sea!US!2302064283!X!1!0!n_tag%3A-29919%3Bd%3Aee4d8a86%3Bm03_new_user%3A-29895&curPageLogUid=1hE31KwnV6bM&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch|query_from%3A|x_object_id%3A1005006457407759|_p_origin_prod%3A
Here is a very nice and extremely sensitive liquid sensor, available from Amazon: EPTTECH FS-IR1902D PNP-NO Optical Infrared Water Oil Fuel Fluid Diesel Liquid Level Sensor Switch 5 to 24VDC,Pack of 3: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
But it can't be battery powered.
Says it's currently unavailable...
Ops. But there are many similar sensors. If you want one search for the "optical level sensor" or so. Here is one multi-level sensor which is in stock: CQRobot Contact Multi-Point Photoelectric Liquid Level Sensor Compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi. for Automatic Irrigation Systems, Aquariums, Plants, in The Garden, in Agriculture etc.: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
The output is "frequency" but Hubduino/ESP32 can handle it nicely.
I bought mine from Amazon. I didn't use the ali links
Hi All and thanks for the replies. My apologies for not being clear in the OP.
I have a zigbee rain sensor, what I need is a zigbee battery powered microswitch that can be open or closed based off my existing rain sensor or other rules I create.
Really just need the switch 
(weatherproof is a plus but not mandatory - I can enclose if needed.
Thanks - Bill
I'm confused, but haven't finished my coffee yet. If the rain sensor is already Zigbee what's the need for a micro_switch.
I confuse myself sometimes too... The rain sensor only says wet/dry and relays signal back to HE. The switch would be to interrupt signal on outside battery operated sprinkler controller.
for reference
https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Industries-NODE-100-LS-Irrigation-Controller/dp/B08T265H23/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P7MId-9szI1aJPoqQncZRfNwK9xV3ZIB9TkBDVL70Y_cttCvRWgfYHNZcKLYvKbELsYskBQjS-b_DZmfgzF0vUEzqqLrc-Y0A4r6B6oBTf--0RecwEPXuwLatT7T-_xtHR1qMJKoJt05cOSNz4GcippS-qUBgUzdJa5FRVBhOFZONjnlc95eF--1kykSuLxJi2-cbeIS-jTt-R_xwb8Krq8zN3kTlGRJMq0NVPxZGn_P6cGpUMn9TMtunox2CnWFbVaEXTOIEIzJ5zowkqN4TVJZMbhvttftBXGfWZQ00FU.irG1u6Ypvb2bSTqbVp-8zTH-yVOpqN1UCDKZTwhSLKM&dib_tag=se&hvadid=777810827431&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9010792&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=2787450275519670303--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2787450275519670303&hvtargid=kwd-299285923410&hydadcr=26720_11868607&keywords=hunter+node-100&mcid=c05d2359b3893859ab4aa4cb35214dc9&qid=1779550204&sr=8-1
That makes perfect sense. I ended up using HE to control Zigbee valves. I measure the rainfall from the rain gauge and then subtract whatever nature has given us from the amount that I normally put down with the sprinklers. It doesn't take into account temp, humidity, etc but it worked pretty well up until the draught and water restrictions hit us and I stopped watering. I even changed some of the flowers over to succulents and cacti. Rainy season is starting so it will remain shutdown until next winter.
As I understand, you want a Zigbee controlled actuator that will interrupt power to your battery powered irrigation controller. I can think of two solutions. One is to use a micro switch and one of these bots: I just found this on AliExpress: | Tuya Smart Touch Finger Robot ZigBee 3.0 Chargeable Switch Button Pusher Bot Remote Control App Support Alexa Google Home Alice
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mL0paVh
The second solution is to use a Third Reality bot mounted on a standard light switch. See THIRDREALITY Zigbee Smart Switch,Toggle/Rocker,No Wiring Needed.Hub Required, Compatible with Echo Devices with Zigbee Hub Built-in,Home Assistant,Hubitat,SmartThings,Homey: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific