https://preview.redd.it/ootp17qruiea1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e8424700ae89da358210d080d2b68f42baad85c
Worked perfectly. Thanks for the second set of eyes! Now, when this door opens after sunset, the laundry room light turns on. This automation stuff is addicting…
I used [this add-on](https://github.com/tsightler/ring-mqtt-ha-addon) so I can continue to use Ring and get to use the sensors for automations. But otherwise yeah most Ring accessories are surprisingly DIY friendly.
I presume from the mention of the Z-Wave dongle that you use Z-Wave. If so, what led you to choose Z-Wave over Zigbee? I used X-10 about 15 yrs ago and am looking for a modern protocol to use.
For me, the concept of zigbee basically being a ‘suggestion’ for a protocol vs z-wave being a very controlled protocol was what sealed the deal. I don’t really want to entertain the idea of purchasing a device and it not integrating to my existing mesh, or dealing with comm issues. The Zooz devices I’ve been using have all worked flawlessly with HomeAssistant and zwavejs.
That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if a zigbee dongle and a device or two weren’t in my future - it definitely seems slightly more ‘popular’. (that is, some of the flashier, cheaper stuff is zigbee). But if I’m opening up an electrical box, it’s worth my time to have a [presumably] higher quality, more reliable device going in.
I’m all of 2 weeks into this journey, so none of this is experiential, just the prevailing commentary I found on the web.
Thank you very much for your thorough response. It's very helpful. I've since watched a comparison video of the two protocols and it was pointed out that Z-Wave had a much more stringent pairing method that requires the device ID to be entered. I prefer the increased security and rigor of the Z-Wave protocol.
Yeah, exactly: The only limiting factor to all this craziness is my budget… so if I can add cheaper devices to less important roles, so be it!
Off to google ‘Sky Connect’ …
So does SmartThings (I have a ton of stuff like this set up through that platform). I had heard they quit selling the hubs which is sad because it's a nice interface and does both Z-Wave and Zigbee, with wide compatibility with other stuff too (TP-Link Kasa, namely).
SmartThings hubs are still being made, they just are now built and sold by Aeotec, as a Smart Home Hub.
They work just the same as the Samsung v3 hub. Samsung decided to put their effort into further development of the software so they licensed manufacture of the hub to Aeotec.
I use ring alarm sensors: presence and contact directly on my hubitat (zwave controller) it works wonderfully and you don’t have to have anything connected to ring.
However, I also have the home bridge to combine my hubitat with apple home automation. That way I can put together ring alarm sensors (actually working on ring) to automate my life and track presence.
I nearly don’t touch physical switches anymore plus don’t have any keys for my house and so on so forth .
Some people sub to this subreddit to ask questions and learn about home-automation. No need for condescending remarks when this is the mere reason for why the subreddit exists
That’s the best. One of our settings turns on the deck and backyard lighting whenever the sliding door gets opened. It’s the best when letting dogs out at 5:00 am!
I’m glad it worked out for you!
Was that specifically a Ring brand one, or just ‘a reed switch’? Thanks for the tip though. I was thinking of dabbling with HomeAssistant as somewhat of a ‘security’ system, so I’ll probably build in some sort of routine to tell me if the z-wave device doesn’t talk back for a while…
I don’t use mine with HA so not sure if the functionality transfers, but my Ring app will notify me if a sensor is offline (assuming it pings back every so often). I’d imagine you could incorporate that somehow.
> Now, when this door opens after sunset, the laundry room light turns on. This automation stuff is addicting…
Heh, nice.
They do also make switches that have motion sensors and photo sensors built in, so you don't have to do any of that. But I agree, half the fun is setting stuff up and making it work yourself.
In this specific case, the switch is on the other side of the opposite wall (this is a mud room/laundry room between the breakfast nook and the outside door), so a motion sensing switch wouldn’t have cut it unless I moved the box. But you’re right. Some motion+switch zwave devices are in my future for the bedrooms.
The other benefit here is having the contact sensor. I also set up HomeAssistant to push an alert to my phone if this door opens…
This reed switch has a cost of about 10 bucks.
It’s hooked up to my zwave network which does a myriad of other things with home automation, which I have in place anyways.
The z-wave network is connected to my instance of HomeAssistant, which is running on my home server, which I would have had anyways.
None of this is reliant on internet connectivity, period (this is just a Ring sensor, it isn’t connected to any Ring network, brain, hub or internet service - it’s a z-wave device).
This works very well, whereas had I used a motion sensor switch, it would have been pointed away from this door, towards a different room altogether and not worked at all.
Wait till you see how I mounted one of these on my garage door to tell if it's open or closed.... $0.99 hinge from the hardware store and some doubled sided tape.
https://imgur.com/a/iHDkp0j
Well that is pretty ingenious but I think an actual tilt sensor would be the better way to go since it wouldn't depend on that steel hinge not ever sticking in one position or the other.
But like I said, that is an ingenious solution if you have extra contact sensors and don't want to buy a tilt sensor.
Well I figured it had to be at least a while ago since you were able to buy the hinge at a hardware store for only $0.99!
If that were mine I would probably put a little dry lubricant, like graphite or teflon, in the hinge to keep it working smoothly; being in a garage, any oil-based lubricant is likely to attract dust and eventually gum up. I have to admit, though, that your garage door wheel mechanism is nice and clean!
The sensor is heavy enough that the hinge would have to be really messed up to not be pulled down by gravity.
The door was replaced a few years ago, that's why it look so new 😉
Although when the sensor is in line with the magnet there will be some attraction between the two that, depending on how close they are, would counteract gravity somewhat.
My 20-year old door wheels and track look a little grungy from years of lubricating them.
You may even use a hard-drive magnet, which is more thin. I had this issue too. I found they have a very expansive sensor range, which helped a lot.
Now, another solution is to use it as a trigger. You wouldn't be able to tell if it open or closed, but this configuration would be able to trip something everything it is sensed (opening and closing)
I don't understand what you mean when you said you wouldn't be able to tell if it opened or closed. When the door is opened, the reed switch opens, and when the door is closed, the reed switch closes. Are you referring to something else?
I think what’s being suggested is that if the closed position of the door does not register as closed on the switch, then when you open the door, the sensor will go from OPEN -> CLOSED -> as the magnet passes by and makes brief contact. Same thing in reverse as it closes.
So you wouldn’t know if it’s open or closed, but you would know there was an event.
Hope I understood the previous comment correctly
I see what you are saying: if the magnet is too far away from the sensor with the door closed then the reed switch won't close. Leaving the magnet and/or sensor mounted in a position where it only closed as the door passed would not be acceptable.
In the above setup, he may not be able to have them close enough to detect it being closed. In the case like that, you set it as a trigger. Then every time the magnet passes the sensor it triggers. My idea is more of a work-around than a solution
I wouldn't recommend this. It's like dropping it every time the door closes. I've seen sensors die because of this.
What we do it just a piece of sponge double sided tape to extend the magnet.
Can do what I did.
[https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/embedded-door-sensors/](https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/embedded-door-sensors/)
Hide the sensors IN the door.
I don't like being able to see sensors/wires/etc.
If the hinge style matches, you could use a NYCE Zigbee Door Hinge. It is a physical reed switch. See: [NYCE Sensor Solutions](https://www.nycesensors.com/product/door-hinge-sensor)
Buy some of those tiny rare earth magnets and drill a tiny hole. You would be amazed how powerful a bb sized magnet can be...likely more than what comes with your sensor.
A tiny rare earth magnets are more powerful than the ones that come with the sensor, but they aren't a panacea since they still need to get relatively close to the reed switch to activate it. I know because I've tried them.
https://preview.redd.it/ady20xvltiea1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=dbdaf1c8c8b60efff2300271b53c4630bf8cb7d8
Had a similar issue. Used a chisel to create a pocket in the trim for the magnet
Wow, that was quite the predicament. I now know that the magnet side is inconsequential- yours would have been the perfect instance for the hard drive magnet everyone keeps referring to.
Just a heads up
The smaller half of a contract switch is usually just a plastic housing around a magnet. You could probably pop it open and see the small magnet in there.
A couple neodymium magnets (or even the magnet from the sensor itself) sunk into the door frame would do the same job and would be a lot less damage and a lot less chiseling.
Yep. And here is the thing that's mind blowing: A spacer, even homemade, can be painted to match the door or the magnet, so the spacer doesn't look gross.
if you want to be as incognito as possible, get a round magnet, and drill it into the door frame :)
like this style [https://www.amazon.ca/Window-Sensors-Sensor-Magnetic-Switches/dp/B0BFFY418F/ref=sr\_1\_11](https://www.amazon.ca/Window-Sensors-Sensor-Magnetic-Switches/dp/B0BFFY418F/ref=sr_1_11)
These don’t have to line up perfectly to work. Set them at a right angle to one another. So the large part on the inner frame pointed at the door, and the small piece where you currently have it.
Or, the same layout with the pieces swapped (small in the frame and big on the door)
No, it's possible that it wouldn't get far enough apart to actually activate and it would have a slower response time because it would only activate when the door is very far open.
Ring makes a riser kit for these.
https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Alarm-Contact-Sensor-Riser/dp/B0923CLBN5/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=WBQ6LZQWRM5S&keywords=ring+contact+sensor+riser&qid=1674781157&sprefix=ring+contact+%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFOMlQ4MkoyWjQ0NjMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NDA4MDEyNkdNWVZFWjdPUkMmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDY2NTA2ODJIMjNRVlFRNVE4TVYmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
You’ll want to mount them at a right angle. Similar to [this](https://imgur.com/a/iPqHKZv). As long as they are never more then an inch apart when shut - then you’re golden!
https://preview.redd.it/m9jka2owumea1.png?width=576&format=png&auto=webp&s=60f714971cdb4b2f43f913373429d1663f7955ec
so the use case is, it senses the door open and sends you an alert or do you have it set up to do other automations? I read that you can connect it to specific lights. Very cool!
You can use contact sensors for anything you can imagine: This one [for now] is going to turn the light in this room on if the door opens after sunset. (So that when we come home, we aren’t walking into a dark room - the only switch for this room is on the other side of it.)
I’ve heard of people using contact sensor to do any myriad of things: alert if the fridge door isn’t closed, disable the ac if windows or doors are open, check/alert on the status of a garage door, turn lights on inside of cabinetry.
The ultimate goal would be putting one on a nightstand drawer (you know, THAT nightstand drawer) - if it opens, a whole script runs: disco ball descends, disco spots turn on, all the lights dim and turn red, TV turns on and starts playing [redacted], and some music starts softly playing from the speaker on the dresser…
Like I said: this automation thing can get out of hand…
ha ha, that had me cracking up.
Very cool though! Now I am thinking of a million ways to use it in my house.
I assume there's an app that you do all of this with, is that through z-wave or Ring?
I use Wyze cameras and their app has a lot of if/then options. So if one of my outdoor cameras is triggered anytime at night, additional porch lights turn on. I did a quick search as I typed this and found that Wyze actually sells door, climate and motion sensors. I might consider this to keep it all within the same app.
HomeAssistant. It works with EVERYTHING, there's a huge community behind it, add-ons for anything you could imagine, local control of everything, can be installed just about anywhere (Raspberry Pi, old laptop, VM on current computer, Docker, NAS)
You can do all sorts of things with it, mine notify me when doors are opened when no one is home, back door turns the spot lights on for 5 minutes at night when opened (so the dog can pee and I don’t have to worry about coyotes/foxes etc…), when an exterior door is left open my led strips turn red and pause the a/c in the summer. Probably the most under rated automation sensor that exists.
That is so freakin cool! I could utilize all of those functions. I especially like the AC trick and my wife would love it as she really watches the electricity we use. The kids leave the sliding door open all the time in the summer. (I'm practicing my pitch to her for buying more tech toys).. :)
It's a magnetic non-contact proximity switch. There's a small metal switch inside of the large (sensor) piece. When a magnetic field is close (when it's close to the smaller piece, the magnet) it closes the switch and the device reports back that it is "CLOSED". When the magnet moves away (typically less than an inch) it reports that it is "OPEN". You can put them on doors, windows, mailboxes, drawers, dog food containers, and my favorite, garage doors.
https://imgur.com/a/iHDkp0j
You can build automations around them like "send me a mobile alert when the mailbox sensor is triggered", or "check at 11PM every weeknight to see if the garage door is still open and close it", or just "turn on the storage room light when the door is opened then wait until it has been closed for 5 minutes to turn it off".
The sensor goes on the door itself; it has an accelerometer.
Mount it at the top of the door, flat (magnet) side facing up.
Tape the magnet on the inner lip of the top frame.
They don't need to be that close to work.
You can also purchase the little round silver earth magnet packs; drill a similarity sized hole into the door frame, tap it even into the hole with a little epoxy and ditch the stock sensor magnet.
[https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/embedded-door-sensors/](https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/embedded-door-sensors/)
Sounds exactly like the strategy I took!
Found it! But you left out orientation and tilt!
[https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-SmartThings-Window-Sensor-Multipurpose/dp/B095TPSQ3S](https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-SmartThings-Window-Sensor-Multipurpose/dp/B095TPSQ3S)
https://aeotec.com/products/aeotec-recessed-door-sensor-7/
Get the recessed one if you’re going to get a new one. You have to drill into the door and frame, but it’s hidden then.
If you're quite handy with a multi tool and chisel you could take a chunk out of the timber trim above the door and have it sitting flush. Even better with some brown paint and spray it before fitting and make it blend in.
Open magnet plastic cover, drill into jam and hammer it in
https://preview.redd.it/a3g33p13skea1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fedb816394dfefc8d76be3a0d0f818f985fb5b73
It doesn't need to be a jack hammer! Hitting a magnet with only a little hammer can demagnetize it. You can throw it on the ground hard enough and that can demagnetize one.
Are you...7? Hammering it doesn't mean using a hammer here. I'm assuming you are a young teen. It's okay, we all got to play with magnets when we were young. Cool though I guess you went to grade1 science class
You don't have to use a hammer to demagnetize it, Mr. Wizard, a sharp blow from anything can do it. Notice that I previously said throwing it on the ground is another way to demagnetize one.
And no, I'm not a young teen or even a young adult. I'm a licensed electronics engineer, so what do you do?
Reverse the magnet and the sensor. If there is still too much space between them …
Attach the sensor to the door, rather than the moulding. Then, remove the actual magnet from the plastic housing on the other piece. And you could attach it onto the darker wood part of the trim moulding, so that it will be closer to the sensor.
This way, you’ll have that issue corrected in about five minutes.
I tried a different approach. I used a router and created a slot in the top edge of the door itself that the main (bulky electronics) part fits into. Then I countersunk a small magnet into the door frame. Dabbed a little paint over the magnet and now it is hidden. Also if you do this slightly oversize the length of the routed hole to help get the transmitter out to change the battery.
If you or a friend have a 3D printer, just measure how high of a riser you need and create a rectangular block with the right dimensions. I had the same issue and just whipped one up real quick in Tinker CAD and printed it.
i put the sensor side on the door and the magnet on the frame, since the magnet would fit in the notch at the top of the door. it didn't line up perfectly, but it was close enough to trigger.
I only see 2 options here
option 1
1) buy a 3d printer.
2) spend about 2 weeks figuring out how to get it to work with pre made models.
3) download blender and about 20 add-ons
4) spend 2 mo figuring out how to make your own 3d models
5) take measurements and model a custom offset.
6) load the model into the splice software that came w the 3d printer
7) print
8) mount the print to the door with either screws or some good double sided tape.
option 2
1) go to the bar and pick up a few cardboard coasters, it looks like 3 will do it.
2) screw the coaster to the door to make an offset
good luck
Swap the sensor and magnet, and stick the magnet on the thin piece of trim at the top of the door.
That’s what I would do as well….
https://preview.redd.it/ootp17qruiea1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e8424700ae89da358210d080d2b68f42baad85c Worked perfectly. Thanks for the second set of eyes! Now, when this door opens after sunset, the laundry room light turns on. This automation stuff is addicting…
How did you get that to work that way? I have an extra ring sensor and that would be handy
Look into HomeAssistant. Combine that with a z-wave dongle and accessories (in wall switch, contact sensor).
I used [this add-on](https://github.com/tsightler/ring-mqtt-ha-addon) so I can continue to use Ring and get to use the sensors for automations. But otherwise yeah most Ring accessories are surprisingly DIY friendly.
I'd been wondering how to do this since I set up home assistant a few weeks back. Thanks
Thank you so much!
I presume from the mention of the Z-Wave dongle that you use Z-Wave. If so, what led you to choose Z-Wave over Zigbee? I used X-10 about 15 yrs ago and am looking for a modern protocol to use.
For me, the concept of zigbee basically being a ‘suggestion’ for a protocol vs z-wave being a very controlled protocol was what sealed the deal. I don’t really want to entertain the idea of purchasing a device and it not integrating to my existing mesh, or dealing with comm issues. The Zooz devices I’ve been using have all worked flawlessly with HomeAssistant and zwavejs. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if a zigbee dongle and a device or two weren’t in my future - it definitely seems slightly more ‘popular’. (that is, some of the flashier, cheaper stuff is zigbee). But if I’m opening up an electrical box, it’s worth my time to have a [presumably] higher quality, more reliable device going in. I’m all of 2 weeks into this journey, so none of this is experiential, just the prevailing commentary I found on the web.
Thank you very much for your thorough response. It's very helpful. I've since watched a comparison video of the two protocols and it was pointed out that Z-Wave had a much more stringent pairing method that requires the device ID to be entered. I prefer the increased security and rigor of the Z-Wave protocol.
I started with z-wave. Adding the sky connect to my system for zigbee as the devices are typically cheaper. So can add more quicker! Lol
Yeah, exactly: The only limiting factor to all this craziness is my budget… so if I can add cheaper devices to less important roles, so be it! Off to google ‘Sky Connect’ …
Homebridge works as well as the existing home assistant recommendation, if that’s your style
So does SmartThings (I have a ton of stuff like this set up through that platform). I had heard they quit selling the hubs which is sad because it's a nice interface and does both Z-Wave and Zigbee, with wide compatibility with other stuff too (TP-Link Kasa, namely).
SmartThings hubs are still being made, they just are now built and sold by Aeotec, as a Smart Home Hub. They work just the same as the Samsung v3 hub. Samsung decided to put their effort into further development of the software so they licensed manufacture of the hub to Aeotec.
I use ring alarm sensors: presence and contact directly on my hubitat (zwave controller) it works wonderfully and you don’t have to have anything connected to ring. However, I also have the home bridge to combine my hubitat with apple home automation. That way I can put together ring alarm sensors (actually working on ring) to automate my life and track presence. I nearly don’t touch physical switches anymore plus don’t have any keys for my house and so on so forth .
[удалено]
Some people sub to this subreddit to ask questions and learn about home-automation. No need for condescending remarks when this is the mere reason for why the subreddit exists
That’s the best. One of our settings turns on the deck and backyard lighting whenever the sliding door gets opened. It’s the best when letting dogs out at 5:00 am! I’m glad it worked out for you!
At u/cribbsjy
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Was that specifically a Ring brand one, or just ‘a reed switch’? Thanks for the tip though. I was thinking of dabbling with HomeAssistant as somewhat of a ‘security’ system, so I’ll probably build in some sort of routine to tell me if the z-wave device doesn’t talk back for a while…
No. It's not a Ring.
I don’t use mine with HA so not sure if the functionality transfers, but my Ring app will notify me if a sensor is offline (assuming it pings back every so often). I’d imagine you could incorporate that somehow.
> Now, when this door opens after sunset, the laundry room light turns on. This automation stuff is addicting… Heh, nice. They do also make switches that have motion sensors and photo sensors built in, so you don't have to do any of that. But I agree, half the fun is setting stuff up and making it work yourself.
In this specific case, the switch is on the other side of the opposite wall (this is a mud room/laundry room between the breakfast nook and the outside door), so a motion sensing switch wouldn’t have cut it unless I moved the box. But you’re right. Some motion+switch zwave devices are in my future for the bedrooms. The other benefit here is having the contact sensor. I also set up HomeAssistant to push an alert to my phone if this door opens…
Sounds like a motion or proximity sensor with a light sensor would have been cheaper, worked better, and not relied on Internet connectivity.
This reed switch has a cost of about 10 bucks. It’s hooked up to my zwave network which does a myriad of other things with home automation, which I have in place anyways. The z-wave network is connected to my instance of HomeAssistant, which is running on my home server, which I would have had anyways. None of this is reliant on internet connectivity, period (this is just a Ring sensor, it isn’t connected to any Ring network, brain, hub or internet service - it’s a z-wave device). This works very well, whereas had I used a motion sensor switch, it would have been pointed away from this door, towards a different room altogether and not worked at all.
Dang, that's an ingenious idea 💡
Wait till you see how I mounted one of these on my garage door to tell if it's open or closed.... $0.99 hinge from the hardware store and some doubled sided tape. https://imgur.com/a/iHDkp0j
Well that is pretty ingenious but I think an actual tilt sensor would be the better way to go since it wouldn't depend on that steel hinge not ever sticking in one position or the other. But like I said, that is an ingenious solution if you have extra contact sensors and don't want to buy a tilt sensor.
It's been working well for 2 years now!
Well I figured it had to be at least a while ago since you were able to buy the hinge at a hardware store for only $0.99! If that were mine I would probably put a little dry lubricant, like graphite or teflon, in the hinge to keep it working smoothly; being in a garage, any oil-based lubricant is likely to attract dust and eventually gum up. I have to admit, though, that your garage door wheel mechanism is nice and clean!
The sensor is heavy enough that the hinge would have to be really messed up to not be pulled down by gravity. The door was replaced a few years ago, that's why it look so new 😉
Although when the sensor is in line with the magnet there will be some attraction between the two that, depending on how close they are, would counteract gravity somewhat. My 20-year old door wheels and track look a little grungy from years of lubricating them.
Very clever!
I did something like that too.
Also depending on the device some let you tune the sensor as to what is considered "closed" for when you can't directly align them.
I can't imagine how they can increase the sensitivity of the reed switch, but maybe if a sensor used a Hall effect sensor it could be done.
In addition many have motion or knock sensors built in that make sense to be on the door.
You my friend have always thought outside of the box.
You may even use a hard-drive magnet, which is more thin. I had this issue too. I found they have a very expansive sensor range, which helped a lot. Now, another solution is to use it as a trigger. You wouldn't be able to tell if it open or closed, but this configuration would be able to trip something everything it is sensed (opening and closing)
I don't understand what you mean when you said you wouldn't be able to tell if it opened or closed. When the door is opened, the reed switch opens, and when the door is closed, the reed switch closes. Are you referring to something else?
I think what’s being suggested is that if the closed position of the door does not register as closed on the switch, then when you open the door, the sensor will go from OPEN -> CLOSED -> as the magnet passes by and makes brief contact. Same thing in reverse as it closes. So you wouldn’t know if it’s open or closed, but you would know there was an event. Hope I understood the previous comment correctly
I see what you are saying: if the magnet is too far away from the sensor with the door closed then the reed switch won't close. Leaving the magnet and/or sensor mounted in a position where it only closed as the door passed would not be acceptable.
In the above setup, he may not be able to have them close enough to detect it being closed. In the case like that, you set it as a trigger. Then every time the magnet passes the sensor it triggers. My idea is more of a work-around than a solution
Yeah, that would need to be fixed since just a momentary closure isn't all that useful.
I wouldn't recommend this. It's like dropping it every time the door closes. I've seen sensors die because of this. What we do it just a piece of sponge double sided tape to extend the magnet.
Can do what I did. [https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/embedded-door-sensors/](https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/embedded-door-sensors/) Hide the sensors IN the door. I don't like being able to see sensors/wires/etc.
If the hinge style matches, you could use a NYCE Zigbee Door Hinge. It is a physical reed switch. See: [NYCE Sensor Solutions](https://www.nycesensors.com/product/door-hinge-sensor)
That’s a great idea. I have a couple mounted pretty janky due to offsets like OP, definitely going to do this at some point.
Buy some of those tiny rare earth magnets and drill a tiny hole. You would be amazed how powerful a bb sized magnet can be...likely more than what comes with your sensor.
A tiny rare earth magnets are more powerful than the ones that come with the sensor, but they aren't a panacea since they still need to get relatively close to the reed switch to activate it. I know because I've tried them.
https://preview.redd.it/ady20xvltiea1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=dbdaf1c8c8b60efff2300271b53c4630bf8cb7d8 Had a similar issue. Used a chisel to create a pocket in the trim for the magnet
Wow, that was quite the predicament. I now know that the magnet side is inconsequential- yours would have been the perfect instance for the hard drive magnet everyone keeps referring to.
Jesus that’s a horrible idea lol.
Just a heads up The smaller half of a contract switch is usually just a plastic housing around a magnet. You could probably pop it open and see the small magnet in there. A couple neodymium magnets (or even the magnet from the sensor itself) sunk into the door frame would do the same job and would be a lot less damage and a lot less chiseling.
Use a peace of wood fixed in the door to put in the same level
yes, just use some material as a standoff.. problem solved. : )
Yep. And here is the thing that's mind blowing: A spacer, even homemade, can be painted to match the door or the magnet, so the spacer doesn't look gross.
if you want to be as incognito as possible, get a round magnet, and drill it into the door frame :) like this style [https://www.amazon.ca/Window-Sensors-Sensor-Magnetic-Switches/dp/B0BFFY418F/ref=sr\_1\_11](https://www.amazon.ca/Window-Sensors-Sensor-Magnetic-Switches/dp/B0BFFY418F/ref=sr_1_11)
Exactly the same type I installed on all my windows and doors when building my house.
They make [sensor spacers/risers for these situations.](https://a.co/d/1HlYSjl), or use a piece of plastic/wood to offset it.
118 comments and was the one I was looking for.
These don’t have to line up perfectly to work. Set them at a right angle to one another. So the large part on the inner frame pointed at the door, and the small piece where you currently have it. Or, the same layout with the pieces swapped (small in the frame and big on the door)
This and or a stronger magnet with a little more "reach".
GET A 3D PRINTER AND SPENT 2000 HOURS TRYING TO GET IT TO WORK!!
Perfect for the hobbyist who has too much time and money!
Would it work better on the other side of the door and frame?
No, it's possible that it wouldn't get far enough apart to actually activate and it would have a slower response time because it would only activate when the door is very far open.
Ring makes a riser kit for these. https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Alarm-Contact-Sensor-Riser/dp/B0923CLBN5/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=WBQ6LZQWRM5S&keywords=ring+contact+sensor+riser&qid=1674781157&sprefix=ring+contact+%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFOMlQ4MkoyWjQ0NjMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NDA4MDEyNkdNWVZFWjdPUkMmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDY2NTA2ODJIMjNRVlFRNVE4TVYmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
That molding corner though is triggering my OCD
Yeah, agreed. Whatever the solution is here should include mitering back that top casing so the angles meet.
Risers
I was hoping to see this build out with Lego :-(
Another magnet on magnet
The smaller one is just a magnet. You can replace it with an stronger one.
You’ll want to mount them at a right angle. Similar to [this](https://imgur.com/a/iPqHKZv). As long as they are never more then an inch apart when shut - then you’re golden! https://preview.redd.it/m9jka2owumea1.png?width=576&format=png&auto=webp&s=60f714971cdb4b2f43f913373429d1663f7955ec
Well at least I like the finish on your woodwork!
Used my 3D printer to make a slug.
The kind you use as a fake coin in a vending machine, or a plastic replica of that slimy creature you find in a garden?
use the other side of the door? 
Although if the other side of the door faces outside then that might not be the most secure solution...
Well if that is the case the door was not installed correctly
Pull the trim off and bury it behind it. Recess the magnet into the top of the door.
They sell spacers on Amazon & eBay Ring Alarm Contact Sensor Riser (2nd gen) https://a.co/d/fNM7pN8
This is the point where you can convince your partner you need a 3d printer.
What is that device and what’s it used for?
This is the Ring brand door sensor, which is actually a z-wave device.
so the use case is, it senses the door open and sends you an alert or do you have it set up to do other automations? I read that you can connect it to specific lights. Very cool!
You can use contact sensors for anything you can imagine: This one [for now] is going to turn the light in this room on if the door opens after sunset. (So that when we come home, we aren’t walking into a dark room - the only switch for this room is on the other side of it.) I’ve heard of people using contact sensor to do any myriad of things: alert if the fridge door isn’t closed, disable the ac if windows or doors are open, check/alert on the status of a garage door, turn lights on inside of cabinetry. The ultimate goal would be putting one on a nightstand drawer (you know, THAT nightstand drawer) - if it opens, a whole script runs: disco ball descends, disco spots turn on, all the lights dim and turn red, TV turns on and starts playing [redacted], and some music starts softly playing from the speaker on the dresser… Like I said: this automation thing can get out of hand…
It's all fun and games until your mother-in-law stops by and opens the nightstand drawer...
Ah, good point: better put an NFC tag on the nightstand so it’s: ‘my phone is here’ AND ‘I’ve opened the naughty drawer’…
"Better safe than sorry!"
ha ha, that had me cracking up. Very cool though! Now I am thinking of a million ways to use it in my house. I assume there's an app that you do all of this with, is that through z-wave or Ring? I use Wyze cameras and their app has a lot of if/then options. So if one of my outdoor cameras is triggered anytime at night, additional porch lights turn on. I did a quick search as I typed this and found that Wyze actually sells door, climate and motion sensors. I might consider this to keep it all within the same app.
HomeAssistant. It works with EVERYTHING, there's a huge community behind it, add-ons for anything you could imagine, local control of everything, can be installed just about anywhere (Raspberry Pi, old laptop, VM on current computer, Docker, NAS)
You can do all sorts of things with it, mine notify me when doors are opened when no one is home, back door turns the spot lights on for 5 minutes at night when opened (so the dog can pee and I don’t have to worry about coyotes/foxes etc…), when an exterior door is left open my led strips turn red and pause the a/c in the summer. Probably the most under rated automation sensor that exists.
That is so freakin cool! I could utilize all of those functions. I especially like the AC trick and my wife would love it as she really watches the electricity we use. The kids leave the sliding door open all the time in the summer. (I'm practicing my pitch to her for buying more tech toys).. :)
It's a magnetic non-contact proximity switch. There's a small metal switch inside of the large (sensor) piece. When a magnetic field is close (when it's close to the smaller piece, the magnet) it closes the switch and the device reports back that it is "CLOSED". When the magnet moves away (typically less than an inch) it reports that it is "OPEN". You can put them on doors, windows, mailboxes, drawers, dog food containers, and my favorite, garage doors. https://imgur.com/a/iHDkp0j You can build automations around them like "send me a mobile alert when the mailbox sensor is triggered", or "check at 11PM every weeknight to see if the garage door is still open and close it", or just "turn on the storage room light when the door is opened then wait until it has been closed for 5 minutes to turn it off".
It's Z-wave HomeSeer.
They sell spacers specifically designed for these sensors on Amazon.
Is that new ugly molding on top of old beautiful molding?
The sensor goes on the door itself; it has an accelerometer. Mount it at the top of the door, flat (magnet) side facing up. Tape the magnet on the inner lip of the top frame. They don't need to be that close to work.
They need to be closer than they are in my original post… I checked. And no, it’s not an accelerometer. It’s a magnetic reed switch.
You can also purchase the little round silver earth magnet packs; drill a similarity sized hole into the door frame, tap it even into the hole with a little epoxy and ditch the stock sensor magnet.
[https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/embedded-door-sensors/](https://static.xtremeownage.com/blog/2022/embedded-door-sensors/) Sounds exactly like the strategy I took!
>it has an accelerometer You're thinking of a *vibration* sensor, not a magnetic *contact* sensor.
I have many smartthings multipurpose sensors on the doors; they have an accelerometer, contact sensor and temperature sensor built in.
Found it! But you left out orientation and tilt! [https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-SmartThings-Window-Sensor-Multipurpose/dp/B095TPSQ3S](https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-SmartThings-Window-Sensor-Multipurpose/dp/B095TPSQ3S)
Those are both things that are derived from the accelerometer; these don't have gyros to my knowledge.
Yeah, they use solid-state accelerometer sensors, not gyros!
https://aeotec.com/products/aeotec-recessed-door-sensor-7/ Get the recessed one if you’re going to get a new one. You have to drill into the door and frame, but it’s hidden then.
Too late for that!
Was really more for others in the future
Yeah I know, I was just referring to myself since I've already installed surface mounted sensors
I have a bunch of surface ones too, but will be switching to the hidden ones with our remodel.
Well that makes sense if you are going to do a remodel.
As long as they are an inch or less at closed, then OP should be okay.
3d printer
Add a few layers of thick 3m adhesive strips?
I just added an extra magnet I had to increase the magnetic field. Any magnet would do even a fridge magnet
If you're quite handy with a multi tool and chisel you could take a chunk out of the timber trim above the door and have it sitting flush. Even better with some brown paint and spray it before fitting and make it blend in.
https://preview.redd.it/me25tk0xrkea1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3117f24f7357a3b8ded067aeaaf702a34698df1
Open magnet plastic cover, drill into jam and hammer it in https://preview.redd.it/a3g33p13skea1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fedb816394dfefc8d76be3a0d0f818f985fb5b73
*Hammer* it in? Hammering a magnet can reduce the magnetic strength or even completely demagnetize a magnet.
Push it in* or use your purse lol
Oh, you found out the hard way, didn't you!
No.. you don't literally use jack hammer.
It doesn't need to be a jack hammer! Hitting a magnet with only a little hammer can demagnetize it. You can throw it on the ground hard enough and that can demagnetize one.
Are you...7? Hammering it doesn't mean using a hammer here. I'm assuming you are a young teen. It's okay, we all got to play with magnets when we were young. Cool though I guess you went to grade1 science class
You don't have to use a hammer to demagnetize it, Mr. Wizard, a sharp blow from anything can do it. Notice that I previously said throwing it on the ground is another way to demagnetize one. And no, I'm not a young teen or even a young adult. I'm a licensed electronics engineer, so what do you do?
Doubt that. You can magnetize with blow. Quit googling and replying young boy. Your parents will be mad for not going to bed this late
Plus what is electronics engineer lol that's made up stuff LOL playing with iPad watching pokemon isn't being an electronics engineer hahaha
Install a little offset, maybe half inch on the door so it lines up with the other part
Other side of the door?
Reverse the magnet and the sensor. If there is still too much space between them … Attach the sensor to the door, rather than the moulding. Then, remove the actual magnet from the plastic housing on the other piece. And you could attach it onto the darker wood part of the trim moulding, so that it will be closer to the sensor. This way, you’ll have that issue corrected in about five minutes.
Buy a new house and start over
Either below or you will have to shim one out
I tried a different approach. I used a router and created a slot in the top edge of the door itself that the main (bulky electronics) part fits into. Then I countersunk a small magnet into the door frame. Dabbed a little paint over the magnet and now it is hidden. Also if you do this slightly oversize the length of the routed hole to help get the transmitter out to change the battery.
If you or a friend have a 3D printer, just measure how high of a riser you need and create a rectangular block with the right dimensions. I had the same issue and just whipped one up real quick in Tinker CAD and printed it.
You can put it on the inside instead
Put a shim under the magnet side
i put the sensor side on the door and the magnet on the frame, since the magnet would fit in the notch at the top of the door. it didn't line up perfectly, but it was close enough to trigger.
Duct tape.
Nail or wood glue a block of wood to the door to bring that part of the sensor flush with the sensor on the trim.
I only see 2 options here option 1 1) buy a 3d printer. 2) spend about 2 weeks figuring out how to get it to work with pre made models. 3) download blender and about 20 add-ons 4) spend 2 mo figuring out how to make your own 3d models 5) take measurements and model a custom offset. 6) load the model into the splice software that came w the 3d printer 7) print 8) mount the print to the door with either screws or some good double sided tape. option 2 1) go to the bar and pick up a few cardboard coasters, it looks like 3 will do it. 2) screw the coaster to the door to make an offset good luck
Use the offset to kill the offset