I’ve always been on the lookout for clever ways to integrate my existing hardware with my smart home setup. Recently, I stumbled upon an interesting challenge while trying to detect whether my outdoor PIR lights were active. Let me share my journey and solution with you!
The Problem
I initially tried using a ping command to check if a smart bulb connected to the PIR light was active. But as many of us have noticed, ping functionality has been removed in newer firmware updates. This left me in need of an alternative solution.
The Solution
After some research, I realized that my Shelly 1 switches could be the perfect fit for this task. These switches have an additional switch contact that can be configured in momentary contact mode. Here’s how I made it work:
- Setup: I connected the Shelly 1 switch to the live feed of the bulb controlled by the PIR unit. This means the switch is only activated when the PIR detects motion and turns the bulb on.
- Configuration: By setting the switch to momentary contact mode, I could monitor its status changes in the Home Assistant device section. When the PIR is triggered, the Shelly switch status updates, letting me know the light is on.
- Integration: This setup not only serves as a reliable sensor but also allows manual control of the PIR lamp. It’s a dual-purpose solution that I’m really happy with!
Why I Love This Solution
- Compact Design: The Shelly 1 is incredibly small, making it easy to install without any bulky hardware.
- Versatility: It works seamlessly with my existing smart home ecosystem, providing both detection and control capabilities.
- Reliability: Since implementing this, I haven’t had any issues with detecting the PIR light’s status, which was a recurring problem with the ping method.
A Word of Caution
When wiring this up, make sure to handle the live feed carefully. Always double-check your connections to avoid any electrical mishaps. Safety first!
I’d love to hear if anyone else has tried similar setups or has tips for improving this solution. It’s always great to learn from the community and share knowledge!
Cheers to smarter homes! 