I’ve been using Xiaomi sensors for a while now, and while they’re great, the constant battery replacements were getting on my nerves. After some research and experimentation, I found a fantastic solution to make these sensors USB-powered, eliminating the need for battery changes altogether! Here’s how I did it:
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Drilling a Hole: I started by carefully drilling a small hole in the side of the sensor casing. This allows access to the internal components without damaging the sensor itself.
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Soldering Connections: Next, I soldered the ground and 3.3V output pins from a voltage regulator to the battery contacts inside the sensor. This ensures the sensor receives a stable power supply.
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Voltage Regulator Setup: I used a voltage regulator module (4.5-24V to 3.3V) to step down the USB power to the required 3.3V. This is crucial to prevent any damage to the sensor.
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Cable Management: To keep everything neat, I hot-glued the USB cable to the side of the casing. This not only secures the cable but also ensures it doesn’t interfere with the sensor’s operation.
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UV Resin Protection: Finally, I applied a few drops of UV resin over the soldered connections and cable to provide an extra layer of protection. This ensures the connections remain secure even if the sensor is moved or bumped.
After completing these steps, I connected the USB cable to a power source and pressed the sensor’s connect button to test it out. It worked perfectly! The sensor now runs continuously without any battery issues, and it reports status updates to my smart home system flawlessly.
This modification has been a game-changer for me. No more worrying about dead batteries, and the sensor is always ready to provide accurate readings. If you’re looking to reduce maintenance on your Xiaomi sensors, I highly recommend giving this a try!
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for improvements! Happy tinkering! 