What realistically should I expect on +- tolerance on a hinged door install? As a test, I installed the sensor and performed the calibration. I opened the door a crack and did see the state changed to open. I then closed the door to within an inch of closed and the status updated to closed when the door was still very much open.
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What is your sensitivity set at? Can you try setting to a higher number and see if that makes a difference?
Given how this device works based on movement and state, this use-case may not be totally solved for.
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Couple ticks right of “Medium” towards the higher end.
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I’ve set mine to 7 which works fine on my window but haven’t tried on a door yet
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I’ve got the sensor on the door, and at 5 it didn’t always register any change, but at 7 it’s been working fine.
For testing purposes, I deliberately placed the sensor near the hinges, where movement is minimal. Although this is not technically the “optimal” location, it still works.
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Thanks @JohnD, @denis.w, and @coletti.robert! I will give those suggestions a try.
I have it installed near the opening edge of the door in upper-right corner. I have a very thick wall that this door is installed on, probably 3 inches exposed on either side of the door. Was wondering if this sensor is detecting closeness to the jam and so with it being such a thick wall, doesn’t notice that it is moved until it clears the casing.
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As I understand it, the sensor works by detecting the Earth’s magnetic field. While a wooden frame wouldn’t be an issue since wood is non-magnetic, a massive iron or steel frame is ferromagnetic and can distort this field. This is likely why the manual advises to avoid metal objects, magnets, or motors. Theoretically, even nearby electrical cables in the wall could cause interference through electromagnetism if high currents are flowing through them. So, the thickness of the wall itself shouldn’t be the problem; it’s more about whether there is metal or wiring inside it that interferes with the magnetic reading.
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Looks like taking the sensitive up to 8 resolved the problem. 7 still exhibited the issue but 8 didn’t. Thx for the response.
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Great news!
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Thanks for sharing your update on this issue!
so it is not accelerometer based?
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That’s a good question! I suspect it’s not purely accelerometer-based, or at least that it relies heavily on a magnetometer.
An accelerometer measures tilt and motion relative to gravity, so it typically wouldn’t be affected by a static metal object nearby. However, since the manual specifically warns to avoid metal objects, magnets, and power cables, it strongly suggests that the device is sensing the Earth’s magnetic field to determine its orientation.
You’re right. An accelerometer could also be built in for certain tasks.
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