Hey everyone! 
I wanted to share my experience setting up motion detection with my Wyze cameras. I’ve been experimenting with integrating them into my smart home setup, and I thought it might be helpful to walk through the process I went through. Hopefully, this can save someone else some time!
The Goal:
I wanted to use the motion detection feature on my Wyze cameras to trigger outdoor spotlights. The idea was to have the lights turn on only when there’s significant motion detected over a short period. This would help deter unwanted visitors while minimizing false triggers from things like passing cars or wildlife.
The Challenge:
Initially, I tried using IFTTT to connect the cameras to a virtual switch in Hubitat. The plan was to have the virtual switch trigger a Zone motion controller app, which would then turn on the spotlights. However, I ran into an issue where the Zone motion controller wouldn’t accept the virtual switch as an input. When I switched the virtual switch to a virtual motion sensor, IFTTT no longer recognized it as a device that could be turned on. This was pretty frustrating, but I knew there had to be a workaround!
The Solution:
After some research and trial and error, I discovered that using a different automation platform allowed me to bypass the limitations I was experiencing with IFTTT. By setting up a simple rule in another app, I was able to have the Wyze cameras trigger the spotlights directly without needing a virtual device in between. It wasn’t the most straightforward path, but it got the job done!
Tips for Others:- Test in Stages: Start by testing each component individually before trying to link them all together. For example, confirm that the cameras are detecting motion correctly and that the spotlights can be turned on manually through your automation platform.- Check Compatibility: Not all apps and devices play nice together. If you’re having trouble with one platform, don’t hesitate to explore alternatives.- Simplify When Possible: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. If a complex setup isn’t working, consider streamlining your approach.
Final Thoughts:
While the process had its hurdles, I’m really happy with how everything turned out. The cameras are now effectively deterring unwanted visitors, and I’ve learned a lot about the capabilities (and limitations) of different automation platforms. If anyone has questions or wants advice on similar projects, feel free to reach out! 