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Outdoor Fence Gate Contact Sensor - Any Suggestions?

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    Outdoor Fence Gate Contact Sensor - Any Suggestions?

    I have a ceder fence that I'd like zwave contact sensors for all three gates. Any suggestions? Can anything really take the climate anywhere much less Denver. I've had fairly good luck with battery powered vibration sensors wrapped up in electric tape for security outside in a few locations, but would really like contact sensor open/close type sensors for this application.

    Thanks!

    #2
    Hi ts1234

    Have you tried a zwave door sensor? I use it to monitor a pool gate and has been working for almost 2 years (without battery change).

    Tks
    Chris


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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      #3
      No, just looking for suggestions. Which kind are you using? The cold really takes a toll on batteries here, but I have both vibration and motion sensors exposed to temp and they seem to fair OK in all but the coldest weather.

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        #4
        Check out the details of my zwave outdoor gate lock / sensor project here: https://forums.homeseer.com/forum/li...sensor-project
        In Omaha, NE, temperatures can fall to -20 F. I've had no problems with the lock and sensor in the last year and a half.

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          #5
          I printed a outdoor rain shield or box to slide the unit into. Had it 4 years never lost a device to water. The electric tape uggggg lost 3 units over time so had a 3D unit made and never looked back..... it’s unfortunate there are just not a lot of out door sensor rated for the task

          I Used the Insteon magnetic sensor decent battery life, the 3D box was attached to the metal gate with 3m double side tape.


          Devoir

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            #6
            Taylormia...that's an awesome approach. In my case they could probably just climb over the fence if they really wanted to do so and I'm looking for a very "low rent" solution. I love the keypad since having to unlock a padlock all the time is part of the pain I'm trying to solve.

            devoir...agree with the tape being a real pain and why I'm looking for something new, though these https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15269 have lasted close to three years outside in Denver so far. The only real downside of them is that a close lightening strikes will trigger events. Though one being loud enough to do so is pretty rare...it always seems to be while I'm sleeping . They are far more stable than trying to use motion sensors on the street side of my house though. I bought my wife a little 3D printer a while back. I may put that to use. Good idea.

            You'd think someone would make products for outside.

            I was wondering if anyone had tried something like one of these. It seems like it might work, but being embedded in a 4 inch post might cut down on range. On the other hand, it would also likely protect if fairly well from the elements. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15268

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              #7
              I'm using the Monoprice 15268 on interior home doors without issue. I'm using the Monoprice 15270 with an external contact on my gates, no issues so far. The Monoprice sensor is installed in a waterproof box purchased at your typical Lowes or Home Depot and screwed to the gate.

              Waterproof Box: https://www.homedepot.com/p/BELL-1-G...-202284546-_-N

              Cover: https://www.homedepot.com/p/BELL-1-G...0GYB/204125641

              Monoprice 15270: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15270

              External Contact: https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Securi...tronics&sr=1-1

              In my previous house I had this same combination with X10 RF DS12A's installed, but eliminated all my X10 hardware. I took all the hardware with me and installed the Monoprice Z-wave sensor in V2.

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                #8
                mterry63...Thanks! I think that's the same sensor I used outside I mentioned above.I put it inside a ziploc, wrapped it in electrical tape and use it as part of my perimeter security on my window wells. Sloppy, but effective. They are meant to be applied to a window frame or glass. I actually am not sure if I had a false trigger except when mounted that way. Windows shake much more than most things when lightening strikes. I need to eliminate that so I don't wake up to things like sirens going off. I ordered one of the Aeotec recessed sensors https://aeotec.com/hidden-z-wave-door-sensor last night. They claim to have a long battery life so using non drying caulk (or any caulk) to keep moister out of the unit may work since 99% of the unit is in the wooden post. I should have ordered the monoprice version as it's so much cheaper, but wanted to play with one of these. If it simply doesn't work out I have several of their older triangular ones that adhere to the door that I find kind of ugly the way they show I replace. Again, thx for the help!

                My hope was there was a product out there that was already made to work outside that I just couldn't find. The HS Floodlight motion sensor is one of the few...if not the only one made for using outside without modification

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                  #9
                  Here's an article with photos that outlines exactly what I did, likely the inspiration for my efforts: http://brentsaltzman.com/backyard-gate-z-wave/

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                    #10
                    That's awesome ...THANKS!

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