Remote mailbox alert with 5 minute delay to get your mail

#1

Thank you @bobbles This is the latest with Random speech and Push.

image
image.png1178×738 81 KB

#2

Which device are you using for the trigger? Sounds nice.

#3

The Mail box sensor is a Z-Wave Plus open/close sensor. I also have a Z-Wave plus Dragon plug halfway between the mailbox and the hub. I did this because the mailbox is metal, And It needed the signal boost.

#4

I’ve been trying to find a good sensor for my mail slot on the door. Most contact sensors are too big to work. I’m thinking the Sensative strips might work though, if they’re not too long…

#5

The big problem with any sensor which is Z-Wave or ZigBee is the distance from the hub and the material of the mailbox. In my situation I use Z-Wave Plus and a repeater in between as the box is metal. Also the MonoPrice sensor allows use of an external contact if you get the correct version of the sensor. I originally tried a tilt sensor didn’t work not because of the type of sensor but the range.

#6

I’m not concerned about the range as I am just getting something to fit. I have a mail slot:

322168861

I’ve tried the ST Multipurpose Sensor, which is relatively small compared to other sensors… but it’s still too big. Hence why I think the Sensative Strips might be my only option.

#7

In That case a sensor that supports external magnetic switch will do the job. MonoPrice makes one, as I said, but you have to find the correct one. I am sure if you contact them they could give you the info.

#8

The fix for this is to use a Dakota sensor device that speak to their control module. That module has a relay that you connect to a contact sensor. I have a range of 1/4 mile. My contact sensor is about 200 feet out front in a metal mailbox in a adobe inclosure. Never had an issue. The also have motion sensors that I have placed all over my property that very rarely have false alarms as long as it is setup correctly. Again 1/4 mile rang to the control station

#9

I think you are over thinking this. The cost of your method is way higher than the cost of the 1.79 reed switch and the 20.00 Mono Price Z-Wave plus sensor. And even include the Z-Wave plus outlet for the repeater and still less money and less complex a solution.

#10

Not really! You try to put that set up for my mailbox and you wont make it half way to my house. Not unless you throw a Yagi Antenna on both ends covert the Zwave to RF, throw in a transmitter and a receiver on both ends, and then convert it back to Z-wave. My mailbox is fort Knox and I am not willing to drill holes and hang stuff outside of it. In my neighborhood it would be gone after the day I put it on. The way I have my setup is everything is internal with a false back and the only thing expose it the megnetic sensor on the lid