A cheap way to create your own pressure sensor would be to use Velostat and conductive thread.
1 Like
I am there with you on that idea @tslagle13 . When the MAN comes to get us all for keeping our privacy in tacked and not letting them see our files! LOL!
1 Like
Which particular zwave contact sensor do you use/recommend best suited for this scenario?
Honestly any zwave contact sensor with contact headers for preexisting wiring will work, but i used the Fibaro Z-Wave Door/Window Sensor cause they come in a bunch of colors along with the Ideal Security SK630 Pressure Mat Alarm with Chime mat, its thin and relatively inexpensive. The Everspring Z-Wave Door/Window Sensor and the Ecolink door sensors should also work. Iām sure there are others but those are the ones i know have the headers. When i do this for my sofa cushions so my butt can turn on my entertainment system iāll probably use the Everspring or Ecolink cause they are cheaper and wonāt be seen.
6 Likes
Got it - thanks for providing such a quick & detailed response. Iām actually trying to figure out how to create a wireless enuresis sensor for the elderly. Iāve found a few sensors (which I assume are really just moisture detectors) but none seem to already be zwave or zigbee enabled (out of the box). Hereās a few Iāve found & am trying to determine if theyāll work with the contact sensors youāve mentioned.
http://www.homecontrols.com/Cross-Point-Incontinence-Sensor-Pad-CIVA1322
http://www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au/solutions/enuresis-sensor
Yes, i think all 3 should work. Just run the 2 wire leads to the contact block. By default it will show open/close and not wet/dry but you can make some minor tweaks to the devicetype if you need it to show wet/dry or you can just use the apps that come SmartThings to be noticed when it closesā¦ cause then its wet 
I think our need is different but I use a SmartThings sensor on my recliner. I have it mounted to the foot rest. When I opened the foot rest it fires an event that turns off a light that glares in the TV then back on when lowered.
4 Likes
Just starting to drink my coffee, so the brain has not engaged yet.
HOWEVER, the first that that Female Brain did say was that there seems to be another path you want to explore.
Background:
- As a woman with a cold nature, I deplore cold chairsā¦brrrrrr.
- My purse can weigh as much as a newborn elephant.
With that being said, what about a temperature probe embedded seat. A wire running from a ST sensor might detect enough change in temp if it is taped down across the both cheeks/thighs. A downside would be chairs that receive sunlight.
Maybe a command that said "If temp rises at least XĀ° within Y minutes of motion. ???
Just some decaffeinated thoughts. 
1 Like
A little late here.
How about these guys.
There are a TON of these types of sensors, but they are not easily integrateable into ZWave or SmartThings.
We have done some work with Creatability Inc that actually did take a wheelchair pad (used to alarm if someone tried to get up or fell put) and tied it into a ZWave sensor. We are using it to track how often a patient stands as part of his therapy.
1 Like
@ashutosh1982 I been tossing around this idea of chair presence in regards to dining table lights and thought instead of putting the multi sensor on the chairs how about to monitor vibrations on the table when people put their elbows or arms on the dining table and it could turn on dining room lights. It would definitely save money, and could alleviate false positives if chairs are bumped accidentally. Thoughts on this guys?
My usual concern with occupancy detectors to turn on lights applies: me in a wheelchair. 
I realize people can make their own decisions about this (literally) edge case for their own homes, but anyone considering these kinds of systems for hotels, restaurants, and other public accommodations does need to take this into account. So just thought Iād mention it before you start planning investor presentations. 
How do people get to the table if the lights arenāt on yet?
3 Likes
May be the kitchen or living room is right next to the dining room and those lights are on!
1 Like
Exactly, i mean i have all my lights on first floor set up to turn on with motion detectors and my kitchen is right next to dining table. My dining area is also right next to outside windowed door to backyard so at any point in time i can visibly see the table clearly. @JDRoberts Now you make a point, but only when it comes to my formal dining room which is toward the front of the house seperate from dining area, that room is set up with motion sensor lighting.
Another option is carry the non magnetic portion of a st multi in your back pocketā¦, or clip it on your boxers when in home! that will work! Hehehe!
3 Likes
Wouldnāt a motion detector on the underside of the dining table be easier?
I think another way to check the temperature of a chair, its basically a termopar between the fabrics and the person, it can be along all the seat to avoid black holes, with a reference temperature you could check how much changes. there are some zwave sensors with a termopar terminals
1 Like
I tried attaching a ST Multi sensor to the bottom of my office chair to turn on 3 desk lamps. If I bounce up and down really hard in the chair, the sensor registers as active. I can spin in the chair and even lean back in it and the sensor does not pick up the movement. I thought perhaps being hard fixed to the chair just did not allow the sensor to move around enough, so I suspended the sensor from a string on the bottom of the chair. Even with the sensor swinging back and forth like pendulum, it still will not register movement.
Is there a way to increase the sensitivity of this sensor?
You need to create a smart app that looks at the three axis capability and measures the multi in the Y axis. You can use the values to control a virtual switch. No active movement will be needed as the SA would be looking for a change in the deviceās detected height in space.
1 Like