After buying just 1 Original Xiaomi Sensor I decided after seeing the huge DH backing going on at the moment here: Original & Aqara Xiaomi Zigbee Sensors (contact, temp, motion, button, outlet, leak, etc)
I would bit the bullet and buy an array of the next gen Aqara sensors. They seem to pair better and look better built.
I have bought 5 Motion, 2 buttons, 2 leak detectors, 1 Contact Sensor and 1 light switch (not sure how well that will work!)
At only £100 delivered this is as cheap as 2-3 items through other companies. Also from my experience of the Original sensor the build quality looks great.
Coin is Pound Sized (Good old trolley token!)
First thing to note is the instructions are not in English at all.
Water Sensor - I opened this first I was shocked to see just how small this really is. its tiny, solid and looks good too (not that you will see it)
The Button - was no disappointment either its not tiny but looks clean and solid (I reckon you could tread on it and it will survive)
The sensor - is as expected with the upgrade of an actual button not a hole and the very tidy little stand for mounting almost anywhere. I am hoping the Lux meter will work on the DH when I install
Door contact - This is smaller than expected and looks very tidy. This will be used in my attic (furthest point from my hub so will be a good test on how it performs.
Light Switch - I took a chance on this as its only £20 and want to test 2 options. Connected to an actual light source to control like a Fibaro/Aeon module and if given power but no switched live can it act as a dumb wall switch (great as you would not need to change the batteries and use it to control a Hue Bulb) its a very clean modern look too and again feels very solid unlike my Devolo unit that keeps popping off buttons.
I will update this thread as I pair them all and then update when they have been running for a few weeks too. Worst case is the DH needs refining but at least I can give time where possible
Hopefully this thread can be used to help people looking for sensors ETC. I found looking for pictures and info of these was like a needle in a haystack in the DH thread.
UPDATE - all paired fine (not tried switch yet wil do at the weekend)
I find a reset then just press away it shows up in 10-20 secs.
I’m finding some have no battery. Going to leave them an hour as I know the battery report is not regular. But I would have expected something on pair. Will update. Lux on Motion seems to work. Will monitor it as if any good will be nice for having dimmer or brighter lights on Motion and potential day time Motion on dark rainy days.
The contact sensor is cool and can read the magnet from about 5 positions meaning you can mount it in multiple ways even in a corner. It’s small vs the ST contact. But only is a contact.
Water needs little to work. Just enough to connect. And condensation shouldn’t set it off.
Time will tell.