I've got a total of (6) of the Open/Close Sensors attached to seldom used windows and doors in my basement, and linked to a Siren for notification if these are opened. Installed per recommendations, with magnet 1/4" or closer to the sensor arrows. I have 25-30 other Insteon devices in my house, including nearby, so range/distance to a repeater should not be an issue. All devices are managed by the Insteon Hub (No ISY or other controller). Using the 'old' Hub app, as I have I/O Lincs.
I've noticed that in only get maybe ~3 months of run time on the AA batteries for these units (name brand, Energizer, Duracell Alkaline batteries). The sensors are almost never activated in any manner. The manual on these units indicates battery life is expected to be "6 months (w/ 2 links @ 50 activations per day)".
I'm a bit disappointed in this, as it seems wasteful to keep babysitting these with battery replacement on a very aggressive turnaround. I could live with 6 months, but generally expected a year or better for a security sensor with minimal activations, and that I would replace these when replacing smoke detector batteries annually. I've also tried Lithium based AA batteries, but it doesn't seem to help much.
Interestingly, the one sensor which is activated most often (downstairs door) consistently seems to have much better battery life than the others, which makes almost no sense. It's almost like regular activation of the sensor increases battery life.???? It's definitely not an issue of these seldom-used sensors going to sleep or otherwise dropping off the network, the batteries test out as dead when replacing, and slapping a new battery in works just fine.
Does anyone else have similar experiences? Is this 'normal' behavior for these units? Any other potential tips on extending battery life?
Further exacerbating the issue is no ability for the Hub or sensor to report when the battery is low, so I've got to checkup on these sensors regularly. Overall, not an ideal situation.
Thanks for any help/input you can provide!
I've noticed that in only get maybe ~3 months of run time on the AA batteries for these units (name brand, Energizer, Duracell Alkaline batteries). The sensors are almost never activated in any manner. The manual on these units indicates battery life is expected to be "6 months (w/ 2 links @ 50 activations per day)".
I'm a bit disappointed in this, as it seems wasteful to keep babysitting these with battery replacement on a very aggressive turnaround. I could live with 6 months, but generally expected a year or better for a security sensor with minimal activations, and that I would replace these when replacing smoke detector batteries annually. I've also tried Lithium based AA batteries, but it doesn't seem to help much.
Interestingly, the one sensor which is activated most often (downstairs door) consistently seems to have much better battery life than the others, which makes almost no sense. It's almost like regular activation of the sensor increases battery life.???? It's definitely not an issue of these seldom-used sensors going to sleep or otherwise dropping off the network, the batteries test out as dead when replacing, and slapping a new battery in works just fine.
Does anyone else have similar experiences? Is this 'normal' behavior for these units? Any other potential tips on extending battery life?
Further exacerbating the issue is no ability for the Hub or sensor to report when the battery is low, so I've got to checkup on these sensors regularly. Overall, not an ideal situation.
Thanks for any help/input you can provide!
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