The ZSE11 Q Sensor reports motion, temp, humidity and light to the hub, so it needs a strong Z-Wave network and reliable power supply to do that!
The ZSE11 can be powered by battery or USB - and the inclusion process for both is the same (click the Z-Wave button 3 times).
The sensor can only be powered by a single power source at a time. If it's powered by both USB and battery, it may damage it and it could not work on battery reliably afterwards.
Battery Powered
If you're powering the sensor via battery, you'll want 2 x CR123A batteries (3V).
Note: Never include the sensor powered with USB and then switch over to batteries without excluding. Your hub will recognize the sensor as a Z-Wave repeater when powered by USB and if then switched, the batteries will drain quickly. Always include the sensor powered by batteries only if you’re planning to use it as a battery device.
If you've just replaced the battery in your sensor and find your unit is having issues, here are a few things you can try:
- Make sure the batteries are in the proper orientation
- It sounds obvious, but we've found that most troubleshooting is resolved just by checking the batteries!
- If previously powered by USB, try excluding it and pairing it again
- Bring the sensor closer to the hub during the processes to eliminate any range issues, and run a Z-Wave repair (if your hub supports that function) once it's fully configured and installed in its target location. It's important to exclude and re-include the sensor after changing the power supply type to avoid draining the batteries.
USB Powered
If you prefer to have your sensor be an 'always listening' / signal repeating device, then you'll want to power it via USB cable and 1 A USB power supply.
Here are the accessories for USB powered sensors:
Connectivity Issues? The best Z-Wave mesh networks have an adequate amount of signal repeating devices installed around your home. This helps your Z-Wave hub stay connected with each and every device, especially if they're installed far away from the hub. The Q sensor has a Z-Wave range of up to 130 feet within line of sight, but obstacles like thick walls, large furniture, and glass or metal elements can limit the Z-Wave signal. We recommend adding a Z-Wave signal repeater between your hub and Q sensor if it's installation location is far from the hub, or if the sensor is being powered by battery.
Signal repeaters include any non-battery powered Z-Wave devices installed in locations where there aren't a lot of other signal repeating Z-Wave devices so that the hub can form reliable communication routes to all the devices in your network. The repeater can be any smart plug or switch, like the ZEN25 Double Plug or ZEN15 Power Switch, or a dedicated Z-Wave signal repeater, like this one here.
Repeaters may not be needed if you've got an extensive network of Z-Wave devices. But if your ZSE11 is having issues staying connected to your hub, then you may need to try a different location within the hub's range, adding a repeater, or relocating an existing one in your house to help with any range or communication issues. If your Q sensor is within range and in an area with other signal extenders, and still having problems, then these other hub-specific troubleshoots could be worth trying.
Having trouble with your ZSE11? Send us a message and we'll be happy to help!
