Looking for a presence sensor similar to EPO/EPL, but cheaper (and more available)

[hollow crystal]

So I’m building an automation that controls my AC when I’m away to crank up the temp for power saving, whilst maintaining the humidity levels low for my books (because tropical climate and books don’t mix well without AC).

I found the EPO https://shop.everythingsmart.io/products/everything-presence-one-kit, but it’s very expensive to ship to my country (Indonesia). Is there any mass market alternatives (i.e from Sonoff or the likes) that won’t break the bank? Preferably in the ~50$ range if possible.

Looking for a presence sensor similar to EPO/EPL, but cheaper (and more available)

[small summit]

Apollo make some nice sensors that are worth a look - https://apolloautomation.com/
however I don't know about availability in Indonesia...

are you looking at only wifi options or do you have other networks too?
would you consider building your own?

[hollow crystal]

Yeahhh, the Apollo ones are also a no-go for me. I’m open to other connectivity options (zigbee/matter/wifi/ble). I also could build my own >:)

[small summit]

is it just temp/humidity that you need or you need presence too?

getting separate sensors that each to particular thing might be cheaper.

you can look at using an esp32 dev board and wiring some sensors to it and making your own version of the multi sensors.

[hollow crystal]

temp/humidity is alr covered by a xiaomi sensor that I converted to zigbee, all good there

So I just need presence

[hollow crystal]

Should I move to #the-workshop to continue this if I'm going the DIY route?

[small summit]

yeah probably, and if your looking at using esp route then you can also check out the ESPHome discord too - https://discord.gg/UBJZxngA

[twilit hawk]

I have a Sonoff SNZB-06P. It’s quirky but works well. Zigbee but USB powered. Had mine nearly 2 years and literally haven’t touched it.

Quirky: the light level sensor reports “light” or ”dark” 🙂

[ornate fjord]

Thank you! We ship internationally and have multiple distributors in the EU. https://wiki.apolloautomation.com/products/general/resellers/

[ornate fjord]

Hey! Just wanted to see why the Apollo is a no-go? We are always trying to improve and learn from the community so any feedback is appreciated.

Our MTR-1 uses the same LD2450 and can do multi-target tracking for $39.99 USD/Rp 692.474,92 IDR. If you do not need multi-target tracking than our MSR-2 is smaller and cheaper at $37.99 USD/Rp 657.842,69 IDR. With shipping to Indonesia the total cost is around $50-52 USD.

[hollow crystal]

I’ll say it’s more of a convenience problem, since I prefer to buy from resellers/online storefronts within my country.

For now I’ve settled with a Sonoff mmwave unit and a HLK board kit for experimenting. I do have plans for multi-person tracking in the future. I’m considering using the MTR1 for that purpose later on, so all is good o7.

[ornate fjord]

Seriously, thank you for the feedback. We totally understand that. International shipping can be interesting...