This is Aqara’s new FP1E sensor, and it’s an exciting addition to any smart home. This FP1E is a Zigbee presence sensor, which means it can detect whether you’re in a room or even specific parts of a room and it will turn on the light when you approach it.
With this kind of technology, you can save money on energy and automate things like lighting or temperature control.
Today, I’m going to take you through everything you need to know about Aqara’s FP1E sensor from unboxing to setup, and share some tips and tricks to get it working perfectly in your home.
Why Presence Sensors Are Better Than Motion Sensors?
Presence sensors like the FP1E are a game-changer for home automation. Unlike motion sensors, which only detect movement, presence sensors can tell when you’re in a room even if you’re completely still.
This means you won’t have to wave your hand to keep the lights on or to maintain the temperature something that’s often necessary with older technology.
Unboxing the Aqara FP1E
Inside the box, you’ll find the sensor, a mount, a double-sided sticky tape, a metal plate, and a manual. The mount allows for 360° rotation, and both the arm and direction can be adjusted.
There’s a small button on the back, with an LED light to indicate when the sensor is active. The sensor comes with a fixed, 7-foot USB-A cable, but no power adapter, so you’ll need to provide your own 1-amp adapter.
Setting Up the Aqara FP1E
Setting up the FP1E is straightforward. After plugging in the unit, open the Aqara Home app, hit the plus button to add a new accessory, and search for FP1E.
You’ll need to hold the reset button on the sensor for five seconds until the blue light flashes. Make sure you’re within range of a Zigbee hub when adding it.
Once added, you can name the sensor and assign it to a room. You can also adjust the detection range to make it more accurate for your space.
Comparing the FP1E to Other Sensors
When deciding between a presence sensor like the FP1E and a motion sensor, it’s important to understand the differences.
Motion sensors rely on detecting changes in infrared waves, like light and heat, which means they only notice movement.
If you stay still, the sensor might think you’ve left the room. Presence sensors, on the other hand, use radar technology (in this case, 60 to 61 GHz) to detect when someone is in the room, regardless of movement.
FP1E vs. FP2: What’s the Difference?
Aqara also offers the FP2 sensor, which is similar but has a few key differences. The FP2 is slightly thicker, doesn’t have an attached cable (it uses USB-C instead), and can detect multiple people in a room.
The FP2 also allows you to create maps in the app to divide rooms into different zones, which the FP1E doesn’t support. However, the FP1E is simpler to set up and use, making it a great choice if you don’t need those extra features.
Tips for Installing and Using the Aqara FP1E
When installing the FP1E, be mindful of its placement to ensure accurate detection. The app provides a simple process for setting up detection areas, and you can adjust the detection range to fine-tune it for your space.
The sensor also has an AI spatial learning feature, which helps it learn your room over time, improving its accuracy.
Conclusion
- The Aqara FP1E is a powerful and easy-to-use presence sensor that offers more precise detection than traditional motion sensors.
- Whether you’re looking to automate your lighting, save on energy costs, or simply make your home smarter, the FP1E is a great choice.
- While it lacks some of the advanced features of the FP2, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a standout option for most homes.
- If you want to read about Aqara’s FP2 sensors, feel free to check out our full guide on the FP2 sensor.
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