Anyone use SmartThings door-window switch in mailbox - You got mail!

[Don2222]

Hello
Samsung SmartThings is a free download from Google Play or the iPhone iStore. It works with very may appliances and devices! I got a Visonic Sage Zigbee door/widow switch Model MCT-340 E (2.4GHZ)that uses a 3v RS-2032 button battery included and stuck it in the mailbox.

SAGE BY HUGHES (VISONIC) ZIGBEE HA1.2, 2.4GHZ Window/Door Sensor MCT-340 E | eBay

It is compatible with any Zigbee system, such as SmartThings or Hubitat. Zigbee standards Wide Gap performance able to be installed in tough situations where magnet gap is over 1". Easy installation using high-strength 3M mounting tape (included).

www.ebay.com

However most any Zwave or Zigbee door / window magnetic contact with 2 sided self stick tape will work.

Then set a popup message to inform me when the mail is here.

Also it saves a nice history of the time, date & temperature in the log file of when the temperature changes or the switch opens & closes. The one caveat is the popup message text cannot be customized but you know what it is.

it does work very well.

Total cost $10-20 depends on the switch.
Has anyone else ever tried this?

Pic 1 - SmartThings smartphone application Icon
Pic 2 - Device - Door / Window switch setup
Pic 3&4 - Door / Window switch specifications
Pic 5 - Switch installed in mailbox
Pic 6 - Popup message seen on phone
Pic 7 - History log file

 

[kborndale]

I just open my mailbox and look inside to see if anything is in it.

 

[JRHAWK9]

I just open my mailbox and look inside to see if anything is in it.

That works if your mail box is near the house. I can see this being for those who have a long driveway.

 

[mellow]

They usually leave the door open on my mailbox which would never trigger the sensor.

I would look into Informed Delivery so you can see what should be delivered that day.

Also, if the mailbox is that far away, how would this talk to the receiver?

 

[semipro]

I would look into Informed Delivery so you can see what should be delivered that day.

"Should" being the key term here. Informed Delivery where we live tends to provide more questions than answers, like "I wonder where that letter ended up?"

 

[johneh]

I have had a smart mailbox for almost 45 years. If I get mail, the flag is if not, no flag
No batteries to replace no fuss no muss

 

[Don2222]

That does not work in our town. If we have outgoing mail we must put the flag up so the mailman does not waste time putting the incoming mail down to retrieve the outgoing mail first! Also we cannot see the flag position very well. :-(

 

[Whitenuckler]

I have a community mail box slot. I make sure to check it every weekend. I also leave a sharpy in there
as the last person who owned this house decided to save money and not have his mail forwarded.
I hate when they do that. You get the other person's mail for the rest of your life (or until you move)

 

[Don2222]

I have a community mail box slot. I make sure to check it every weekend. I also leave a sharpy in there
as the last person who owned this house decided to save money and not have his mail forwarded.
I hate when they do that. You get the other person's mail for the rest of your life (or until you move)

Can you tell the post office to hold the mail and put his name on the form?

 

[Whitenuckler]

Can you tell the post office to hold the mail and put his name on the form?

Actually I never asked Canada Post what I could do. I don't think I can do much. What I do is when I see a letter for him I just cross out the address (which is mine) and put it back in the mail slot on the community box. Works slick, and the number of letters has gone way down.
I was Mr Nice Guy for awhile and hand delivered mail right to his house as it was on my walking route anyway. I soon got tired of that, and switched to my new method. At one time he was getting more mail than me!