Device Placement Guide
Proper device placement affects sensing quality. This guide provides practical tips and strategies for positioning your devices to improve coverage and accuracy.
Basic Principles
Distance Between Devices
- Minimum 1 meter apart for proper signal analysis
- Closer is generally better for improved sensitivity
Device Positioning
- Experiment with heights and angles to improve coverage
- Avoid metal objects that can block or redirect signals
- Avoid reflective surfaces like mirrors and windows
Quality Over Quantity
- Fewer well-placed sensors outperform many poorly positioned ones
- Focus on placement rather than maximizing device count
- Diminishing returns after 4 devices per zone
Remember
Device placement is often an iterative process. Start with basic principles, test thoroughly, and adjust based on your specific environment and needs.
Zone Design Strategy
- Start with 2 devices (one at each end of your area is a good starting point) and only add more if you have dead zones
- Test motion within the zone to verify detection coverage
- Test movement outside the zone to check for false positives
- Experiment with performance modes and boundary modes to adjust configuration
- Adjust the motion threshold to filter false positives while maintaining sensitivity
Why Motion Can Be Detected Outside Your Zone
Wi-Fi signals extend beyond the physical boundaries of your zone and can penetrate walls, bounce off surfaces, and create multipath effects. This means movement outside your intended zone area may still be detected because the signals between your devices can be affected by motion in adjacent spaces. Use boundary mode and adjust your motion threshold to help filter out these external detections.
Troubleshooting
Poor Detection
- Move devices closer together
- Try different heights and angles
- Rotate devices to different orientations
False Positives
- Identify moving objects (curtains, fans, pets) causing triggers
- Avoid areas with high environmental movement (refrigerators, washing machines)
- Experiment with boundary mode
- Adjust motion threshold
Inconsistent Detection
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal at all device locations
- Verify stable power supply to all devices
- Experiment with alternative placements
- Review device logs for connection errors or communication failures
Use the Raw Signal Visualizer
The Raw Signal Visualizer in the dashboard helps with device placement and testing your zone configuration. Watch the signal patterns in real-time as you walk through your zone to verify detection coverage and identify any dead zones or false positive areas.