Aeotec (Aeon Labs) New MultiSensor 6

1/4/2015

Aeotec has come out with their new MultiSensor 6
No, this is not the 6th version of their multi sensor but now, their multi sensor has 6 built in sensors. That is 2 better than the old one by Aeotec.

Their MultiSensor 6 (MS6) will now;

Sense & Report Motion
The Motion Sensor has a 120 degree field of view which is great for a corner mount of a room and a range of 5 meters which is only 16.4 feet for the US challenged. That range will cover most bedrooms but will not cover larger rooms.
Sense & Report Temperature
The new temp sensor can accurately measure and report between -40° to +125°C (-40° to +257°F)
Sense & Report Illumination
The Illumination sensor can read illumination in real time and let you maintain a illumination level in the room with adjustable lights and switches.
Sense & Report Humidity
The humidity sensor can give your control system a range from 0 to 100% to adjust humidity devices in your home.
Sense & Report Vibration
Vibration sensor. I am not sold on this one. They seem to sell it as a anti vandal feature so that it will report if someone moves or tampers with it. I really do not see the advantage of this one, unless you use it in a business setting or need to know when your home or business experiences an earthquake.
Sense & Report Ultra Violet Light
The UV sensor will measure the UV levels in the room and report them to your controller. This can be useful if you want to close shades to prevent sun damage on your floors, furniture or furnishings.

Installation:
Aeotec claims the new MS6 is now 70% smaller and 50% less weight than their previous versions. They also claim you can install the unit with their 2 sided tape from 3M.
The new sensor comes with 3 new installation products.

A recessed mounting box that lets the device extrude only 12mm from the wall and uses magnets to hold the device for easy removal.
A mounting arm that lets you angle the device.
2 sided 3M tape.

For the easiest installation, the new MS6 can also be placed on a bookshelf. See if you can find it on the bookshelf image below.
The new shape of the MS6 is sort of cube shaped and smaller at the base. It seems a little hard to mount to corners up near the ceiling, even with the new angle bracket, but we will see when we get one. I do like the new recessed mounting box.
The new MS6 can also be powered with a USB cable for mains power, So if you do not like to change batteries, you can power the device with a power cable.
It seems more and more companies are going to USB power.

Notes:
The MS6 has an LED to give visual notifications. Apparently you have the ability to turn it off if you do not want the LED blinking.

Specs:
Size - 42mm at base
Weight - 74 grams
Battery Life - 2+ years (CR123 x 2)
AES 128 bit wireless encryption
Z-Wave Gen 5
Z-Wave 150 meter range (point to point)