I almost didn't purchase this because of the review that said the external switches didn't work, but I'm glad I did because if your controller supports changing configuration parameters, the external switches/sensor can be enabled.

The last page of the manual explains that the External Sensor is disabled by default, but it can be enabled by changing configuration parameter 0x01 to 0xFF. (0x00 is disabled)

It's really easy to miss that sentence because it's no where near the instructions for using the external sensors.

The other confusing part about the External Sensor is that when it's enabled, the device will not report closed unless the normal sensor and external sensor are closed. Opening either sensor will cause it to switch back to open, but both sensor report the same message so there's no way to determine which one opened.

SmartThings users can use the Community Created Device Type Handler called "Monoprice Z-Wave Plus Door/Window Sensor", created by Kevin LaFramboise, to enable/disable the external sensor, change the wakeup interval, and utilize the Tamper Alert capability.

This sensor, like the non-plus version it replaced (PID 10795) and the non-plus garage door sensor (PID 11987), has terminals inside to connect an external switch and instructions on how to use it in this fashion. A common use case would be to add z-wave functionality to existing wired reed switches many houses have from legacy security systems.

Unlike those other Monoprice z-wave sensors, the terminals on these don't actually work. I ordered 4 and none read "closed" when the terminals were shorted. Monoprice replaced them with four new ones, none of which worked either.

Product support then confirmed that this was a design issue and should be updating the documentation accordingly. They said a redesign would be unlikely.

So be warned if you want to use the terminals inside these new z-wave plus sensors as they aren't functional.

Otherwise, the sensor worked with the included magnet as expected. Can't speak for the "plus" features as I didn't hold on to them long enough to evaluate battery life and I have no range issues with my existing sensors.

I got 10 of these to put on the windows and doors on my house and connected them to a Vera Plus Controller and trigger an AEOTEC Door Bell and Siren. I wish Monoprice sold more Z-Wave products because the selection here is quite limited but the prices are very good as expected from Monoprice. After Inclusion in my system I came to find out that they are actually Vision ZD2102US-5 senors which are sold elsewhere for $20 more. I've installed all 10 and all 10 work great!

PROS: The first one was included (paired) quickly and after that I knew which one they were which made pairing the remainder even quicker. They work as expected and trigger the bell and alarm..

CONS: Came back to buy more and they're OOS. Guess I bought them all!?

The sensors connected to SmartThings on the first try. Unfortunately, the devices never registered as closed. After a little trial and error, I deleted the devices from SmartThings Hub, then started over. The second try allowed the devices to connect and show open/closed. Overall, satisfied for the money.

PROS: Cheap
Nice build
Works with SmartThings

CONS: A little frustrating to connect, but works at the end of the day

Very easy to pair with Smartthings.... One note though, I saw comments stating that people were able to pair the sensor but then could not get it to show the closed command (the open/close reporting was not working). To fix this you must remember to snap the back of the sensor together before trying the open/ close with the magnet, there is a tamper switch inside the sensor that must be closed in order for the reporting to work.

Works as expected with my zwave network using home assistant and zstick gen5

I got these to put on my closet doors, so the closet lights will go on when I open the closet, and turn off when I close the closet. They work perfectly with about less than a second delay.

I have a samsung smarttings hub, east to pair this device. Works as advertised. Very good price.

Easy to pair, perfect response time. Working perfect with my Securifi Almond+ router.

I purchased with the intent to solely use the 'external sensor' terminals only: I didn't care about the magnetic sensor part (i.e. I wanted the sensor to trigger with a simple CLOSE event of the contact wires), which worked beautifully!

First things first, you have to enable the external sensor via your automation platform (I use Openhab) - They're disabled by default . For me, I had to then remove and re-install the battery for the setting to take effect. The software reported the change was applied, but, it wasn't until I took the battery out and back in that the external sensor contacts functioned.

I taped the magnet part to the side of the sensor body so it will always be there: This is required in my case because the sensor will only show CLOSED when the magnet is in proximity to the sensor !!AND!! the terminal contacts are closed. If just one is OPEN, then the sensor will read OPEN.

Although I didn't need it, the magnetic sensor part looked like it would perform well enough. If you must know what I used this for... I've used them for two things:

1) I installed a relay on my smoke detectors, connected through Interconnect, that creates a CLOSE condition on two of its wires. I connected these to this sensor - Boom, automation communication with ALL of my smoke detectors.

2) I needed to install a wall switch to control a newly installed recessed can light, and it was impossible to get any kind of cable to the location we wanted the switch. I wired the light to a smart switch in the attic. Then I cut in a single gang box at the problematic location and installed an old fashioned ON/OFF wall switch. - connected to this sensor inside the switch box. Through automation rules, I can now control the light above.