FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What warranty and guarantee do you offer on your products?

We offer a three-year manufacturer's warranty on all our products. This covers manufacturing defects and material faults. The statutory warranty remains unaffected.

How long does it take for my order to ship?

We usually ship orders within one business day of receipt. Standard delivery within Germany usually takes 1-2 business days (depending on your location and the selected shipping method). Express options are available on request and at an additional cost.

How can I contact customer service if I have questions or need assistance?

Our experts are happy to help you with advice and support.

You have the following options to contact our support:

Level Gauge

Which level sensor variant (LiDAR or RADAR) is best suited for my application?

We offer the level sensor based on two non-contact technologies. The choice depends on the required precision and environmental conditions:

LiDAR (Light)

  • Accuracy: Centimeter-precise
  • Maximum Range: 12 meters
  • Optimized for: Liquids and solids such as pellets
  • Special Features: –

RADAR (Microwave)

  • Accuracy: Millimeter-precise
  • Maximum Range: 40 meters
  • Optimized for: Liquids
  • Special Features: Insensitive to fog, dust, steam, and condensation

Both versions are optionally available with an external antenna connection.

For which tanks, containers, and applications is the level sensor suitable?

The fill level can be measured in any container geometry within the maximum range (12m for LiDAR, 40m for RADAR). Typical application scenarios include:

  • Garden water tanks
  • Rainwater cisterns
  • Wells
  • Agricultural silos
  • Pellet storage and salt supplies
Can the sensor also be used in an oil tank or similar, regulated containers?

In principle, usage is possible. However, we would like to point out that special regulations and structural requirements apply to the safe operation of oil tanks, which you must strictly observe with regard to the installation of a sensor with a power supply.

Which smart home systems and what measured values are supported via MQTT?

The sensor can be integrated via the MQTT protocol into many smart home platforms that focus on flexibility and DIY solutions. These include: Home Assistant, openHAB, ioBroker and Node-RED.

The following measured values are provided, among others:

  • Distance to surface (cm)
  • Fill height (cm)
  • Relative fill level (%)
  • Fill level in liters
  • Alarm (MIN/MAX over- or underrun)
  • Housing temperature (°C)
Do I have to install an app or can I also access the data remotely (web browser, cloud)?

Using a separate app is optional. You can access all data and configure settings at any time using any browser on any device via the sensor's IP address.

You have two main options for access:

  1. Local: Via your own Wi-Fi network.
  2. Worldwide: Via the optional remote access (Senvolon Cloud service), which you can set up in the sensor's configuration menu. The exact procedure is described in the documentation.
Where are my readings and configuration data stored (data protection)?

The level meter stores all configuration data locally on the device. The measured values are not stored, but forwarded directly (e.g., to your MQTT broker). When using remote access, only the configuration data for push notifications is stored in the German Senvolon Cloud.

What do I need to consider for mounting, power supply, and alignment?

Correct installation is crucial for accurate readings:

Mounting Location:
Install above the surface of the material to be measured. The sensor must never be submerged in the liquid.

Minimum Distance:
Maintain a minimum distance from the surface (LiDAR: 10 cm, RADAR: 15 cm).

Alignment:
Stable and perpendicular alignment to the surface (best checked with a spirit level).

Detection Area:
The conical detection area must be free of obstructions (objects/pipes). The diameter of the cone increases per meter of distance (LiDAR: 6 cm/m, RADAR: 10.5 cm/m).

Power Supply:
Standardly via 230V socket. Alternatively, 5V power supply is possible via the internal USB-C port.

My Wi-Fi signal is too weak at the installation site. What are my options for a stable connection?

The level gauges support the 2.4 GHz WLAN network. In case of poor reception, we recommend the version with an external antenna connection. This allows you to:

  • Use a wired external antenna (3 dBi, 3m cable, sold separately) to extend the WLAN signal into the reception area.
  • Extend the cable of the external antenna with an extension cable (sold separately). For reasons of signal quality, we recommend a maximum total cable length of 20 m (with good shielding, e.g. RG 58).
The readings are incorrect or inaccurate. How do I calibrate the sensor and what can I check?

If the readings are incorrect, please proceed step by step as follows:

  1. Check alignment: Use a spirit level to ensure that the sensor is aligned vertically and stably to the surface.
  2. Check for obstructions: Make sure that the measuring range is not affected by cables, pipes, or the inner wall of the container.
  3. Check configuration values: In the configuration, check the entered tank geometry as well as the distance to the surface (when fully filled) and the distance to the bottom.
  4. Manual calibration: You can manually adjust the level sensor using a calibration table in the configuration under "System". There, you assign manually measured distances to the surface to the actual sensor values.
How do I reset the fill level sensor to factory settings?

Disconnect the device from power. Carefully open the housing (for the internal antenna variant, the antenna is attached to the lid). Press and hold the black button located inside the housing near the power cable inlet. Simultaneously, restore power (preferably via the internal USB-C port). Wait 5 seconds before releasing the button. The device is now in its factory default state.

Where can I find the documentation, the latest firmware, and support?

Documentation and Firmware Updates:
All documentation and the latest firmware version for updating can be found in our knowledge and download area. We recommend regularly installing the latest firmware.

Support:
For further questions, our German-speaking support team will be happy to assist you via the contact form or the chat function on our website.

Occupancy Detectors

What is the decisive difference from a conventional infrared (PIR) presence detector?

The Senvolon presence detector uses RADAR technology (24 GHz to 60 GHz), which distinguishes it from conventional infrared sensors. PIR sensors only register movement (e.g., walking), while our RADAR sensor also detects motionless presence (e.g., a person reading or sleeping). It registers even the smallest movements, such as breathing, ensuring that automated processes (like lighting or heating) remain active as long as a person is in the room.

How many people are detected by the sensor?

The presence detector KL MZ detects up to three people. The other variants are primarily optimized for monitoring a single room. These provide data on the last person detected.

What are typical application scenarios for the occupancy sensor?

Typical application scenarios are presence monitoring and control of lighting and climate in:

  • Offices
  • Living areas
  • Open-plan offices
  • Hallways
  • Warehouses
  • Public spaces
  • Parking garages
  • Server rooms
  • Production halls
What can I use the zones for?

The Zones function allows you to divide the monitored area into more granular sections (e.g., "dining table" and "couch"). By using this zone-based data in smart home systems, you can configure individual functions. Example: If presence is detected in zone "dining table," lamp A switches on; for zone "couch," lamp B switches on.

The sensor detects presence incorrectly (too often / too little). How do I optimize sensitivity?

The sensitivity of the sensor (thresholds for motion and stationary presence) can be precisely adjusted.

Automatic Configuration:
First, use the automatic configuration under "Settings". Activate it in an empty room for approximately two minutes to adapt the thresholds to the environment.

Manual Optimization:
If necessary, adjust manually (under "More" and "Levels"). Increase the thresholds if detection occurs too often (false detection), or reduce the thresholds for stationary presence if detection occurs too infrequently (person is forgotten in the room).

Note: The technology cannot distinguish between humans and other breathing creatures (dogs, cats).

How do I integrate the presence detector into my smart home and which systems are supported?

Integration is done via the MQTT protocol. Many common smart home platforms support MQTT, especially those that prioritize flexibility:

  • Home Assistant
  • openHAB
  • ioBroker
  • Node-RED

The displayed sensor values include: Presence ON/OFF, Distance to detected presence, Brightness value, Climate values, Motion ON/OFF and the detected Zone. The step-by-step instructions can be found in the documentation.

Do I have to install an app or can I also access the data outside my Wi-Fi network?

Using an app is optional.

Local:
You can access all sensor data and the configuration via the IP address in your web browser (smartphone, PC).

Worldwide:
For access outside your Wi-Fi network, you can set up remote access via the internet in the configuration.

Where is my data stored (data protection)?

The presence detector stores all configuration files locally on the device. The measured values are not stored, but are forwarded directly to your broker/browser. Configuration data for push notifications is only stored in the German Senvolon Cloud if remote access is used.

What do I need to consider for assembly, power supply, and connections?

Mounting:
The device can be installed either on a wall (1.50 – 2.00 m height) or on the ceiling.

Power Supply:
Power is supplied (5V) via the USB-C port (cable included) or alternatively via an internal connection using a screw terminal inside the housing. We recommend a power supply unit with at least 1A.

WLAN:
Ensure a sufficiently strong WLAN connection (2.4 GHz) at the mounting location.

Connections:
The switching signal output can be connected to a relay to control a device via the housing opening.

Is there a battery-powered version?

A battery-powered version is currently not feasible in an adequate housing format due to the connection power of 0.8 W and the resulting dimensions.

Can I change the casing color?

By default, the sensor is supplied in a white housing. Custom color designs are available upon request. If you are going to modify the surface yourself, please ensure that the ventilation slots are not covered.

Where can I find the documentation, the latest firmware, and support?

Documentation and Updates:
All documentation and current firmware versions for installation can be found in our knowledge and download area. We recommend regular updates for new features and improved compatibility.

Support:
For further questions, our German-speaking support team will be happy to assist you via the contact form or the chat function on our website.