FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What warranty and guarantee do you offer on your products?

We provide a three-year manufacturer's warranty on all our products. This covers manufacturing and material defects. Your statutory warranty rights remain unaffected.

How long does shipping take for my order?

We usually ship orders within one business day of receiving your order. Standard delivery within Germany typically takes 1-2 business days (depending on your location and the shipping method chosen). Express options are available on request for an additional fee.

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

Our experts are happy to help you personally.

Here's how you can contact our support:

Level Sensors

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

We offer the level sensor based on two contactless technologies. The choice depends on the precision required and the ambient conditions:

LiDAR (light)

  • Accuracy: centimeter-accurate
  • Maximum range: 12 meters
  • Optimized for: liquids and solids such as pellets
  • Special features: none

RADAR (microwave)

  • Accuracy: millimeter-accurate
  • Maximum range: 40 meters
  • Optimized for: liquids
  • Special features: not affected by fog, dust, steam, or condensation

Both versions are optionally available with an external antenna connector.

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 (12 m for LiDAR, 40 m for RADAR). Typical application scenarios include:

  • Water tanks in gardens
  • Rainwater tanks
  • Wells
  • Agricultural silos
  • Pellet stores and salt stores
Can the sensor also be used in an oil tank or similar regulated containers?

Use is generally possible. However, please note that the safe operation of oil tanks is subject to special regulations and structural requirements, which you must observe when installing a sensor with a power supply.

Which smart home systems and which readings are supported via MQTT?

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

The following readings are provided, among others:

  • Distance to the surface (cm)
  • Fill height (cm)
  • Relative fill level (%)
  • Fill level in liters
  • Alarm (MIN/MAX threshold exceeded or undershot)
  • Housing temperature (°C)
Do I need 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 make configuration changes at any time via the sensor's IP address, using any browser on any device.

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 (privacy)?

The level sensor stores all configuration data locally on the device. Readings 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 Senvolon cloud in Germany.

What do I need to consider regarding installation, power supply, and alignment?

Correct installation is essential for precise readings:

Mounting location:
Install above the surface of the medium being measured. The sensor must never be immersed in the liquid.

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

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

Detection area:
The cone-shaped 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:
Standard is via a 230V outlet. Alternatively, a 5V supply via the internal USB-C connector is possible.

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

The level sensors support the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. If reception is weak, we recommend the variant with an external antenna connector. This lets you:

  • Use a wired external antenna (3 dBi, 3 m lead, available separately) to bring the Wi-Fi signal into range.
  • Extend the external antenna's lead with an extension cable (available separately). For signal quality, we recommend a maximum total cable length of 20 m (well shielded, 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 not correct, please proceed step by step as follows:

  1. Check alignment: Use a spirit level to make sure the sensor is aligned vertically and stably to the surface.
  2. Check for interference: Make sure the detection area is not obstructed by cables, pipes, or the inner wall of the container.
  3. Check configuration values: In the configuration, review the entered tank geometry as well as the distance to the surface (at full capacity) and the distance to the bottom.
  4. Manual calibration: You can manually adjust the level sensor via 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 level sensor to factory settings (reset)?

Disconnect the device from the power supply. Carefully open the housing (on 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. At the same time, restore the power supply (preferably via the internal USB-C connector). Wait 5 seconds before releasing the button. The device is now back to its factory state.

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

Documentation and firmware updates:
You can find all documentation and the latest firmware version for updates in our knowledge and download area. We recommend installing the latest firmware regularly.

Support:
If you have further questions, our English-speaking support team is happy to help via the contact form or the chat function on our website.

Presence Sensors

What is the key difference compared to a conventional infrared (PIR) presence sensor?

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

How many people can the sensor detect?

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

What are typical application scenarios for the presence sensor?

Typical application scenarios are presence monitoring and controlling lighting and climate in:

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

The zone function lets you divide the monitored area more granularly (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 the "dining table" zone, lamp A switches on; in the "couch" zone, lamp B switches on.

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

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

Automatic configuration:
First use the automatic configuration under "Settings". Activate this with the room empty for about two minutes to adapt the thresholds to the environment.

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

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

How do I integrate the presence sensor 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 focused on flexibility:

  • Home Assistant
  • openHAB
  • ioBroker
  • Node-RED

The displayed sensor values include: presence ON/OFF, distance to the detected presence, brightness value, climate values, motion ON/OFF, and the detected zone. Step-by-step instructions can be found in the documentation.

Do I need 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 a web browser (smartphone, PC).

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

Where is my data stored (privacy)?

The presence sensor stores all configuration files locally on the device. Readings are not stored, but forwarded directly to your broker/browser. Configuration data for push notifications is only stored in the Senvolon Cloud in Germany when using remote access.

What do I need to consider regarding installation, power supply, and connections?

Mounting:
Installation is either on a wall (1.50-2.00 m height) or on the ceiling.

Power supply:
The power supply (5V) is provided via the USB-C connector (cable included in the package contents) or alternatively via an internal connection using a screw terminal inside the housing. We recommend a power adapter with at least 1A.

Wi-Fi:
Make sure there is a sufficiently strong Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz) at the installation site.

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

Is there a battery-powered variant?

A version with a rechargeable battery/battery is currently not feasible in an adequately sized housing, due to the power draw of 0.8 W and the resulting dimensions.

Can I change the housing color?

By default, the sensor is supplied in a white housing. Custom color options are available on request. If you modify the surface yourself, make sure the ventilation slots are not covered.

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

Documentation and updates:
You can find all documentation as well as the latest firmware versions for installation in our knowledge and download area. We recommend regular updates for new features and improved compatibility.

Support:
If you have further questions, our English-speaking support team is happy to help via the contact form or the chat function on our website.