FAQ

FAQ

Quick answers to frequently asked questions about the Zone Configurator.

General Questions

Can I use Zone Configurator with non-Everything Presence devices?

No. Zone Configurator is designed specifically for Everything Presence Pro, Lite (EPL), and One (EP1) devices. It relies on specific entity structures and firmware features from these devices.

Can I use Zone Configurator without Home Assistant?

No. Zone Configurator requires Home Assistant to communicate with your devices. It uses the Home Assistant API to read sensor data and write zone configurations.

Does Zone Configurator work with Home Assistant Core?

Yes! Zone Configurator supports two deployment methods:

As an Add-on (Home Assistant OS / Supervised)

  • Install directly from the add-on store

  • Automatically configured, no setup required

  • Accessible via the sidebar

As a Docker Container (Home Assistant Core / Container)

  • Run Zone Configurator as a standalone Docker container

  • Provide your Home Assistant URL and a long-lived access token

  • Access via http://your-server:42069

See the Installation page for setup instructions.

Is Zone Configurator free?

Yes. Zone Configurator is free and open source.

Device Questions

What's the difference between Pro, EPL, and EP1 in Zone Configurator?

Feature

Pro

EPL

EP1

Multi-target tracking

✓ Up to 3 targets

✓ Up to 3 targets

Zone creation

✓ 4 zones + 2 exclusion

✓ 4 zones + 2 exclusion

Entry/Exit detection

Static presence (25m)

Distance measurement

✓ Per target

✓ Per target

✓ Single-point

Heatmap

Trail recording

Temperature sensor

✓*

Humidity sensor

✓*

PIR motion sensor

Illuminance sensor

Room Builder

Pro temperature/humidity may be less accurate due to internal component heat

See Device-Specific Features for full details.

Can I use multiple devices in Zone Configurator?

Yes. You can configure multiple Pro, EPL, and EP1 devices, each in their own room. Use the room selector to switch between them.

Why doesn't my EP1 show zones?

EP1 uses a different mmWave sensor (SEN0609/SEN0395) that provides single-point distance detection rather than X/Y coordinate tracking. Without coordinates, zone detection isn't possible. For zones, use a Pro or EPL.

Does the Pro work the same as the EPL for zones?

Yes! The Pro includes the same LD2450 tracking sensor as the EPL, so all zone and tracking features work identically. The Pro also adds the static presence sensor (like EP1), PIR, environmental sensors, and more.

Zone Questions

How many zones can I create?

Pro and EPL support:

  • 4 detection zones - Trigger occupancy when targets enter

  • 2 exclusion masks - Ignore targets in specific areas

  • 2 entry/exit zones - Track directional presence (EPL only)

What's the difference between rectangular and polygon zones?

  • Rectangular zones: Simple box shapes defined by corner coordinates

  • Polygon zones: Complex shapes with multiple vertices, useful for L-shaped areas or angled rooms

Both work the same way for detection - polygons just offer more flexibility in shape. Enable polygon mode in Settings to use polygon zones.

What are exclusion masks for?

Exclusion masks (also called occupancy masks) tell the sensor to ignore detections in specific areas. Common uses:

  • Windows (ignore people walking by outside)

  • Areas with moving objects (fans, curtains)

  • Pet zones you want to exclude

  • Areas detected through thin walls

Do zones persist after power loss?

Yes. Zones are stored in the device's configuration and persist across restarts and power cycles.

Tracking Questions

Why do target positions seem offset?

Common causes:

  1. Device position wrong - Update the device position in Room Builder to match physical installation

  2. Rotation incorrect - Adjust the device rotation to match which way the sensor faces

  3. Installation angle not set - If sensor is tilted up/down, set the installation angle in device settings

Can the sensor track through walls?

mmWave can sometimes detect movement through thin walls, glass, and some doors. This can cause false triggers from adjacent rooms or outside. Use exclusion masks to ignore these areas.

Why does target count show more people than are actually present?

Possible causes:

  • Reflections from metal or glass surfaces

  • Moving objects (fans, pets, curtains)

  • Detection through thin walls

  • Multiple reflections of the same person

Try reducing the max detection distance or adding exclusion masks for problem areas.

Why do targets disappear when sitting still?

The LD2450 tracking sensor (in Pro and EPL) tracks both moving and stationary targets, but very still targets may occasionally drop out. Solutions:

  • Enable Entry/Exit detection with Assumed Presence timeout

  • Ensure clear line of sight to seating areas

  • Check for interference from nearby electronics

  • With Pro: The static presence sensor (SEN0609) provides additional stationary detection

Room Builder Questions

Do I need to draw my room layout?

No, it's optional but helpful. The room layout helps you:

  • Visualize where zones should go

  • See how furniture affects detection

  • Understand sensor coverage

  • Position zones accurately

You can use Zone Configurator without a room layout.

Can I import floor plans?

Not currently. Room layouts must be drawn manually using the Room Builder tools.

Are room dimensions in metric or imperial?

Zone Configurator uses metric units:

  • Room Builder: centimeters (cm)

  • Zone coordinates: millimeters (mm)

There's currently no imperial unit option.

Data & Privacy Questions

Where is my data stored?

All configuration data is stored locally:

  • Room layouts and settings in the add-on data directory (or Docker volume for standalone)

  • Zone configurations on the device itself

  • No data is sent to external servers

Can I back up my configuration?

Yes. Use the Export feature in Settings to save your configuration as a JSON file. This can be imported later or transferred to a different system.

Will updating the add-on delete my data?

No. Add-on updates preserve your configuration data. Only uninstalling the add-on removes the add-on data (zone configurations on devices are unaffected).

Still Have Questions?