As a home automation installation grows, there are many sensors that we can integrate to make our system a much more efficient and intelligent ecosystem. Among the many sensors, we will find motion sensors, which will be used to activate certain actions simply by detecting the passage of a person through a certain place. But what if the person remains still? Are they able to detect the presence? That's where the presence sensors with mmWare radar.
millimeter waves
A millimeter wave radar is a sensor capable of emitting high frequency waves with which to detect objects many meters away (depending on the capabilities of the sensor) and even differences between several bodies in a reading. It is a highly precise sensor that has nothing to do with the passive infrared sensors that are usually used in other types of applications and that are used to detect an object as an obstacle, but that are not capable of differentiating its passage from its presence.
Advantages of mmWare sensors
Their effectiveness and precision when detecting the presence of someone within their coverage range is such that these sensors are surprising for being able to detect movements that would be imperceptible to the naked eye.
- It detects people who remain motionless since it is capable of detecting breathing movement.
- It is possible to configure zones in a room to monitor by region.
- It is capable of detecting several people.
- It is not intrusive, since it does not emit lights or sound signals of any kind.
- It is not affected by weather conditions.
- Its wave operation avoids using cameras, so user privacy is reinforced.
What are they for
If we look at it from a home automation point of view, a presence sensor can be easily combined with a smart light. Thus, starting at a certain time, the sensor will decide whether to turn on a light as long as there is the presence of a person in the room.
Another very useful function is to combine several sensors to activate an alarm when no one is home, being able to send a notification when someone's presence appears.
What to take into account when buying a sensor
There are already many models of presence sensors on the market, so we are going to leave you with some details that you should take into account when purchasing any of the available models:
- detection angle: The radar will have an angle of attack that will limit its coverage, so a sensor with a 90 degree angle will not be detected in the same way as another with a 120 degree angle, the latter being the best to be able to monitor more space at short distances.
- Detection range: In addition to the angle, the sensor will have detection limits in distance, so if you want to control an open garden you must take this aspect into account.
- Wizard Compatibility: Since we are talking about connected sensors, you will have to know if the chosen model is compatible with the assistant you usually use at home.
- Price: The price of presence sensors is much higher than motion sensors, so in addition to being more precise, you should keep in mind that the outlay they require is greater.
models to buy
Below, we leave you with a list of available models so you can take a look at the one that best suits your needs.
YUEOU Millimeter Wave Human Presence Sensor
This 68 millimeter diameter sensor has a quite interesting price. Its detection range reaches 11 meters, with a coverage angle of 100 degrees horizontal and 30 degrees vertical. It works powered by a 5V/1A USB charger. It is compatible with the Tuya application.
Rare presence detector
Another fairly compact model that, with a detection angle of 90 degrees, is capable of covering 25 square meters of surface.
Aqara FP2
This presence detector is currently one of the most complete on the market, as it covers 120 degrees of angle and has a maximum range of 15 meters, covering a total of 40 square meters. Its software is capable of configuring a mesh of 30 zones to activate automations depending on the activated zone. Includes light sensor to activate automations related to lighting.
