RCWL-0516 Microwave Motion Sensor

[Meek]

I know by experience that it’s a very delicate process to combine a RCWL-0516 in close perimeters to an ESP module.

I’ve successfully managed to combine both of them in a Europese wall switch.
The wall switch model is the Meek MP1, stands for Meek Presence with 1 touch button.

MeekMP1.jpg (170.68 KiB) Viewed 70099 times

I’m living in the Netherlands and the max. space allowance of a wall switch is below 5cm in diagonal and depth is less than 3cm.
With that given fact, I have tried to separate the ESP8266 Module’s antenna and the RCLW-0516 antenna as much as possible.
In my case, this spacing is less than 2cm !

I have also “separate” the feeding line of the RCWL-0516 with clean power as much as possible.
To do that, I have applied some capacitors and an inductor to prevent any “jibberish” that might cause false positives.

Also something to take in account the fact that RCWL-0516 operates in a 360degree, the position of the RCWL’s antenna in relation to the ESP8266 does matter !
I have position then in an opposite side of each other.

Once they function, it’s also advisable to add a delay in the RCWL sensor modules as explained on my http://www.meek-ha.com/manuals/manual-f ... sence-mp1/

So long story short :
• Separate the ESP and RCWL as much as possible
• Add filters on the power lines
• Position the antenna’s in opposite sides
• Add delay on the RCWL sensor module in ESPEasy

Currently, I have running the Meek MP1 switch for over 2 months now, and the work perfectly as you can see on YouTube :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO8sSX1 ... 9QI7M1wMh0

KitchenMeek.jpg (96.11 KiB) Viewed 70095 times

[vincen]

I know by experience that it’s a very delicate process to combine a RCWL-0516 in close perimeters to an ESP module.

Thanks a lot for the share but would you mind how you physically arrange everything in your wallbox ? as I didn't see anything about it in your description and video and it looks to be the most important part of it

Thanks

[Meek]

I know by experience that it’s a very delicate process to combine a RCWL-0516 in close perimeters to an ESP module.

Thanks a lot for the share but would you mind how you physically arrange everything in your wallbox ? as I didn't see anything about it in your description and video and it looks to be the most important part of it

Thanks

You’re right, attached 2 pictures of the internals of the Meek MP1 (pictures are from a BETA designs/older versions).
Once the updated versions are available, I will post some more detailed pictures and information.

The attachment RCWL.jpg is no longer available

RCWL.jpg (348.09 KiB) Viewed 69758 times

[Meek]

Just uploaded a video with the progress of the Meek MD1 Wi-Fi dimmer module.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOhscOB0x04

[vincen]

You’re right, attached 2 pictures of the internals of the Meek MP1 (pictures are from a BETA designs/older versions).
Once the updated versions are available, I will post some more detailed pictures and information.

Thanks for the picture the other one didn't make it Impatient to see your updates about it and thanks for share

[Domosapiens]

Just tested on a breadboard:
Replacing the resistor on the left bottom marked 221 (220 Ohm, 0805 SMD) by a 470 Ohm,
it does reduce the detection range to around 1 meter.


With the 470 Ohm you reduce the antenna gain.
[edit]
... side effect ... it shifts also the center frequency ..
I assume too close to the 2.4Ghz WiFi frequency.
After endurance tests with several units, I skipped this idea, and use the alternative ...
Alternative: a 1M-ohm type 0805 SMD on position R-GN on the RCWL-0516 reduces the range to 5m according to spec.
Tested on several units, and gives a good result.
Use a 1KOhm series resistor to limit the output current.

My application is:
- Measure temperature IN and OUT for floor heating (#2 DS18B20 mounted with ALU tape)
- Measure water flow ( https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/USC-HS43 ... 39421.html )
- Calculate Energy: Flow * DeltaT * 4.1
- Control the pump by PWM, based on DeltaT

For local read-out a small box (pic is upside down):

https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/86-Plast ... Title=true

With a LCD 1602 inside:

https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/LCD1602- ... 29414.html
turn the pins 90 decrease to solder it on a PCB.

Just above the LCD1602 there is space for the RCWL-0516 (under a 45 degrees angle),
to switch the LCD back-light on for some 4 minutes.
Use a rule for that, because the the LCD2004 module (that supports the LCD1604 also) can only handle active LOW,
while the RCWL-0516 only supports active HIGH (already a GitHub improvement request).

Code: Select all

On System#Boot do
LCDCMD,on
timerSet,1,30
Endon

On Detect#Switch=1 do
LCDCMD,on
timerSet,1,240
Endon

On Rules#Timer=1 do
LCDCMD,off
Endon

Place a level-shifter under the LCD, and below on the PCB a HLK-PM01 power supply and a WEMOS D1 mini.
Use different XS8 connectors to prevent mistakes. I use 4 pins for all my DS18B20 sensors (2/4/6/8 combined on 1 plug), 3 pins for flow and 2 pins for PWM.
Keep it tight and it just fits!

[TD-er]

If you have pictures of the final product, I will be very interested.

[Domosapiens]

Happy to do that for you!
I will open another topic for that.

[vincen]

Happy to do that for you!
I will open another topic for that.

Please share link here when you have created the new thread with all details

thanks

[Domosapiens]

See here WIP:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5955&p=32474#p32474

[grovkillen]

See here WIP:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5955&p=32474#p32474

Wow! Great job and super exciting to see your work.

[vincen]

See here WIP:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5955&p=32474#p32474

Thanks a lot

[TD-er]

Will be great to follow
Just to be sure, what is the motion sensor being used for? Presence detection of humans to determine the need for heating, or switching the backlight?
Or is there some ingenious use to detect water flow?

[Domosapiens]

ingenious use to detect water flow?

Just to save the life-span of the back-light.