#RCWL-0516

[arduino-diy]

Proximity sensing is a very common application in electronics. There are several ways to accomplish this. The most common way is by using a PIR sensor. PIR Sensor senses the change in ambient infrared radiation caused by warm bodies. I have already covered this in my Tutorial No. 5: "PIR Sensor Tutorial - With or Without Arduino". However, since PIR sensors detect movement from living objects, they can generate false alarms. These sensors are also inefficient in hot environments, as they rely on heat signatures.

The other common methods of proximity sensing involve, using reflected ultrasonic or light beams. Using these sensors, the intruding object is detected by the reflected beam back to its source. The time delay between transmission and reception is measured to calculate the distance to the object. In this tutorial, we are going to look at another method of proximity sensing using "Microwaves" and "Doppler Effect".  In my hand is an inexpensive RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor. The RCWL-0516 microwave sensor detects "any movement" from "any object" and does not rely on heat, making it more reliable in hot environments. I am going to use this sensor to create a Geo-fence around my house to detect motion and get notifications.

[quartz-components]

Like the traditional PIR sensor, RCWL-0516 is a widely popular sensor that also detects movements and is used in Alarms or for security purposes. This sensor uses a “microwave Doppler radar” technique to detect moving objects within its range. It has a sensitivity range of ~7 meters and that is very useful for multiple applications. 

[christanworkshop]

DIY: RCWL-0516 Microwave Motion Sensor

Here's some fun you can have with a $0.30 module ... Haha. Just hookup 3 pins and you are good to go. Here are the pins you need to connect:

GND -> Pin 3 (A6) OUT -> Pin 2 (A7) VIN -> Pin 1 (5V)

Now, go to GPIO and turn on the 5V, then run the RCWL-0516 Motion Sensor app on Flipper. The screen lights up whenever motion is detected. Below is a video demo.

I am very impressed at how well this module works. It detected motion for up to around 20 feet away. Now, this isn't a particularly useful module for Flipper. It's just for fun, but I can see myself using this module in other projects.

Anyway, you can refer to this page for more info.

[mangowall]

Features: Size: approx. 1.7 x 3.5cm / 0.67 x 1.38"Operating voltage: 4 – 28VOperating current: 2.8mA (typical), 3mA (max)Probe distance: 5-9mTransmitting power: 20mW (typical), 30mW ...

[hiepmocuilga]

via 5PCS RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor Smart Switch Module Human Body Induction Module 5-7M Detection Distance 4-28V 100mA (Discount 35 % ) #5PCS #RCWL-0516 #Microwave

[kualyuvaitha]

5PCS RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor Smart Switch Module Human Body Induction Module 5-7M Detection Distance 4-28V 100mA (Discount 35 % ) #5PCS #RCWL-0516 #Microwave https://ift.tt/2E9qtsA

[electronicsinfoline]

Build a Thief Detector using an Arduino UNO and a RCWL-0516 Microwave Proximity Sensor https://ift.tt/2pBdVU0

[electronicspanga-blog]

RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Human Body Induction Sensor Switch Module

RCWL-0516 microwave radar sensor module Human body induction switch module Intelligent sensor Features: Transmission signal processing control chip RCWL-9196 Wide operating voltage range: 4.0-28.0V Compared with the traditional infrared feeling PIR, with the penetrating detection capability Block time, distance adjustable Output 3.3V power supply   Other types of sensors are also available on our…

[karusels]

RCWL 0516 Датчик Доплера ESP32 DEV микроволнового датчика движения

[ivoras-electronics]

First steps with the RCWL 0516 radar sensor / switch

The RCWL-0516 module can be bought for around $2 at numerous online retailers on eBay and Aliexpress, as well as others. It's intended for lamps and wall lights, where it can turn them on when motion is detected, and turn them off after a short timeout. Short-range (~~5m) radar modules such as this one are an alternative to PIR (passive infra-red) modules. Despite it being a very wide-spread and cheap module, documentation is scarce.

After some experimentation, the module's apparently meant to be connected to 5V on the VIN line, ground to the GND line, and the OUT line will go HIGH when movement is detected in the area of space in front of the module (where the chip is). I got much poorer performance when trying to use it from the back side.

I currently have no idea what the 3V3 pin is. I first thought the module power supply should be 3.3V provided on this line, but when I did that, the module seemed to be overly sensitive or noisy.

In this way, with only the three lines connected, the module seems to be fairly stable and usable. The OUT pin will go high for a couple of seconds when movement is detected, then go low again. The module should be very applicable for motion detection in home automation scenarios.