Tired of endless YAML files and complex wiring diagrams? Meet the Carenuity Radar Zone Detector, a plug-and-play smart motion and presence detector that integrates seamlessly into Home Assistant. Powered by the Carenuity C3-Mini, the LD2410C radar sensor, and a custom piggyback adapter, this device eliminates the traditional challenges of building DIY smart home sensors.
This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of assembling, configuring, and integrating the device into your smart home. Whether you're new to IoT or an experienced maker, you’ll find this project straightforward and rewarding.
What You’ll NeedHere’s everything required to get started:
Hardware- Carenuity C3-Mini(an ESP32-C3-based powerful microcontroller).
- LD2410C Radar Module (for motion and presence detection).
- Carenuity Piggyback Adapter (a custom adapter to eliminate wiring).
- Micro-USB cable for power and programming.
- A computer for flashing the firmware and Home Assitant
- WebFlashing tool=> solutions.carenuity.com.
- Home Assistant installed on your local network/computer.
Attach the LD2410C Radar Module to the Piggyback Adapter:
- The adapter is designed for a perfect fit with the radar module—just plug it in, and you’re ready to go.
Connect the Adapter to the Carenuity C3-Mini:
- Align the adapter with the headers on the C3-Mini and press firmly into place.
- The adapter automatically maps the radar pins to the correct GPIO pins, so no additional configuration is needed.
- Visit solutions.carenuity.comfor the pre-built firmware for the Radar Zone Detector.
Flash the Firmware to the C3-Mini:
- Connect the C3-Mini to your computer using a micro-USB cable.
- Click on install for free
- Follow the on-screen instructions—no coding experience is required!
Power On the Device:
- After flashing, the device creates a temporary Wi-Fi access point named Carenuity-radar-zone-detector.
Connect to the Access Point:
- From your phone or computer, connect to the access point.
- A configuration page automatically opens (or visit 192.168.4.1 in your browser).
Enter Wi-Fi Details:
- Input your local Wi-Fi network credentials and save them.
- The device will reboot and connect to your network.
Discover the Device:
- Open Home Assistant.
- Navigate to the Settings > Devices & Services tab.
- The Carenuity Radar Zone Detector should appear automatically in the list of discovered devices.
Add the Device to Home Assistant:
- Follow the prompts to add the device to your dashboard.
- Assign it a friendly name and a location (e.g., Living Room, Hallway).
Access the Dashboard:
- The device provides a rich set of parameters accessible directly from the Home Assistant dashboard.
Customize Zones:
- Adjust the radar detection distance for each zone (up to 6m).
- Fine-tune the motion and still energy thresholds for precise presence detection.
Monitor Occupancy:
- Track the real-time occupancy status of up to three distinct zones.
- Automate your smart home devices based on these zones.
Here are some examples of automations you can create using the Radar Zone Detector:
Turn on lights when entering a room:
- Trigger lights to turn on when motion is detected in a specific zone.
HVAC control based on occupancy:
- Automatically turn off heating/cooling when a room is unoccupied.
Security alerts:
- Send notifications if motion is detected in restricted areas.
Get a printable enclosure for your device here
Real-Time Metrics:
- Monitor device performance, such as CPU speed, free memory, and uptime.
- Perform actions like rebooting the device or resetting radar settings directly from the dashboard.
Energy Threshold Sliders:
- Dynamically adjust the sensitivity of motion detection without re-flashing firmware.
Custom Occupancy Detection:
- Use multi-zone detection to create tailored automations for specific areas of your home.
One of the biggest advantages of the Carenuity Radar Zone Detector is that it eliminates the need for complex YAML files. All configurations are handled via the Home Assistant UI, making it perfect for beginners and a time-saver for experts.
- Old Way: Hours spent manually coding YAML templates, debugging syntax errors, and testing integrations.
- New Way: Plug it in, flash the firmware, and let Home Assistant handle the rest.!
A walk through video:
ApplicationsThe versatility of the Carenuity Radar Zone Detector makes it suitable for:
- Home Automation: Automate devices based on occupancy and motion.
- Security Systems: Monitor movement in sensitive areas and trigger alarms.
- Energy Management: Save energy by turning off devices in unoccupied rooms.
The Carenuity Radar Zone Detector is a game-changer for DIY smart home enthusiasts. It simplifies the process of building and configuring motion sensors while offering advanced features for customization. With its plug-and-play design and seamless Home Assistant integration, this device lets you focus on enjoying your smart home instead of troubleshooting it.
Build yours today and experience the future of effortless smart home automation! For more enquiry or customization mail me
Comments