Read the statement by Michael Teeuw here.
Replacing Radar Sensing module (RCWL-0516) in place of PIR Sensor
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Hello dear forum members,
MMM-PIR Sensor, module uses a PIR sensor (HC-SR501) to control the MM to turn OFF and turn ON display. I was wondering if the PIR sensor can be replaced with an RCWL-0516 Radar sensor module which ideally also detects motion. The PIR sensor and RCWL module have the similar connections of Vcc , Gnd and Out. So on detection of motion the RCWL would drive the Out signal which will be same as the PIR sensor. The PIR sensor can be tuned for distance and delay but not so in case of RCWL. The RCWL detects motion between 5 to 7 mtrs.
The question is will it work with the existing code of the MMM-PIR sensor with no changes?Thanks
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@Rags Hi,
I use this type of sensor for motion detection. Currently not connect to the mirror directly but I used it for years as PIR replacement.
It should work out-of-the-box with any PIR module. -
@wishmaster270 Okay, so i got an RCWL circuit module board and replaced it with the PIR sensor. It does work “out of the box”, with the MMM-PIR module, BUT there is a limitation, the monitor switches “ON” on detection of motion, but switches off immediately(2 seconds) after motion detection. The pin is high only as long as the motion exists. Is there a way to keep the monitor ON for some time duration, like the delay adjustment in PIR sensor.?
Some websites have suggested to increase the capacitor value on the module which can provide delay upto 40 seconds. However, need a software configurable option if possible. -
@Rags Hi, I don’t use the Pir module you mentioned so do not know if there is a option to control the behaviour.
You can use my GPIO module in combination with my screensaver module to do the job. I wrote a howto to do this https://github.com/Tom-Hirschberger/MMM-GPIO-Notifications/blob/master/examples/HC-SR501/HC-SR501-GPIO4-README-EN.md. -
@wishmaster270 Thanks for the info. However, i have a small query,
The PIR sensor has a configurable time delay which keeps the Pin “high” even after no motion is detected. However, the RCWL has no such provision.
In the config, is the delay value* for keeping the monitor “ON”, independent of the PIR time delay ? If it is so then once the RCWL detects motion the pin will be ‘high’ momentarily then go ‘low’. But the delay should keep the monitor ‘ON’ as per value(in seconds).
Please confirm if my understanding of the function is correct.
{
module: ‘MMM-Screen-Powersave-Notification’,
config: {
delay: 60, “*THIS VALUE”
profiles: {
“pageOneEverone pageTwoEveryone”: 600
}
}
} -
@Rags Hi and correct.
The screen save module has a counter that will be counted to zero. If zero is reached the monitor will be shut off.
If the GPIO is triggered (because of the motion sensor) it sends a notification to the screen module. If the monitor is turned off it will be set on and the timer is reset. If it is on only the timer is resetted. -
@wishmaster270 Wow and thanks once again. Mission successful. I installed and configured the RCWL-0516 Radar sensor successfully with your modules as described by you. It was very smooth going with no hiccups. Now the MM is decluttered with no PIR sensor sticking out of the frame. The radar sensor has been conveniently placed behind the mirror and it is working perfectly through the glass. As the delay is configurable i am able to set it as per my requirement.
Thanks. -
@Rags You are welcome. Great if it works.
