The Home Assistant community has been abuzz with excitement over mmWave sensors, a promising alternative to traditional passive infrared (PIR) sensors. While PIR sensors detect motion, mmWave sensors can detect the presence of objects by emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves in the millimetre wave band. These waves reflect off objects, allowing the sensor to analyse and determine the object's distance. As a result, mmWave sensors can detect subtle presence, such as someone sitting quietly at a desk or watching TV on the couch. In an exciting development, the upcoming Home Assistant Core 2023.2 update will introduce support for the Hi-Link LD2410B, a highly affordable mmWave sensor priced at around US$4.
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The Rise of Affordable mmWave Sensors
Most mmWave sensors on the market, such as Aqara's FP1, have been relatively expensive compared to widely available PIR sensors. However, as production scales up, costs are starting to become more reasonable. This is great news for smart home enthusiasts looking for more sensitive and reliable presence detection solutions.
Introducing the Hi-Link LD2410B
The upcoming Home Assistant Core 2023.2 update will add support for the Hi-Link LD2410B, an affordable mmWave sensor priced at around US$4. Despite being a bare board without a casing, the Hi-Link LD2410B offers excellent functionality. It supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), making it easy to integrate with Home Assistant and its Bluetooth proxies.
Features and Benefits
Enhanced Presence Detection
Unlike PIR sensors, which can miss subtle movements, mmWave sensors like the Hi-Link LD2410B excel at detecting presence even when there is minimal motion. This makes them ideal for scenarios where you need accurate presence detection, such as:
- Detecting someone working quietly at a desk.
- Sensing a person sitting on the couch watching TV.
- Monitoring presence in areas where movement is infrequent, but presence needs to be known.
Affordable and Accessible
The Hi-Link LD2410B's price point makes advanced presence detection accessible to more users. At approximately US$4, it provides a cost-effective solution for those looking to upgrade from PIR sensors without breaking the bank.
Easy Integration with Home Assistant
Thanks to its BLE support, the Hi-Link LD2410B can be easily discovered by Home Assistant and its Bluetooth proxies. This simplifies the setup process, allowing users to quickly take advantage of the sensor's capabilities.
Real-Life Examples
Home Office
In a home office setup, the Hi-Link LD2410B can detect when you are present, even if you're sitting still for long periods. This can be used to automatically adjust lighting, temperature, or even notify family members not to disturb you during work hours.
Living Room
Place the sensor in the living room to detect presence while watching TV. This can ensure that the lights remain on, or adjust the room's ambiance based on your presence without relying on significant movement.
Conclusion
The integration of the Hi-Link LD2410B into Home Assistant marks a significant step forward in affordable, reliable presence detection. With its enhanced capabilities and cost-effective price, this mmWave sensor is poised to become a popular choice among smart home enthusiasts. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions that enhance the smart home experience.
