RCWL-0516 Radar Motion Detector

This radar sensor can be operated with an Arduino or an ESP8266/ESP32. Because it detects motion with microwaves, it can also be mounted hidden in a plastic enclosure. The range is approx. 7 meters. On motion, the OUT output switches from 0 V to 3.3 V for approx. 2 seconds.

Recommended Accessories:

• Pin header male 1 X 40 pole RM 2.54mm straight short pin
• Dupont Cable M-F 20cm 20 Pieces

Features:

• OUT output with 3.3 V, fits directly to ESP8266 and ESP32
• Solder pads on the back: C-TM for the duration, R-GN for the range, R-CDS for the light cut-off
• CDS low switches the sensor off; with a photoresistor it works only in the dark
• Metal in the immediate vicinity of the board greatly reduces the range, and it can also drop on a breadboard
• Also reacts to wind and moving plants

Application Examples:

• Motion detector behind a cover
• Switching on lights on motion
• Alternative to a PIR sensor

Documentation:

• RCWL-0516 tutorial (Wolles Elektronikkiste, German)
• RCWL-0516 tutorial with Arduino (Last Minute Engineers)
• RCWL-0516 investigation (GitHub)

Technical Data:

• Type: RCWL-0516
• Operating voltage: 4 to 28 V (VIN)
• Current consumption: approx. 2.7 mA
• Frequency: approx. 3.2 GHz
• Range: approx. 7 m
• Power: 20 mW
• Pins: 3V3 (regulated output, not needed for operation), GND, OUT (high 3.3 V motion, low 0 V no motion), VIN, CDS (disable sensor, low = off)
• Size: 36 × 18 × 3 mm
• Weight: 2 g

Scope of Delivery:

• 1× RCWL-0516 radar motion detector