The ESP Presence detector is an ESP8266 WiFi module with a built-in human presence detector. The module combines a 2.4GHz Wifi compatible ESP8266 (ESP-07) module together with a Hi-Link LD2410C radar sensor which is capable of sensing both human presence and motion.

Home Assistant Compatible
Although ESP presence detector is fully programmable via its serial interface (requires additional USB adaptor) it comes pre-flashed with custom ESPHome firmware. This means that out-of-the box it is compatible with the home automation system Home Assistant. Simply connect power to the module via its microUSB socket and use a mobile phone to connect it to your WiFi network via its captive portal page - no programming required.

For a step by step guide please see our blog post here.

Home assistant example control panel:











 

Programming:

PLEASE NOTE - reprogramming this device will overwrite the existing firmware

The module contains an ESP8266 (ESP-07) WiFi compatible microcontroller which is compatible with the Arduino IDE. It also includes a serial interface for programming and therefore, its firmware can be replaced with your own sketches or other compatible firmware in the same way as any generic ESP development board. To reprogram the module, follow these steps:

1) Connect the serial header to a compatible USB to serial (FTDI) adapter as shown:




2) Remove the presence detection sensor.

3) Hold down the programming button whilst connecting the serial adapter to your computer

4) The device is now in programming mode and can be programmed via your programming software or Arduino IDE.

5) After flashing, disconnect and reconnect the power to run the new firmware.


Arduino IDE setup guide:

The module is compatible with the Arduino IDE via the board manager feature. The latest version of the Arduino IDE can be downloaded from the official Arduino website here:

https://www.arduino.cc/en/software

Once installed, you will need to add board support for ESP8266 devices. To do this just follow steps 1 & 2 in our blog post here:

https://blog.hobbycomponents.com/?p=937


Arduino IDE board settings:

Board: Generic ESP8266 Module
Port: The COM port of your USB interface module.
Crystal Frequency: 26MHz
Flash Frequency: 40MHz
Flash mode: DIO
Reset Method: dtr
Upload Speed: 115200
Flash Size: 1MB (FS64KB OTA:~470KB)
CPU Frequency: 80MHz

You can leave any additional settings to their defaults.



3D Printed Case:




For owners of a 3D printer we have created a simple 'pill box' style case to house the module. This is a screwless design that does not require any additional fixings to construct and hold the module in place. There is a single access hole for connecting a microUSB power cable and two screw holes on the rear should you wish to mount the case to a wall using screws rather that adhesive pads.

This STL files for this case are available in Thingyverse at the link below:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6574142

Please note that this case is supplied freely as an additional service to our customers. It is not sold as part of the ESP presence detector module and we do not make any promises as to its suitability or fitness for purpose.