Home Security Enhancements in the 1930s through Presence Detection Technology
In a shocking twist, it's quite an odd sight to find high-tech gadgets like sensors, smart switches, and cameras in a vintage 1930s home, like [Chris]'s abode. But the man's got a soft spot for safety, especially when it comes to avoiding midnight stubbed toes in the dark. And so, he went ahead and designed a sensor that seamlessly syncs with his home's retro vibe.
When it came to presence detection, [Chris] went for the unconventional route, opting for 24 GHz mmwave radar modules. Unlike your typical infrared sensors, these bad boys can sense if a human is lurking in a room even if they're as still as a statue. Combined with the compact ESP32-S2 Mini, each pair takes up an area on the wall that's smaller than a postage stamp.
[Chris] couldn't whip up a 3D printer to shrink the enclosure down to the minimum, but he managed to find some pre-made ones that are surprisingly inconspicuous on the wall. Another priority was to ensure everything was wired up, so he wouldn't be permanently binding himself to a battery-changing chore.
The radar module and ESP duo are kitted out with some code to get them operational with Home Assistant, which [Chris] has kindly shared on the project page. Now that everything's all set up, he's got a module that can control lights without drastically altering his home's aesthetic or rhythm. If you're reluctantly still using those old-school presence sensors and wondering how to hop aboard the millimeter wave radar train, give this project a peek—it's a solid starting point for diving into this relatively new technology.
- Chris designed a sensor, which synced with his home's retro vibe, using 24 GHz mmwave radar modules that can detect human presence even when they're motionless, and compact ESP32-S2 Mini, all of which are unobtrusively mounted on the wall in his 1930s home.
- To minimize the visual impact, Chris used pre-made enclosures for the radar module and ESP duo, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the home-and-garden lifestyle of his vintage abode.
- Embracing technology while maintaining his lifestyle, Chris shares his project details, including the code to operate the radar module with Home Assistant, enabling energy-efficient home automation without compromising the integrity of his 1930s home electronics.
