Smart home technology has truly transformed the way we interact with our living spaces, and I’m excited to share my recent journey in creating a sensor-based lighting system. My goal was to automate lighting based on my movements and presence within the house, and I must say, the results have been nothing short of impressive.
I utilized mmWave radar sensors, which not only detect motion but also distinguish between humans and pets, a feature that’s been a lifesaver given that I have cats. The system is designed to turn on lights as I enter a room, adjusting brightness based on whether I’m sitting on the couch or moving around. While the initial setup required some tweaking, especially with ensuring consistent performance, the integration with Node-RED has made managing automations much smoother.
One of the standout features has been defining zones for better control. For instance, the living room, including its doors, is monitored to ensure lights come on before I even step inside. This level of precision has made evenings much more convenient, eliminating the need to fumble for switches in the dark.
However, there were some challenges. The couch scenario was tricky—initially, the lights would flicker too much when I moved, but adding a condition tied to the TV’s active status solved that. Now, the lighting adjusts only when the TV is on, creating a cozy ambiance without unnecessary changes.
While the system is functional, there’s still room for optimization, especially with the integration of additional sensors. Overall, the experience has been rewarding, and I look forward to expanding this setup further. If anyone has tips or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them!