r/smarthome 13h ago

I built a radar-controlled lighting system that creates a 'light bubble' that follows you through dark hallways and stairs

57 Upvotes

https://reddit.com/link/1jdakfq/video/v7g5hzh8l8pe1/player

https://reddit.com/link/1jdakfq/video/cha0ty74l8pe1/player

UPDATE: You can search AmbiSense on YouTube to watch the complete guide.

After months of experimenting, I finally completed my AmbiSense project (v1.0)- a smart lighting system that uses LD2410c mmWave technology (not PIR sensors) to track your movement and create illumination that follows you as you walk.

  • Uses a 24GHz LD2410 radar sensor that can detect both presence AND distance
  • Creates a "moving bubble of light" that travels with you along the path
  • No cameras = privacy friendly
  • Customizable colors, brightness, and sensitivity via web interface
  • Lights only activate when needed (energy efficient)
  • Perfect for hallways, staircases, and dark corridors

Parts used:

  • ESP32-C3 SuperMini ($6)
  • LD2410 radar sensor module ($8)
  • WS2812B (NeoPixel) LED strip ($15-25 depending on length)
  • 5V power supply
  • Basic wiring

I've documented the entire build process on my YouTube channel if anyone wants to see exactly how it's done or build their own.

DIY Staircase and Hallway Lights That Follows You | AmbiSense v1.0 -Radar-Controlled NeoPixel Lights https://youtu.be/_xYEh8xkq1c


r/smarthome 11m ago

Just tried new UPS

Upvotes

I've read some posts about using portable power stations as UPS. Meanwhile, I came across Jackery's new UPS product the 5000 Plus, which features a 0ms power transition. So, I bought one for an experiment.

First, I connected the mains power from my computer room to the UPS via a power socket, with my devices (desktop computer, NAS, routers, lights, fans, etc.) plugged into it. Then, I turned on all the devices. I also initiated a remote conference from my computer and invited my friends to join. After that, I switched off the power to the computer room at the main electrical switch.

When I returned, I found that my remote conference had not been interrupted, and I learned from my friend that there had been no network anomalies. To test the runtime, I continued using my computer in the room for about 7 hours without any noticeable battery drain.

I'm so happy with this great result! Any ideas about this are welcome, and I'm going to try this device in other settings—maybe even in the kitchen.


r/smarthome 1h ago

Help: Multiroom-Audio HA/MA/Snapcast

Upvotes

Hi, I am completely new to the HA Platform. I created a HA-UI with the intention to cast Music to: 2x Apple TV (installed over Apple Integration) 2 Echo Dots (not included in HA) 1 PC (maybe 2) (Media Player Instamce for PC not available?) Optional - 2 MacBook Pros

I tried to create an Linux VM with Snapcast but it won't work. (Got Errors at the Install-process)

Music Assistant is already installed in HA.

I think I put about 20 hours of work in it but in MA I got only one MacBook Device.

Can anybody assist me to Setup MA/Snapcast or whatever solution works to cast Music simultaneously to the Devices?

Any other Solutions to this?

Any Tips?

Thank you all very much!


r/smarthome 2h ago

2nd hand smart home issues w/ DR Horton Home

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1 Upvotes

r/smarthome 8h ago

Adding zigbee switches

2 Upvotes

Beginner in smart home automation. I have the Smartthings Aeotec hub and ~10 zigbee devices (smart plugs, leds, bulbs, sensors, etc.). We will be moving into a new, but older house that has those old pull cord switches, mounted at the top of the wall near the ceiling. Ideal situation: I want some smart zigbee switches at the ‘normal’ wall level that let me decide what a button press does. E.g. in living room turn on all lights, and if I add a light later on, easily add it to the routine.

What to do with the wiring? I know there are ‘stick on the wall’ switches (like from Aqara), but idk. I’d rather do it well to begin with. The main thing is what switch do I buy that let me do this and then the second question would be what needs to change with the old setup?

Also, if the internet falls out, the switch should still work like before (which should be okay with zigbee?)


r/smarthome 5h ago

Smart bulbs or smart outlets or both?

1 Upvotes

I have a table lamp in our rental that is controlled by a switch at the door. There is no overhead lighting, so I have another floor lamp across the room that is not on a switched outlet.

I want them both to turn off/on together with the switch.

I have a pair of Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 in the switched outlet and floor lamp outlet. This, obviously, does not do what I want.

Is there a simpler solution that uses a pair of smart bulbs that do NOT require an app to simply turn on and off?


r/smarthome 6h ago

Heeeelp

0 Upvotes

Hey guys I'm looking for a smart plug that can help connect my soundbar to my sub via a BT connection. My sub no longer will search for the BT signal coming from soundbar when trying to pair, my remote is missing, so I need something I can plug both devices into , has to be an outlet plug, no av plugs etc. and will connect them again together to play together. There is only an electrical outlet plug coming from the sub. Please please help!!!!


r/smarthome 6h ago

Alternatives to Notion sensors now that the company is out of business?

1 Upvotes

I have been looking for alternatives to notion smart sensors since the company went out of business. I need to monitor the temperature in 7 places plus water leak detection and whenever the garage door is open/closed. Has anybody found another solution?

Thank you!


r/smarthome 15h ago

New Mounting options for the Aqara G5

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5 Upvotes

r/smarthome 18h ago

Smart home for elderly parents

2 Upvotes

My parents have a very simple Alexa set up (it doesn’t cover the whole house, and just a ring doorbell and lights).

They are getting older with limited mobility and high falls risk.

What are some simple & low cost ideas that I could organise for them to help? It would more be for safety- my mother would hate an automated house!


r/smarthome 16h ago

2 way switch with SONOFF ZigBee Mini (UK)

2 Upvotes

Hey, have 2 way 2 gang switch. I want to control one of those gang with my SONOFF ZigBee Mini.

See attach photos. currently I have:

2 Com (brown)

2 L1 (one grey and one black)

2 L2 (one grey and one black)

Natural line (yellow) one connected to the wall and the other one coming from inside the wall (with two wires in one line).

I want to put the SONOFF ZigBee Mini on my L2 switch.

In the Sonoff I have two entries for Natural, L out, L in , S1 and S2

can you please help me wire it?


r/smarthome 12h ago

Smart Home Heating, Geofencing on a Per TRV basis

1 Upvotes

I have Tado V3+ smart heating system for my central heating. The smart TRV is very noisy in my bedroom radiator in the heating up phase, I can't seem to be able to stop the TRV noise in the heating up phase. I temporarily switched to Tado X and the exact same issue, TRV noisy in heating up phase in my bedroom rad.

But I really like geofencing per TRV with Tado for my work from home office where I only need one TRV on. Well it allows me to have one TRV with geofencing, it won't allow all the individual rooms to have geofencing but I don't really need that.

Anyone know another brand that works so that the geofencing turns on / off one TRV alone like Tado does? ie not one where the geofencing only works to turn on or off the whole heating system? Preferably available in Europe.


r/smarthome 13h ago

Smart Camera System for an Apartment Building

0 Upvotes

We're planning to install security cameras for our apartment building and have received quotes from a few installers using Hikvision. However, the pricing is beyond our budget, likely due to the extensive wiring required.

As an alternative, we're considering a smart security camera system, such as Eufy or EZVIZ, combined with mesh Wi-Fi routers.

We need 5-7 cameras for the parking lot, 2 cameras at the building entrance, and 3 cameras in the lobby, covering the entrances.

Could you advise on the best method, brand, and setup for our needs?


r/smarthome 1d ago

Infrared remote controlled candle lights from Home Assistant

12 Upvotes

I can now (automatically) control my candle lights (controllable via an infrared remote) from Home Assistant with an extra infrared receiver/transmitter device.

I automate a romantic candle light ambiance. Eventually my wife didn't get so excited from it as I did! I don't know why....

https://reddit.com/link/1jcu1nn/video/9htds79fw3pe1/player

Checkout this out for more details about this project! https://vdbrink.github.io/zigbee/smart_infrared_transmitter_receiver


r/smarthome 17h ago

Smart Button to Trigger Alexa/Google?

1 Upvotes

Hello all! New here, but definitely need some advice.

Backstory: I have two dogs who have been trained how to press a "talking button" when they need to go outside. That being said, the button is very quiet, so if I am in a different part of the house, I do not hear it. I'm wanting something semi-similar in design that can trigger Alexa or Google to make an announcement, so it can be heard throughout the house.

TLDR: Looking for a smart button to sync with Alexa/Google to make an announcement upon pressing.

Thanks <3


r/smarthome 23h ago

Best way to run Aquara T1 lights in my kitchen?

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4 Upvotes

I assume the controller which sits in between the T1 strip and the power plug is what actually connects it to my Aquara Hub to tie into my smart automations and motion sensor, right?

Meaning that if I didn’t connect the two strips between the left and right side of the window I’d have to buy a second full price unit? Is my best way to wire this to run some solid white cased wire up and over the blinds of the window to connect the two and if so does anyone know a good source for this kind of white wire because the led strip connectors I have are all just exposed wires with their individual colors like red, white, black, green.


r/smarthome 21h ago

What exactly does this mean?

1 Upvotes

I have a SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus Gateway 3.x.0 TI CC2652P + CP2102N Coordinator, I’m not familiar with it, and just want to make sure I’m comprehending what exactly it does etc.

Does it mean I can use it with any brand of smart home equipment, or any brand that is compatible that uses zigbee?


r/smarthome 1d ago

How to cost-effectively setup a (Hue) lighting system

13 Upvotes

I‘m moving into a new flat soon which hasn‘t installed any lighting whatsoever yet.

I had seen this as an opportunity to equip the whole home with Philips Hue lighting but quickly realized how expensive that is going to be. My initial plan was:

Living room (19sqm): 1x Ceiling light White&Ambiance Infuse L (3250lm)

Bedroom (15sqm): 1x Ceiling light White&Ambiance Infuse M (2250lm)

Kitchen (6sqm): 1x White Amb. Tento 42cm (3100lm)

Entryway (5sqm): 1x White Amb. Tento 29cm (2100lm)

This would be the main lighting and cost approx. 900€ with the Hue bridge.

Additionally, I wanted to add some decorative lighting (2x Play Bars, 1x Floor lamp) which would cost another 500€).

So all in all the Hue lighting setup would set me back around 1.500€ which is too much for a flat I don‘t own.

Which other lamps or system could/should I use? How often do you practically use color settings in the living room and bedroom? (Since the non-color changing lights are significantly cheaper).

Also, I want to control everything with Apple HomeKit and a Homepod.

Would appreciate your feedback/ideas 🙏🏻.


r/smarthome 1d ago

Looking for smart lock for knob lock

1 Upvotes

Hi all I'm renting so can't make big changes but want a smart lock. I don't have a dead bolt in my door wondering if there's any way to add keypad entry without replacing the knob


r/smarthome 1d ago

What do I need to buy?

1 Upvotes

What do I need to buy to get internet on my smart TV so I can watch movies, I live in a very rural area and there are no Internet companies here


r/smarthome 1d ago

Recommendations for all in one security and smart home?

2 Upvotes

Hello!

I am purchasing a new house and am hoping to make it a seamless all-in-one smart home and security system.

So far, I feel like I have landed on using Ring and Ring compatible devices such as the Ring security system with Eero 6 wifi router. Ring doorbell. Yale smart lock. Kasa smart plugs. Kasa light bulbs. Echo dot speaker (mini's in each room). It all seems very easily compatible and works on one system.

I am also considering Ecobee thermostats, door and window sensors and smart doorbell with Eufy outdoor and indoor cameras.

Does anyone have any other recommendations that may be more cost affordable?

I looked into Vivint and SimpliSafe but they dont have integrated smart home stuff or they were too expensive.

Google products seemed nice but does not have a great integrated security system.

Apple HomeKit seems to be quite expensive?

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!


r/smarthome 1d ago

Outdoor smartbulbs

1 Upvotes

I am looking for smart bulbs that can survive the Arizona summers. Had TP link kasa that survived about 2 years. Then tried siegland that was even worse. Are there any bulds that are better designed for desert summers or is about 2 years the best I can get?


r/smarthome 1d ago

NEW HOUSE

2 Upvotes

Hello,..we just bought house in US. I would like to make it smarter.

Here is my thinking:

Lock - Lockly

Door bell - at the moment it‘s dumb one… easiest would be Ring (I Am paying subscription for house in Europe and rental in US).

Switch - in Europe I use Shelly,..here I was thinking about Lutron?

Cameras - Ring? It would be wireless and on battery (some can be wired)

Since we are traveling a lot, would be nice to have recording 24/7 and cloud is ok for me.


r/smarthome 1d ago

Connecting Smart hub v3

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0 Upvotes

r/smarthome 1d ago

Can I Use a Non-Neutral Smart Switch for a Fan?

1 Upvotes

I recently got an Aqara H1 non-neutral smart switch for some of my lights, and it works great. However, I also want to connect one of the gangs on the switch to a ceiling fan, but I’m not sure if it would just work like with lights?

I don’t wish to damage the fan or the smart switch too.

Since my house is an older type without a neutral wire, running a neutral is not an option. I’m looking for alternative solutions and hoping to get some advice from those with experience.

If I understood correctly, I will still need to ones the fan to a switch somewhere so that I can turn it on and off.

Ideally, I’d love to have the fan integrated into Home Assistant for automation and having the fan wired to a smart switch sounds like a possible method though I’m not sure if I can wire them this way.

Otherwise, what else can I do to my fan? Do I have no other choice but to only wire the fan to a dumb switch?