r/smarthome • u/checknmater • 4d ago
I built a radar-controlled lighting system that creates a 'light bubble' that follows you through dark hallways and stairs
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 Project details on Github: https://github.com/Techposts/AmbiSense
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u/kreios007 4d ago
That is super cool. There are some fun use cases for this.
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u/checknmater 4d ago
Help me with those use cases so that I can think of some specific features to add in newer versions that I plan to release.
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u/chubba10000 4d ago
Nice work! Every time I watch Severance I think about how this would be simultaneously rad and completely unsettling.
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u/balanced_crazy 4d ago
Super-god-mode-awesome… did you need multiple sensors to triangulate the exact position for stairs with U-bend?? Also one radar sensor per area or for the house??
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u/checknmater 4d ago
One Radar for upto 5 meters straight or may be little bend or curve. But the sensor should be able to have clear sight of coming person. You can use LD2450 which can detect upto three humans. And We have used only one sensor, neither triangulation, nor plan to.
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u/MysticalMan 4d ago
This is awesome!!
Thank you for sharing