5PCS RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor Module, 5-7m Detection Distance, Through-Wall Human & Animal Movement Detector for Arduin0 ESP8266 NodeMCU Wemos
Description
- ? High Sensitivity & Wide Voltage – Detection range up to 5-7 meters with a large induction angle. Operates on 4-28V DC. Ideal for human motion sensing lighting, security alarms, smart home automation, and other presence detection projects
- ? Through-Wall Detection Capability – Microwave radar signal penetrates glass, drywall, ceilings, and floors. Sensor can be triggered even when partially obscured. Note that more shielding reduces detection distance, but it still works reliably
- ? Multi-Object Detection – Detects not only humans but also pets (cats/dogs), water-filled bottles, and other moving objects with sufficient density and volume. Perfect for pet monitoring or liquid presence sensing
- ? Easy Integration with Dev Boards – Directly compatible with Arduino, ESP8266, NodeMCU, Wemos, and other 3.3V/5V logic boards. Outputs a clean 3.3V trigger signal – no level shifter required
- ? Adjustable Settings for Custom Projects – On‑board C‑TM and R‑GN adjustment points: add a capacitor to extend trigger hold time, or add a resistor to shorten detection distance (default 7m, ~5m with 1MΩ resistor). Ideal for applications requiring custom sensitivity and hold time
Description:
Wide operating voltage range: 4-28V
Can output 3.3V power supply
Blocking time, adjustable distance
Using special signal processing control chip RCWL-9196
Compared with the traditional infrared induction PIR, the penetration detection ability
About pin header:
CDS = No connection
VIN = 5vdc (+) (9v battery also Ok)
OUT = 3.3vdc signal out when triggered
GND = 0vdc (-)
3V3 = No connection (in most applications)
C-TM: Adjust repeat trigger time (default 2 s). Adding a capacitor will give a longer repeat trigger time.
R-GN: Detection distance adjustment (default 7 m). Adding a resistor the detection distance will become shorter. If connected with a 1-MΩ resistor, detection range is about 5 m.
R-CDS: By adding a resistor (in parallel with the internal 1-MΩ resistor), user can change the light detection threshold as per individual requirement. This is applicable only when a light sensor is soldered in its pads (CDS) on the front of the circuit board. A 47-100K resistor works fine with standard 5-mm LDRs
Package Includes:
5 X RCWL-0516 Module Microwave Radar Sensor
5 X 4P Bend Pin Headers
FAQ:
Q: Can you use the RCWL-0516 with an ESP8266? Or will you get random false positive results?
A: I've done a short term test with the ESP8266 on a NodeMCU board. It seems to work just fine. The ESP greater Version 12-E is shielded and is FCC certified. So it should, by definition, not interfere with other electronics. However, one viewer reported random false positive results on a long shot.
Q: Is the water in the human body responsible for the detection?
A: Probably. I tested it with one empty and one water filled bottle. And even with a cat. And it seems that the bigger the object the further away it can be detected.
Technical Specifications
Shipping & Delivery
Your order is shipped from the USA and delivered to your door in South Africa in 10–20 working days. All items are fully tracked.
Returns & Exchanges
We offer a 30-day return window. If something isn't right, contact our support team and we'll make it right.