RCWL-0516 Sensor Test & Review
The RCWL-0516 microwave radar motion sensor module is a low cost sensor that has been newly added to ICSTATION inventory. There is quite a lack of information on the module online, at least not that I could find, so I’m compiling what I could find and posting it all here in this article.
Distance Test
RCWL-O516 Arduino Circuit
RCWL-0516 Arduino Uno Circuit
We only use 3 of the 5 header pins in this project.
- 3V3
- GND – [connects to ground]
- OUT [connects to digital input]
- VIN – [connects to 5v]
- CDS
The 0516 is a flexible module that can easily be used in conjunction with many MCU’s and even without a microcontroller at all. It can handle anywhere from 4v-28v in, which it then converts and outputs 3.3v to the 3V3 pin. This pin can be utilized for a multitude of tasks, such as an LED to indicate power, or even to supply power to a mini 3v based MCU.
Change the resistor value to decrease sensitivity. I have a 220Ω resistor in the circuit which shouldn’t impede the sensitivity too drastically, I’ll play around with some other values and update with my findings.
RCWL-O516 Arduino Sketch
Click to enlarge
int ip = 8;
int val = 0;
int led = 13;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode (ip, INPUT);
pinMode (led, OUTPUT);
}
void loop() {
val = digitalRead(ip);
Serial.println(val, DEC);
if(val >0)
{
digitalWrite(led, HIGH);
}
else
{
digitalWrite(led, LOW);
}
delay(1000);
}
To make the reaction time faster you can reduce the delay time from 1000 to something like 100. This will also allow the sensor to pick up smaller movements. Conversely you can increase the delay to help keep small movements from triggering (this is a simple but not perfect way of accomplishing this effect), and make the circuit conserve more power.
Disclaimer: I could not find an official datasheet on this module, so I’ve had to make some guesses here. I’m not responsible for any damage this could cause to your Arduino or sensor module! If you choose to try this yourself, don’t blame me when you spontaneously combust!
For even more info check out the git by Joe on it here which is still in the works (as of jan 2107) but it looks like he’s keeping it up to date with new findings: https://github.com/jdesbonnet/RCWL-0516/
Hi this was a awesome post. I enjoy your posts
and share on twitter often. keep up the great posts.
Hi
I want to detect these sensors a target with speed of 10 khz doppler.
Is it possible?!
Hi, nice post and cool sensor you got there. I was wondering a couple of things about this sensor
1) Does only detects human movement and NO object movement as some people online had said? If so, do you think it may have to do with the water content in organic beings? would it detect a water bottle as opposed to an empty bottle?
2) Have you tried to make it work while moving it, like if you where to hold it like a flash light would it detect movement regardless of its own relative movement?
3) Whats the maximum sensitivity you could achieved, like would it detect your chest expanding as you breath?
Anyway sorry for the weird questions and tnx in advance for the reply
Hi Bernie, these are great questions. I’m by no means an expert on the subject, I’m just speculating, but I think that the microwave may detect anything that it can’t penetrate. If it would detect a bottle of water I’m, not certain. To answer your second question, I have not tried this sensor while moving the sensor. This is a test I plan on doing though when deciding which sensor(s) to use on my bot to detect humans, so I’ll probably write a new article, testing out a few sensors side-by-side to compare and contrast. As for the maximum sensitivity, it is fairly sensitive, especially in between 1-2 meters. I would say that it would only detect your breath if you are breathing fast and deep though. Hope that help!