FAQ
Product
What is CeilSense Mini?
A compact ceiling sensor for Home Assistant that measures presence and light. mmWave radar sees whether someone is there, even sitting still. It has an LED ring and a buzzer, and you mount it recessed or on the surface.
Which model suits me: Mini, V2 or Pro?
Choose the Mini for presence and light on PoE or USB-C, for example in a hallway, toilet or corridor. Choose V2 for the complete ceiling sensor with CO2, temperature and humidity and three power options. Choose the Pro if you also want VOC and NOx, optical smoke sensing, a speaker and a microphone. The Mini and the Pro can be surface-mounted, V2 is recessed. See Hardware Versions.
Is the Mini the successor of CeilSense V1?
No. CeilSense V2 is the successor of V1. The Mini is a separate model with a new design, shared with the Pro. V1 firmware does not work on the Mini: see Hardware Versions.
Does the Mini measure CO2, temperature or humidity?
No. The Mini measures presence and light. It has no climate sensors and no air pressure sensor. For climate readings, see CeilSense V2 and CeilSense Pro.
Which radar configuration do I get?
Which configuration ships as standard is announced at release. The Mini has the same choice of radars as V2. See Radar and Sensor Modules.
What is the difference with the UltimateSensor?
CeilSense Mini sits in or on the ceiling, with an LED ring that lights up all around. The UltimateSensor is free-standing, with more sensors and an optional voice assistant.
Radar and Sensors
Which radar should I choose?
LD2412 + LD2450 for reliable presence plus the position of up to 3 people. This is the configuration of the current firmware. LD2460 to track up to 5 people with one module, and LD6002B for X, Y and height of up to 3 people. Firmware for both is planned for release. See the comparison.
What is the range from the ceiling?
At a 2.7 m ceiling, count on a ground radius of about 4 m for movement and about 3 m for sitting still with LD2412 or LD2460, and about 3 m all around with LD6002B. Place the sensor centrally in the room.
Why mmWave instead of PIR?
PIR only sees motion. mmWave also sees breathing and small movements, so the sensor keeps seeing you when you sit still.
Does CeilSense Mini have a camera?
No. All radar options are Hi-Link mmWave modules without a camera.
What can I do with the LED ring and the buzzer?
The ring shows a rainbow during start-up and is then off until you use it. In Home Assistant you pick color, brightness and the Rainbow effect, for example for a night light or a signal when the doorbell rings. The buzzer is silent unless you use it. The current firmware has a Buzzer Test button that an automation can press. See LED Ring and Buzzer.
Installation
Will it fit my ceiling?
Recessed, you need a Ø 68 mm cut-out and 23.15 mm above the ceiling plus room for plugs and cables. The maximum ceiling thickness is not published yet: it follows at release. Surface mounting uses a mounting plate, needs no large hole and also works on concrete: only the cable needs to pass through. See the Installation Guide.
Can I replace a spotlight with the Mini?
Yes, if the opening and the space above it fit. Keep in mind that the Mini cannot run on mains, so you need a USB-C cable or a network cable at that spot. Switch off the circuit before you remove the spotlight, and leave mains work and verifying that the circuit is dead to a qualified installer.
How do I power CeilSense Mini?
With PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or USB-C (5 V, at least 1 A). A USB-C supply is not included. The current firmware is WiFi only, so for now you use USB-C: Ethernet and PoE firmware is planned for release. Ethernet without PoE will work too: use the cable for data and power the sensor from USB-C. The Mini cannot run on mains. It is for indoor use only.
Do I need technical knowledge?
With USB-C it is plug and play: connect it, power it up and add it in Home Assistant. You build automations in Home Assistant. Polygon zones in the Room Designer will follow with release firmware. See Home Assistant Integration for which radar supports what.
Can I use it in a bathroom or other wet room?
No. CeilSense Mini is for indoor use only and is not suitable for wet rooms.
Software
Do I need Home Assistant?
With local firmware, yes: ESPHome brings the entities into Home Assistant and your data stays on your network. Home Assistant is not required for the SmartHomeShop app, which needs an account, internet and matching cloud firmware. Cloud firmware for CeilSense Mini is planned, not published.
Is the firmware public?
Not yet. The firmware is ESPHome and will be public on GitHub under CC BY-NC 4.0: you can change it for your own use, commercial use is not allowed. The LD2412, LD2450 and LD6002B radars are part of ESPHome, and SmartHomeShop maintains the LD2460 component. See Firmware.
How do I get updates?
From release, over the air: ESPHome announces new firmware in Home Assistant. See Firmware.
Does CeilSense Mini support Thread?
No Thread firmware has been announced for CeilSense Mini. Its ESP32-C6 has an 802.15.4 radio. The device connects over WiFi, and over Ethernet once that firmware is available.
More Help
Your question not listed? See Troubleshooting or Warranty and Support.