SmartHomeShop Docs

Installation Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Connection

Your CeilSense ships with Wi-Fi firmware pre-installed.

Connection Action
Wi-Fi Continue to Step 2, you'll configure Wi-Fi in Step 9
Ethernet/PoE See our Network Configuration guide first

Most users use Wi-Fi. Only choose Ethernet if you need a more reliable wired connection or want to use PoE for single-cable power & data.

Step 2: Detection Area & Positioning

  • Mounting height: 2.5 to 3 m above the floor
  • Presence detection diameter: 2 to 6 m
  • Motion detection diameter: 8 to 12 m
  • Cutout size: Ø68 mm (fits standard Ø70 mm downlight cutouts)

Note: mmWave radar may detect small moving objects (pets, rotating fans). Position to focus on human activity areas.

Step 3: Prepare the Cutout

  • Ensure a clean Ø68 mm hole in your ceiling
  • Cavity depth: at least 45 mm, or 60 mm with an Ethernet cable
  • Keep the cavity free of drafts for accurate environmental readings

Step 4: Run Power/Data Cable

Safety: Have mains connections made by a qualified installer. Switch the circuit off first.

Run one of the following cables into the ceiling hole before inserting the sensor:

Power Option Cable
USB-C USB-C cable (5V ⎓ 1A minimum)
Mains 110 to 240 VAC cable (Live & Neutral)
PoE Ethernet cable (RJ45) to PoE switch

Step 5: Attach Spring Clips

Attach the spring clips to the CeilSense if not pre-installed. Watch the installation video below for guidance:

Step 6: Connect the Cable

Power Option Connection
PoE Plug the RJ45 into the Ethernet port
Mains Insert Live (L) and Neutral (N) into the blue screw terminal
USB-C Insert the USB-C connector

Step 7: Mount the Sensor

  1. Compress the spring clips
  2. Push the sensor into the ceiling hole
  3. Release the clips to grip the ceiling
  4. Verify the sensor is flush with the ceiling surface

Step 8: Verify Startup

The LED ring stays off during startup since firmware 1.39. Turn on Startup LED Self-Test in Home Assistant if you want to see the check on the next start. Older firmware always shows it:

LED Behavior Meaning
Spinning colors Booting, checking sensors
Solid white (3 sec) All sensors OK, ready!
Solid red (20 sec) Boot failed, sensor error

Step 9: Connect to Wi-Fi

Skip this step if using Ethernet.

  1. On your phone/laptop, look for Wi-Fi network:

    • SSID: ceilsense
    • Password: ceilsense

  2. Connect to this network

  3. The SmartHomeShop setup page should open automatically

    • If not, browse to http://192.168.4.1/

  4. Pick your home Wi-Fi network from the list or type its name, enter the password and select Save and connect

  5. The CeilSense connects to your network. Firmware older than 1.32 shows a plain ESPHome Wi-Fi page instead

Step 10: Add to Home Assistant

  1. Open Home Assistant
  2. Go to Settings → Devices & Services
  3. The CeilSense should be auto-discovered via ESPHome
  4. Click Configure to add it

If not auto-discovered:

  • Add ESPHome integration manually
  • Enter the device IP address (check your router's DHCP leases)

Step 11: Calibrate the Sensor

After installation, calibrate the mmWave sensor for your specific room:

  1. Empty the room completely (no people, no pets)
  2. Turn off ceiling fans and close windows
  3. In Home Assistant, go to the CeilSense device
  4. Press "Start Dynamic Background Correction" under Diagnostic (LD2412 firmware only)
  5. Wait for calibration to complete

👉 See the Calibration Guide for detailed tuning instructions.

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