FAQ
Product
What is CeilSense V2?
A ceiling sensor for Home Assistant that disappears into a spotlight hole. mmWave radar sees whether someone is there, even sitting still. It also measures light and air pressure, with the SCD41 module also CO2, temperature and humidity, and it has an LED ring and a buzzer.
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.
What is included in the base?
The recessed housing with spring clips, a light sensor, an air pressure sensor, the RGB LED ring, the buzzer, WiFi and Ethernet, and power through 110 to 240 V, PoE or USB-C. There is no radar and no SCD41 in the base: without modules it measures no presence, CO2, temperature or humidity.
Are the modules fitted when they arrive?
You choose. You receive them loose for self-assembly, or we fit the selected radar and SCD41 in the device for a supplement per device. Ceiling mounting and electrical installation are not included. See Radar and Sensor Modules.
What do Basic and Complete mean?
Those are terms from older communication. CeilSense V2 is now sold as a base plus modules, and Complete means a V2 with the SCD41 module.
What is the difference with the UltimateSensor?
CeilSense is recessed in the ceiling, with an LED ring shining down. 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. LD2460 to track up to 5 people with one module. LD6002B for X, Y and height of up to 3 people, but its firmware is not finished yet. 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 V2 have a camera?
No. All radar options are Hi-Link mmWave modules without a camera.
How accurate are CO2, temperature and humidity?
The SCD41 has an accuracy of ±(50 ppm + 2.5% of reading) between 400 and 1,000 ppm. Recessed mounting and heat from electronics influence the temperature reading, so use temperature mainly for trends. See Calibration.
What can I do with the LED ring and the buzzer?
The ring is off by default. In Home Assistant you pick color, brightness and 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?
You need a Ø 76 mm cut-out, a ceiling of at most 20 mm thick and 41.46 mm above the ceiling plus room for plugs and cables, about 56 mm with a straight RJ45 plug. See the Installation Guide.
How do I power CeilSense V2?
With 110 to 240 V mains, PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or USB-C (5 V, at least 1 A). A USB-C supply is not included. Ethernet without PoE works too: use the cable for data and power the sensor from mains or USB-C. Have mains connections made by a qualified installer and switch the circuit off first. CeilSense V2 is IP20, for indoor use only.
Do I need technical knowledge?
With USB-C or PoE it is plug and play: connect it, power it up and add it in Home Assistant. Mains is a job for a qualified installer. You build automations in Home Assistant, and you draw zones without code in the Room Designer. See Home Assistant Integration for which radar supports what.
Can I use it in a bathroom or other wet room?
No, it is not rated for that. CeilSense V2 is IP20, for indoor use.
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 V2 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 V2 support Thread?
No Thread firmware has been announced for CeilSense V2. Its ESP32-C6 has an 802.15.4 radio, and the device connects over WiFi or Ethernet.
More Help
Your question not listed? See Troubleshooting or Warranty and Support.