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Frequently Asked Questions ​

Product & Variants ​

1. What is the difference between Basic and Complete? ​

FeatureBasicComplete
CO₂, Temperature, Humidity✅✅
Light (Lux)✅✅
VOC & NOx Index✅✅
mmWave Radar (LD2450)✅✅
PIR Motion Sensor✅✅
OLED Display✅✅
Particulate Matter (PM)❌✅

The Complete version includes the SPS30 particulate matter sensor for measuring PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10 (fine dust).

2. Can I upgrade from Basic to Complete? ​

The PM sensor module can be added later, but requires opening the device and some technical knowledge. Contact us via smarthomeshop.io/contact for upgrade options.

3. Is the UltimateSensor suitable for outdoor use? ​

No. The UltimateSensor is rated IP20 and designed for indoor use only. Exposure to rain, moisture, or extreme temperatures will damage the device and void the warranty.

Installation & Setup ​

4. How do I install the UltimateSensor? ​

  1. Connect power via USB-C or PoE (Ethernet firmware required for PoE)
  2. Connect to the WiFi hotspot ultimatesensor (password: ultimatesensor)
  3. Select your home WiFi network in the captive portal
  4. Home Assistant will auto-discover the device

👉 See the full Installation Guide

5. What's in the box? ​

  • UltimateSensor device
  • USB-A to USB-C cable (3 meters)
  • European USB power adapter
  • Optional: Wall mount (if selected at checkout)

6. Can I mount the UltimateSensor on the wall? ​

Yes! An optional wall mount is available. The device can also stand freely on a shelf or cabinet.

7. What's the ideal placement for the UltimateSensor? ​

  • Height: 1-2 meters from the floor
  • Location: Away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and air vents
  • mmWave coverage: Point the front toward the area you want to monitor

⚠️ Direct sunlight can cause the casing to yellow and affect sensor accuracy.

Connectivity ​

8. How do I connect the UltimateSensor to WiFi? ​

When first powered on, the device creates a hotspot named ultimatesensor with password ultimatesensor. Connect to it and follow the captive portal instructions to select your WiFi network.

9. Why isn't the WiFi hotspot appearing? ​

  • Wait 1-2 minutes after powering on
  • The hotspot only appears if WiFi isn't configured
  • Try a different device (phone vs laptop)
  • If previously configured, a factory reset may be needed

10. Can I use Ethernet instead of WiFi? ​

Yes! The UltimateSensor supports Ethernet with Power over Ethernet (PoE). You need to flash the Ethernet firmware first.

👉 See the Firmware Guide for instructions

11. What are the Ethernet requirements? ​

  • DHCP enabled on your network
  • Same VLAN as Home Assistant (or proper routing configured)
  • No firewall blocking local communication
  • PoE switch/injector for power-over-ethernet

12. Does the UltimateSensor require internet access? ​

No. The UltimateSensor works 100% locally. The only external communication is an optional firmware version check to GitHub/ESPHome. All sensor data stays on your local network.

Sensors & Measurements ​

13. What does the UltimateSensor measure? ​

SensorMeasurements
SCD41CO₂ (ppm), Temperature (°C), Humidity (%)
BH1750Light intensity (lux)
SGP4xVOC Index, NOx Index
SPS30PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 (Complete only)
LD2450Presence, position (X/Y), speed, distance for up to 3 targets
PIRMotion detection

14. How accurate is the CO₂ sensor? ​

The SCD41 accuracy:

  • 400-1,000 ppm: ±(50 ppm + 2.5% of reading)
  • 1,001-2,000 ppm: ±(50 ppm + 3% of reading)
  • 2,001-5,000 ppm: ±(40 ppm + 5% of reading)

15. Why do my sensor readings seem inaccurate? ​

  • CO₂: Needs 24+ hours for initial calibration
  • Temperature: May need offset adjustment due to internal heat
  • All sensors: Avoid placement near heat sources or in direct sunlight

👉 See the Calibration Guide

16. How does the mmWave radar work? ​

The LD2450 radar can:

  • Detect up to 3 people simultaneously
  • Track position (X/Y coordinates), distance, speed, and angle
  • Define up to 4 custom zones with individual occupancy detection
  • Detect through thin walls (may require zone adjustments)

17. What's the difference between PIR and mmWave? ​

FeaturePIRmmWave
Detection typeMovementPresence (even stationary)
Response timeFastSlightly slower
Through wallsNoYes (can cause false positives)
Multi-personNoYes (up to 3)

Use PIR for quick motion triggers and mmWave for true occupancy detection.

18. Can I disable sensors I don't use? ​

Yes. In Home Assistant, go to the device and disable individual entities you don't need.

Home Assistant Integration ​

19. How do I integrate with Home Assistant? ​

The UltimateSensor should be auto-discovered by Home Assistant. If not:

  1. Go to Settings → Devices & Services
  2. Click "Add Integration"
  3. Select "ESPHome"
  4. Enter the device's IP address

20. What can I automate with the UltimateSensor? ​

  • Turn on lights when someone enters a room
  • Start ventilation when CO₂ exceeds a threshold
  • Send alerts for poor air quality (VOC/PM)
  • Adjust HVAC based on temperature/humidity
  • Track room occupancy for energy savings

👉 See Usage Guide for automation examples

21. Is there a custom Home Assistant card? ​

Yes! We provide a custom dashboard card optimized for the UltimateSensor.

👉 See Home Assistant Card

mmWave Zones ​

22. How do I configure detection zones? ​

The UltimateSensor supports 4 configurable zones. Each zone has:

  • Begin/End X coordinates (-4000 to 4000 mm)
  • Begin/End Y coordinates (0 to 6000 mm)
  • Occupancy off delay (0-600 seconds)

Configure zones via the number entities in Home Assistant.

23. Why is the mmWave detecting through walls? ​

mmWave radar can penetrate thin walls. Solutions:

  • Reduce the Max Distance setting
  • Adjust zone boundaries to exclude areas behind walls
  • Reposition the sensor

24. What does "Occupancy Off Delay" mean? ​

This is the time the sensor waits before reporting "no occupancy" after the last movement is detected. A longer delay prevents flickering when someone is stationary.

Display & LED ​

25. What does the OLED display show? ​

The built-in display shows:

  • CO₂ level (large, center)
  • Temperature (top right)
  • Humidity (middle right)
  • Light/Lux (bottom right)
  • PIR indicator (when motion detected)

26. Can I control the back LED? ​

Yes! The Back Light entity in Home Assistant lets you turn it on/off and change colors. It's a WS2812B RGB LED.

Firmware & Updates ​

27. How do I switch between WiFi and Ethernet firmware? ​

  1. WiFi → Ethernet: Use ESPHome OTA update (wireless)
  2. Ethernet → WiFi: Requires USB-C flashing

👉 See the Firmware Guide for detailed instructions

28. How do I update the firmware? ​

  • OTA: Through ESPHome in Home Assistant
  • USB-C: Download firmware from GitHub and flash via web flasher

29. Where can I find the source code? ​

All ESPHome YAML configurations are available on GitHub: 👉 github.com/smarthomeshop/ultimatesensor

Power ​

30. What power supply do I need? ​

  • USB-C: Any adapter providing at least 1A (5V)
  • PoE: IEEE 802.3af compatible switch or injector

The included European adapter works, or use any USB-C adapter you have.

31. Can I power via PoE? ​

Yes, but only with Ethernet firmware installed. PoE provides both power and network connectivity over a single cable.

Warranty & Support ​

32. What's covered under warranty? ​

The UltimateSensor has a 1-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware failures. Not covered:

  • Discoloration from sunlight
  • Water/moisture damage
  • Physical damage
  • Modified firmware/hardware

👉 See Warranty and Support

33. How do I get support? ​

Note: We do not provide support via email for installation questions.