The app also enables users to set ignore zones for areas with continuous movement that should not trigger the sensor. This is useful for example for ceiling fans, curtains or plants that can occasionally move and trigger the sensor. Placing an interference source over the plant Zooming into the main PCB, you can see the main ESP32 chip powering the Aqara FP2. It’s an ESP32-WROOM-32U [ Datasheet] model with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The main difference between 32U and the more common 32D model is the external antenna connector, which boost connectivity and reception strength.

It sounds super cool but reading "radar" kinda makes me nervous about the amount of EMF bouncing around the house... May I also ask if you know what Aqara recommends for the wall mount height? I’m thinking mounting the FP2 too high or too low on a wall may cause inconsistencies. Of course, I did take the FP2 apart immediately as soon as I got opened it up, and I was surprised to find this inside: The Aqara FP2 can be configured in three separate modes, which you can subsequently fine-tune for optimum results: NOTE: If you remove the Aqara Home App after setting your detection zones, the Aqara FP2 will still work without the app with Home Assistant via the HomeKit Controller Integration. Everything you’ve preconfigured will be functional and working, so you do not actually need the app after the initial deployment of the sensor. You will need it again if you want to edit zones and tweak settings.Built-in Light Sensor:Light sensors are already found in most of Aqara’s motion sensors, but this is the first sensor with an included light sensor (that isn’t already a light sensor) that’s exposed to HomeKit. Like multi-person detection, the light sensor can be used in a multitude of ways, that involve detection in a specific zone, but only trigger an automation if the light levels are above a certain number, for example.

As already stated, the Aqara app is pretty essential, at least for initial setup, so starting with the FP2 there, I’ve set up two tiles – one for the FP2 showing its status, with a separate tile for the light sensor, showing the current Lux value. Tapping on the FP2 tile opens up the main UI for the sensor; Hi, you lose the ability to have separate zones when it’s ceiling mounted. The sensor is IPX5 rated, so it should be good for humidity and the occasional splash of water, although that won’t extend to the power supply, so that would have to be kept away from water, as it should be in any bathroom. Aqara says that FP2 detects even the slightest movement, such as breathing, to ascertain human presence.The IWR6843 is also a 60-64GHz rated radar sensor, similar to the one in the Aqara FP1. However, this is boasted as an extremely capable sensor, up to 10 person detection in a single room so even though it’s similar on paper, it should perform better than the German-made sensor in the FP1. The Aqara FP2 comes in a sleek, circular design, and features a thinner main body compared to its predecessor. FP2 on the Left, FP1 on the Right You can see the small illuminance sensor at the top and pairing button at the bottom of the PCB. Aqara Home App Initialization