---
product_id: 259332911
title: "RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor, Switch Module, for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos, for Raspberry PI, for Human Rat Cat Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m"
brand: "diymall"
price: "VT5123"
currency: VUV
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 6
category: "Di Ymall"
url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/259332911-rcwl-0516-motion-detection-sensor-microwave-radar-sensor-switch-module
store_origin: VU
region: Vanuatu
---

# 4-28V wide voltage input 5-7m detection range Adjustable detection & repeat time RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor, Switch Module, for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos, for Raspberry PI, for Human Rat Cat Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m

**Brand:** diymall
**Price:** VT5123
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🚀 Elevate your smart projects with radar precision—don’t get left in the dark!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor, Switch Module, for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos, for Raspberry PI, for Human Rat Cat Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m by diymall
- **How much does it cost?** VT5123 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/259332911-rcwl-0516-motion-detection-sensor-microwave-radar-sensor-switch-module)

## Best For

- diymall enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted diymall brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Multi-Target Detection:** Reliable sensing of humans, pets, and even rodents—because every movement counts.
- • **Plug & Play Versatility:** Seamlessly integrates with Arduino, ESP8266, NodeMCU, and Raspberry Pi for instant smart upgrades.
- • **Radar-Powered Precision:** Microwave radar tech detects motion up to 7 meters—no more blind spots.
- • **Customizable Sensitivity:** Tweak detection distance and repeat trigger time to fit your unique environment perfectly.
- • **Broad Voltage Compatibility:** Operates smoothly from 4V to 28V, giving you flexible power options without hassle.

## Overview

The RCWL-0516 is a high-sensitivity microwave radar motion sensor module designed for DIY and professional projects. It offers a detection range of 5-7 meters, supports a wide voltage input (4-28V), and features adjustable detection distance and repeat trigger time. Compatible with popular platforms like Arduino, ESP8266, NodeMCU, and Raspberry Pi, it reliably detects humans, pets, and small animals, making it ideal for advanced lighting, security, and automation applications.

## Description

Description: Wide operating voltage range: 4-28V Can output 3.3V power supply Blocking time, adjustable distance Using special signal processing control chip RCWL-9196 Compared with the traditional infrared induction PIR, the penetration detection ability About pin header: CDS = No connection VIN = 5vdc (+) (9v battery also Ok) OUT = 3.3vdc signal out when triggered GND = 0vdc (-) 3V3 = No connection (in most applications) C-TM: Adjust repeat trigger time (default 2 s). Adding a capacitor will give a longer repeat trigger time R-GN: Detection distance adjustment (default 7 m). Adding a resistor the detection distance will become shorter. If connected with a 1-M resistor, detection range is about 5m R-CDS: By adding a resistor (in parallel with the internal 1-M resistor), user can change the light detection threshold as per individual requirement. This is applicable only when a light sensor is soldered in its pads (CDS) on the front of the circuit board. A 47100K resistor works fine with standard 5-mm LDRs Package Included: 5 X RCWL-0516 Module Microwave Radar Sensor 5 X 4P Bend Pin Headers FAQ: Q: Can you use the RCWL-0516 with an ESP8266 Or will you get random false positive results A: It works with ESP8266 well. Q: Is the water in the human body responsible for the detection A: Probably. I tested it with one empty and one water filled bottle. And even with a cat. And it seems that the bigger the object the further away it can be detected. Q: Can it be mounted mobile to detect persons A: No. The sensor seems to be quite sensible to movement itself. Any movement of the sensor itself seems to trigger the output

Review: How can adjustment time delay - Good sensor but it have not adjustment for time delay and distance
Review: I put together a little media jukebox for the trick-or-treaters (as if we will have any of THOSE this year, but you never know), and I'm using this instead of a PIR. It's got a good range (21 feet about, as advertised), is sensitive and quick. A little hard to test in development because it sees all close-hand vibration as motion. The circuit itself is very clever, radar on a PCB trace! It takes 5v in and outputs a 3v3 signal as well as 3v3 reference voltage (thought I don't know how much current it can source). Extremely simple and easy to use.

## Features

- Feature: The module has the characteristics of high sensitivity, high induction distance, high reliability, large induction angle, wide power supply voltage range, etc. it is widely used in various kinds of human body induction lighting and alarm and so on
- Works with Nodemcu Document link: https://github.com/jxmot/ESP8266-RCWL0516#rcwl0516-details
- Works with Arduino Document link : https://www.hackster.io/remnis/coolest-motion-detection-sensor-ever-d2d688
- It can work with (for) arduino/nodemcu/wemos etc.; It can detect human, cat, rat, water
- What you will get: 5pcs RCWL-0516 Module, 5pcs 4P bend pin header

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07GCHY9K6 |
| ASIN  | B07GCHY9K6 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Color | Microwave Radar Sensor |
| Customer Reviews | 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (45) |
| Customer reviews | 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (45) |
| Date First Available | 19 September 2018 |
| Date First Available  | 19 September 2018 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer  | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Item Weight | 18 g |
| Item model number | FZ2728X5- |
| Item model number  | FZ2728X5- |
| Manufacturer | DIYmall |
| Manufacturer  | DIYmall |
| Package Dimensions | 12.19 x 7.87 x 0.15 cm; 18 g |
| Package Dimensions  | 12.19 x 7.87 x 0.15 cm; 18 g |
| Part number | FZ2728X5- |
| Plug Profile | Wall Mount |
| Power source type | Battery Powered |
| Size | RCWL-0516 |
| tech_spec_battery_description_toys | 9V |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** DIYmall
- **Colour:** Microwave Radar Sensor
- **Item weight:** 0.02 Kilograms
- **Maximum range:** 7 Meters
- **Power source:** Battery Powered

## Images

![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor, Switch Module, for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos, for Raspberry PI, for Human Rat Cat Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41UlbagJE9L.jpg)
![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor, Switch Module, for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos, for Raspberry PI, for Human Rat Cat Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/512VgAm5aNL.jpg)
![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor, Switch Module, for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos, for Raspberry PI, for Human Rat Cat Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WISK8o6fL.jpg)
![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor, Switch Module, for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos, for Raspberry PI, for Human Rat Cat Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sV6MZz1JL.jpg)
![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor, Switch Module, for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos, for Raspberry PI, for Human Rat Cat Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61CQGu9yndL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Can the detected distance be configured?**
A: yes.You can adjust the detection distance by connecting resistors to short it. Normally the sensor detects around 7meters without any resistors. If you connect the resistor 1M, the distance detected is around 5meters. You can try and adjust the distance with different value resistors.

**Q: What are the differences between this and Google's Soli chip?**
A: Google Soli chip is used for short distance to detect finger motions for scrolling etc. 
While this motion sensor is used to detect presence of Object in a room etc.

**Q: Does anyone know the current draw of this component?**
A: 2.5 - 6 mA. Depending on connections and supply voltage. I recommend no less than 5v for stability. There is a built in 3.3v regulator that can supply 100mA. If you use the 3.3v pin, the current draw will go up.

**Q: will deer trigger these sensors?**
A: Yes, along with leaves, rain, bushes, etc. They are very sensitive.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ How can adjustment time delay
*by S***A on 20 October 2020*

Good sensor but it have not adjustment for time delay and distance

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by E***E on 22 October 2020*

I put together a little media jukebox for the trick-or-treaters (as if we will have any of THOSE this year, but you never know), and I'm using this instead of a PIR. It's got a good range (21 feet about, as advertised), is sensitive and quick. A little hard to test in development because it sees all close-hand vibration as motion. The circuit itself is very clever, radar on a PCB trace! It takes 5v in and outputs a 3v3 signal as well as 3v3 reference voltage (thought I don't know how much current it can source). Extremely simple and easy to use.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by H***H on 3 March 2022*

This device is suppose to work at 7 meters (21 ft), but could only get it to work at about 6 cm (2 inches). I've tried everything. There is not much written elsewhere about the device except for a writeup on github and couple of YouTube videos. The YouTube videos didn't go into much detail on distance. It's a shame since a doppler part would be great for my application. These devices may be defective but I'll look elsewhere for a motion detector. Update: I changed the ratings from 2 to 4 stars. Found that adding 1.5 ft of cable and moving it far from the circuitry, the motion distance increased to greater than 17'. Moved the sensor back near the circuitry keeping the cable and the distance shortened to 6cm again. This is probably due to picking up harmonics and other electrical noise but can't be certain. If you can put the sensor far from your circuitry this is a pretty good sensor, otherwise try something else.

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*Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu*
*Store origin: VU*
*Last updated: 2026-01-26*