THIRDREALITY Motion Sensor R1 – Zigbee Motion Sensor with mmWave

The THIRDREALITY Motion Sensor R1 is the market’s first battery-powered mmWave radar sensor , bringing professional-grade motion detection to your smart home without wires or outlets. Unlike traditional PIR sensors that detect heat, the R1 uses 5.8GHz mmWave radar technology for millimeter-precise motion detection that’s unaffected by sunlight, temperature changes, or even moving fan blades. It runs on 3x AA batteries (included) and offers an impressive battery life of up to 3 years with normal use .

Adjustable detection range without app

A unique feature of the Motion Sensor R1 is its manually adjustable detection range via buttons on the device itself. You can adjust the sensitivity between 1.5 and 9.5 meters, perfect for various spaces—from small bathrooms to larger living rooms and hallways. This is done entirely without an app, simply using the control buttons on top of the sensor. The sensor reports both motion and presence via a single binary entity in your smart home system.

mmWave vs PIR: The Difference

Traditional PIR sensors detect changes in infrared radiation (heat), making them sensitive to sunlight, radiators, and even moving shadows. The mmWave radar technology in the R1 detects actual physical movement by reflecting radio waves, similar to car engine radar. This means more reliable detection, fewer false alarms, and the ability to detect even subtle movements. The sensor can detect through certain materials, although this also means placement is important to prevent unwanted detection through walls.

Advanced configuration options

The R1 offers an adjustable cooldown time (motion clear time)—the time that elapses before the sensor reports the absence of motion. This can be configured in Home Assistant via the developer console by sending a payload to the 3rRadarSpecialCluster with an integer in seconds as the parameter. This feature is particularly useful for automations where you want to prevent lights from turning off too quickly when you stop for a moment.

Technical specifications

• Model : 3RSMR01067Z
• Protocol : Zigbee 3.0
• Detection technology : 5.8GHz mmWave Radar
• Detection range : Adjustable from 1.5 to 9.5 meters (maximum 10 meters)
• Power : 3x AA batteries (included)
• Battery life : Up to 3 years with normal use
• Dimensions : 65 × 65 × 30 mm
• Weight : Approximately 120 grams
• Controls : Sensitivity adjustment and pairing buttons
• LED indicators : Front-facing LEDs for motion indication
• Additional features : OTA firmware updates, adjustable cooldown time
• Chipset : Telink TLSR8258 (dual protocol MCU)

Compatibility with Home Assistant and Homey

Home Assistant : The Motion Sensor R1 has excellent Home Assistant support via both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT. Zigbee2MQTT requires at least version 2.2.0-1 and a Herdsman converter version 23.9.0 or later. With older versions, only the battery cluster is displayed. Once paired, the device functions as an end device and supports OTA firmware updates. The sensor displays the following entities: motion/presence (binary), battery alarm, battery percentage, battery voltage, and signal strength. The cooldown time can be configured via the developer console.

Homey : The R1 works seamlessly with both Homey Bridge and Homey Pro via native Zigbee 3.0 support. Pairing is easy, and all basic automation features are available.

Additional support : You can also integrate the sensor with Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa smart speakers via the Smart Bridge MZ1 (sold separately).

Practical examples of automation

Smart hallway lighting : Place the Motion Sensor R1 in your hallway with a detection range set to 5 meters. When motion is detected between sunset and sunrise, the light switches on at 30% brightness. After 2 minutes of inactivity (adjustable cooldown), the light automatically switches off. This saves energy and provides comfort.

Security monitoring : Combine multiple R1 sensors in different rooms for complete home coverage. When the alarm is activated and the sensor detects motion, you'll receive a push notification on your phone and security cameras will be activated to record. mmWave technology prevents false alarms caused by pets or shadows.

Office energy savings : Detect presence in a meeting room or office. If no movement is detected for 30 minutes, the climate control switches to eco mode and the monitors go into sleep mode. Everything automatically reactivates upon return.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the Motion Sensor R1 and the regular THIRDREALITY Motion Sensor ?

The R1 uses advanced 5.8GHz mmWave radar technology, while the standard Motion Sensor uses a traditional PIR sensor. The R1 offers more accurate detection, is temperature-resistant, and has an adjustable detection range. The standard sensor uses two AAA batteries with a range of up to 9 meters, while the R1 uses three AA batteries with an adjustable range of up to 9.5 meters.

Are the batteries included with the sensor?

Yes, the Motion Sensor R1 comes with 3x AA batteries, so you can get started right away.

How long do the batteries last?

With normal use, the batteries last up to 3 years. Actual lifespan depends on the number of detections and the cooldown time configuration. The battery level is reported to your smart home system.

Can the sensor detect through walls?

Yes, mmWave radar technology can detect through certain materials like drywall. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Advantage: better coverage in areas with obstacles. Disadvantage: potentially unwanted detection through thin walls. Therefore, test the installation thoroughly and adjust the detection range if necessary.

How do I set the detection range?

Using the buttons on top of the sensor, you can manually adjust the detection range between 1.5 and 9.5 meters. You don't need an app for this. LED indicators provide feedback during the adjustment process.

How do I reset the sensor for new pairing?

The sensor has a pairing button that can also be used for resetting. Consult the manual for the exact procedure, but generally, you hold the button for a few seconds until the LED starts flashing.

Is this sensor suitable for outdoor use?

The sensor is designed for indoor use. It may work in sheltered outdoor areas such as covered porches, but direct exposure to rain or extreme temperatures is not recommended.

What is the optimal installation height?

For best results, place the sensor 1.5 to 2 meters high, facing the area you want to monitor. Avoid placing it directly opposite windows where sunlight could shine (although mmWave isn't affected by light, mounting it directly near windows can cause detection through windows).

Can I adjust the cooldown time?

Yes, the cooldown time (motion clear time) is adjustable. You can do this in Home Assistant via the developer console. Other platforms may support this feature in future updates.

How fast is the detection?

The R1 has a fast trigger response with short cooldowns compared to traditional PIR sensors. This makes it ideal for automations where a fast response is important.

Does the sensor receive firmware updates?

Yes, the R1 supports OTA (Over-the-Air) firmware updates via your Zigbee hub. This ensures your sensor always has the latest features and improvements.

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