---
product_id: 107629102
title: "RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor Microwave Radar Sensor"
brand: "stemedu"
price: "NZ$23"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Stemedu"
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/107629102-rcwl-0516-motion-detection-sensor-microwave-radar-sensor
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# Wide 3-28V power input 7m detection range 2s fast response time RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor Microwave Radar Sensor

**Brand:** stemedu
**Price:** NZ$23
**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 by stemedu
- **How much does it cost?** NZ$23 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/107629102-rcwl-0516-motion-detection-sensor-microwave-radar-sensor)

## Best For

- stemedu enthusiasts

## Why This Product

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

## Key Features

- • **Extended 7m Range:** Covers large spaces effortlessly, outperforming standard PIR sensors.
- • **Robust & Reliable:** Wide voltage tolerance and high induction angle ensure consistent performance in any setup.
- • **Multi-Target Detection:** Tracks humans, animals, even water movement—perfect for smart security & monitoring.
- • **Radar-Grade Sensitivity:** Detects motion through walls, glass & floors for seamless integration.
- • **Universal Compatibility:** Plug & play with Arduino, ESP8266, NodeMCU & Wemos for versatile projects.

## Overview

The Stemedu 5PCS RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor offers a superior 5-7 meter detection range with high sensitivity and a fast 2-second response time. Compatible with popular microcontrollers like Arduino and ESP8266, it detects motion through most materials including walls and glass, making it ideal for advanced security, lighting automation, and animal monitoring. Its wide power supply range (3-28V) and digital output ensure reliable, flexible integration for professional-grade DIY and IoT applications.

## Description

Product description RCWL-0516 Microwave Doppler Radar Sensor Module 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 traditional passive infrared (PIR) sensors, it offers enhanced detection capability through obstacles. The RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor Module is equipped with Doppler radar technology which is specially designed for detecting objects' motion. With high anti-jamming capability that it'll not be affected by wind, heat or other environmental factors. This microwave radar sensor module can be widely used for human body adaptive forward lighting system, security alarm system and so on. Documents https(:)//circuits4you(DOT)com/2018/10/23/rcwl-0516-radar-sensor-interface-arduino/ https(:)//www.electromaker(DO)io/tutorial/blog/using-a-doppler-radar-sensor-with-the-raspberry-pi-12 https(:)//github(DOT)com/jdesbonnet/RCWL-0516 The distance can be adjusted via R-GN C-T.M: Adjust repeat trigger time (default 2 s). Adding a capacitor will give a longer repeat trigger time. R-GN: Detection distance is adjustable (default 7 m). Adding a resistor the detection distance will become shorter. If connected with a 1-MΩ resistor, detection range is about 5 m. R-CDS: By adding a resistor (in parallel with the internal 1-MΩ 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 47–100K resistor works fine with standard 5-mm LDRs you can check this page https(:)//www(dot)electroschematics(dot)com/get-started-microwave-radar-motion-sensor/ How to Get Started with a RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Motion Sensor? CDS = No connection VIN = 5vdc (+) (9v battery also Ok) OUT = 3.3vdc signal out when triggered GND = 0vdc (-) 3V3 = No connection (in most applications) RCWL-0516 and Nodemcu connection The wires beteen the RCWL-0516 and the bread board should be 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) long. Microwave Radar Sensor RCWL-0516 Switch Module Detector 5-7M RCWL-0516 microwave induction module circuit diagram RCWL-0516 and Ar duino UNO connection What you will get? 5 X RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor Module 5 X 4P Bend Pin Header

Review: Worked with Arduino WiFi Rev2 - The sensor is worked from the very first time with Arduino Uno WiFi Rev2. Very simple to use and detects motion well. We got it for school science project and had no trouble with getting it to work. You do need to solder the pins on the board but that is very clear from the description. The only downside is that my package came with 4 pin strips instead of 5 pin as shown in the picture. For the correct operation you only need 3 pins so that is not a problem. I just used my own pins but the included should also work just fine. There are number of examples online on how to use this sensor with Arduino. Over all the sensor is very good and the price is reasonable. I would recommend this over the PIR sensors, as I had better success with this sensor.
Review: There are a few things to know - I'm using this outdoors, hidden within a piece of cedar, inside a small piece of pvc pipe, mounted on a 4x4 mailbox post. Thus, there's ~1/4" of wood plus the pvc in front of the sensor, and 3 1/2" of wood plus the pvc behind it. It senses people or cars at up to ~15 feet in front, and totally ignores any movement behind, which is perfect for my use. When used indoors, the sensor is just too sensitive, and can be tamed if you're skilled with a soldering iron, by attaching a 1MegOhm resistor between points R and GN on the board. When used outdoors, with the added resistor, the sensor essentially does nothing, but works perfectly as described above, without the resistor. I've thus far tested 4 of the 5 received, and they've all worked.

## Features

- 🚩 High Sensitivity & Wide Voltage – Detection range up to 5-7 meters with a large induction angle. Operates on 4-28V DC. Ideal for human motion sensing lighting, security alarms, smart home automation, and other presence detection projects
- 🚩 Through-Wall Detection Capability – Microwave radar signal penetrates glass, drywall, ceilings, and floors. Sensor can be triggered even when partially obscured. Note that more shielding reduces detection distance, but it still works reliably
- 🚩 Multi-Object Detection – Detects not only humans but also pets (cats/dogs), water-filled bottles, and other moving objects with sufficient density and volume. Perfect for pet monitoring or liquid presence sensing
- 🚩 Easy Integration with Dev Boards – Directly compatible with Arduino, ESP8266, NodeMCU, Wemos, and other 3.3V/5V logic boards. Outputs a clean 3.3V trigger signal – no level shifter required
- 🚩 Adjustable Settings for Custom Projects – On‑board C‑TM and R‑GN adjustment points: add a capacitor to extend trigger hold time, or add a resistor to shorten detection distance (default 7m, ~5m with 1MΩ resistor). Ideal for applications requiring custom sensitivity and hold time

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07MTWZDQZ |
| Best Sellers Rank | #301 in Motion Detectors (Electronics) |
| Brand | Stemedu |
| Brand Name | Stemedu |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 stars 184 Reviews |
| Item Weight | 0.63 Ounces |
| Manufacturer | Stemedu |
| Material | Semiconductor, Metal, Plastic |
| Material Type | Semiconductor, Metal, Plastic |
| Maximum Supply Voltage | 28 Volts (DC) |
| Model | ST |
| Mounting Type | Weaver Mount |
| Output Type | Digital Signal |
| Part Number | ST |
| Response Time | 2 seconds |
| Sensing Distance | 7 Meters |
| Specific Uses For Product | motion detection, security systems, automatic lighting, animal monitoring |
| Style | Modern |
| Style Name | Modern |
| UPC | 747356634496 747356633208 747356634816 |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Stemedu
- **Item Weight:** 0.63 Ounces
- **Material:** Semiconductor, Metal, Plastic
- **Maximum Supply Voltage:** 28 Volts (DC)
- **Style:** Modern

## Images

![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor Microwave Radar Sensor - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61gsva15LQL.jpg)
![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor Microwave Radar Sensor - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61yCxxy53hL.jpg)
![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor Microwave Radar Sensor - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61aJtlFI0pL.jpg)
![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor Microwave Radar Sensor - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71lNDZtGWwL.jpg)
![RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor Microwave Radar Sensor - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61q-v3TPOCL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worked with Arduino WiFi Rev2
*by X***N on November 10, 2019*

The sensor is worked from the very first time with Arduino Uno WiFi Rev2. Very simple to use and detects motion well. We got it for school science project and had no trouble with getting it to work. You do need to solder the pins on the board but that is very clear from the description. The only downside is that my package came with 4 pin strips instead of 5 pin as shown in the picture. For the correct operation you only need 3 pins so that is not a problem. I just used my own pins but the included should also work just fine. There are number of examples online on how to use this sensor with Arduino. Over all the sensor is very good and the price is reasonable. I would recommend this over the PIR sensors, as I had better success with this sensor.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ There are a few things to know
*by L***Y on October 5, 2021*

I'm using this outdoors, hidden within a piece of cedar, inside a small piece of pvc pipe, mounted on a 4x4 mailbox post. Thus, there's ~1/4" of wood plus the pvc in front of the sensor, and 3 1/2" of wood plus the pvc behind it. It senses people or cars at up to ~15 feet in front, and totally ignores any movement behind, which is perfect for my use. When used indoors, the sensor is just too sensitive, and can be tamed if you're skilled with a soldering iron, by attaching a 1MegOhm resistor between points R and GN on the board. When used outdoors, with the added resistor, the sensor essentially does nothing, but works perfectly as described above, without the resistor. I've thus far tested 4 of the 5 received, and they've all worked.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very tricky to use.
*by M***R on December 17, 2022*

An official guide to using these would be useful. After much experimenting I found that the likely reason they suggest you put this on the end of a cable 12" to 18" long is two fold. Firstly, you are supposed to leave 1cm of clear space around it. Presumably that's linked to the wavelength of the radar. If you mount it directly on a breadboard it has detection range less than 3cm. Secondly, if it's too close to other electronics, they can set it off. I had an ESP8266 WiFi module close it it, which set it of when the ESP came out of sleep mode. I tried placing it in bedroom and got false positives because it was sitting close to a WiFi router. If you know all of this then it's a very useful device and detects things very well. I ended up having to wake up the WiFi and ignore all the false positives coming from this device until the WiFi was back in sleep mode.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Stemedu 5PCS RCWL-0516 Motion Detection Sensor, Microwave Radar Sensor Switch Module for Arduino ESP8266 Nodemcu Wemos for Animals Detector, Detection Distance 5-7m, Better Than HC-SR501
- CQRobot 10.525GHz Doppler Effect Microwave Motion Sensor Compatible with Raspberry Pi and Arduino Motherboard. for Industrial, Measurement, Automatic Doors, Smart Lights, Reversing Radar, etc.
- HiLetgo 3pcs HC-SR501 PIR Infrared Sensor Human Body Infrared Motion Module for Arduino Raspberry Pi

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-05-31*