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Made for ESPHome
Device Type:sensor
Electrical Standard:global
Board:esp32
Difficulty:Comes with ESPhome (1/5)
Project URL:https://github.com/francescopace/espectre

ESPectre - WiFi CSI Motion Detection

Description​

ESPectre is a motion detection system based on WiFi spectrum analysis with native Home Assistant integration via ESPHome.

Unlike traditional PIR sensors, ESPectre detects movement by analyzing changes in WiFi signals. No cameras, no microphones, no wearables required.

Features​

  • WiFi-based detection: Uses CSI (Channel State Information) from existing WiFi signals
  • Privacy-preserving: No cameras, no audio, no identifying data
  • Through-wall detection: WiFi signals penetrate walls and obstacles
  • Auto-calibration: Automatically selects optimal subcarriers
  • Adjustable sensitivity: Threshold control from Home Assistant
  • Multiple platforms: ESP32-C6, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5, ESP32-S2, ESP32

Entities Created​

  • binary_sensor.espectre_motion_detected - Motion state (on/off)
  • sensor.espectre_movement_score - Movement intensity value
  • number.espectre_threshold - Detection threshold (adjustable)

Supported Hardware​

PlatformStatusWiFi
ESP32-C6✅ TestedWiFi 6
ESP32-S3✅ TestedWiFi 4
ESP32-C3✅ TestedWiFi 4
ESP32-C5⚠️ ExperimentalWiFi 6
ESP32-S2⚠️ ExperimentalWiFi 4
ESP32⚠️ ExperimentalWiFi 4

Setup​

  1. Flash the device using ESPHome Dashboard or CLI
  2. Configure WiFi via:
    • BLE: ESPHome app or Home Assistant Companion
    • USB: web.esphome.io
    • Captive Portal: Connect to "ESPectre Fallback" AP
  3. Device auto-discovers in Home Assistant

Configuration​

Download the example configuration for your platform from GitHub.

external_components:
  - source:
      type: git
      url: https://github.com/francescopace/espectre
      ref: main
    components: [ espectre ]

espectre:
  id: espectre_csi
  # Optional parameters:
  # segmentation_threshold: 1.0    # Motion sensitivity (0.5-10.0)
  # traffic_generator_rate: 100    # CSI packets/sec (0-1000)

ESPectre HA

Important Notes​

  • Calibration: Keep room still for 10 seconds after boot
  • Traffic Generator: Required for CSI packet generation (enabled by default)
  • Optimal Distance: 3-8 meters from WiFi router

Support​

ESPectre lab