Everything Presence One (EP1)

Everything Presence One (EP1)

Not sure if EP1 is right for you? Check out EP1 vs EPL: Which Sensor is Right for You? for a detailed comparison.

Quick Start (Home Assistant)

Follow the step-by-step guide to integrate your device with Home Assistant. Set up your EP1 device in Home Assistant

FAQs

What's the difference between PIR, mmWave, and Occupancy?

The EP1 has three presence-related sensors that work together:

Sensor

Technology

Best For

PIR

Infrared heat detection

Fast initial motion detection

mmWave

Radar

Detecting stationary people (sitting, sleeping)

Occupancy

Combines PIR + mmWave

General room occupancy - use this for most automations

Recommendation: Use the Occupancy sensor for automations. It combines both technologies for the best balance of speed and accuracy.

Will the EP1 detect moving animals or objects?

Yes, the EP1 detects any moving object, including pets, fans, or even shifting blinds. See How to Tune Your EP1 Sensor for tips on reducing unwanted triggers.

My sensor is giving false detections!

In most cases, the sensor is accurately detecting movement—just much smaller movements than expected. Common causes include:

  • Ceiling fans or HVAC vents

  • Reflective surfaces (mirrors, glass)

  • Detecting through thin walls

  • Poor quality power supply

Check out the How to Tune Your EP1 Sensor page and Troubleshooting for solutions.

Why does my sensor detect through walls?

mmWave radar can penetrate thin walls, plasterboard, and some doors. This is a property of the technology, not a fault.

Solutions:

  • Reduce Max Distance so detection stops before reaching the wall

  • Reposition the sensor to aim away from thin walls

  • Use Trigger Distance as a secondary threshold

What's the recommended off latency?

It depends on the room:

Room Type

Recommended Off Latency

Hallway

30-60 seconds

Bathroom

60-120 seconds

Living room

120-300 seconds

Office/desk

300-600 seconds

Bedroom

300+ seconds

Longer off latency prevents lights turning off while you're still present but sitting quietly.

Can I use multiple EP1s in one room?

Yes, but with considerations:

  • Multiple EP1s work well together and can cover different areas

  • You can combine their occupancy states in Home Assistant

  • For very large rooms, multiple sensors provide better coverage than one

Can the sensor detect the direction of motion or zones?

No, the EP1 provides a detected or not detected status and does not track motion direction or specific zones. For zone-based detection, consider the Everything Presence Lite (EPL).

However, you can use the Zone Configurator with your EP1 to visualize environmental data (temperature, humidity, light), view presence status, and monitor your room with features like the comfort index and daily statistics.

What power supply should I use?

Use a quality USB power supply rated for at least 1A. Poor or noisy power supplies can cause:

  • WiFi connectivity issues

  • Erratic mmWave readings

  • False positives or negatives

Avoid cheap, no-brand adapters. Reputable brands like Anker or the official Raspberry Pi power supplies work well.

Can I 3D print my own case?

Yes! You can download the official 3D-printable case files here.

How do I check which mmWave sensor I have?

The EP1 has shipped with two different mmWave sensors:

  • SEN0609 (current): More features, 25m range

  • SEN0395 (legacy): Simpler, 8m range

Check your entities in Home Assistant - SEN0609 users will see "Trigger Sensitivity" and "Sustain Sensitivity" controls. See the Hardware Overview for full details.


Related Resources


About Additional Components in Devices Purchased Before November 28, 2024

If you purchased your device before November 28, 2024, it may include additional components that require assembly. The specific components you received depend on the version of the device you purchased.

For example, if you purchased the board-only version, you will need to supply your own mmWave sensor and PIR sensor.

To check which components are included with your device, refer to the product details provided at the time of purchase.