Dev.to
6/25/2026

How To Build Diy Smart Home Motion Sensor
Short summary
Build a $30 DIY motion sensor using an ESP32 and HC-SR501 PIR sensor, avoiding vendor lock-in from commercial options like Aqara or Hue. The tutorial provides a complete parts list, ESPHome YAML configuration for Home Assistant, and optional Arduino code for MQTT. Includes wiring diagrams, firmware flashing steps, and testing procedures.
- •Complete parts list under $30 with sourcing from Amazon and AliExpress
- •Two implementation paths: ESPHome (no-code YAML) or Arduino C++ (custom firmware)
- •Step-by-step wiring, flashing, and testing instructions for Home Assistant integration
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