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u/vita_tec

r/homeautomation r/diyaudio r/esp32
▲ 37 r/diyaudio+1 crossposts

No Hub, No Buttons: Autonomous ESP32-S3 Radio using mmWave Radar & NFC Tap

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share the current state of my autonomous local Web Radio prototype (v0.9.5.5) built around the ESP32-S3.

The biggest advantage: This is a completely STANDALONE device. You do NOT need Home Assistant, ioBroker, or any other smart home hub to run it. Just plug it into USB power, and it manages everything locally, minimizing physical interaction.

How it works:

  1. Presence & Gesture Detection: Using a 24GHz mmWave radar module, it instantly wakes up when you approach. In its advanced operation mode, it reacts precisely to hand gestures.

  2. No Buttons: I integrated an NFC tag into the top plate. Tapping your phone automatically launches the custom Web UI.

  3. Software Features: The Web UI features a live animated sonar canvas (direct sensor feedback calculated offline on the chip), an equalizer, global radio browser search, and manual stream management.

  4. Voice Control: Fully offline voice control using WakeNet and MultiNet directly on the chip (Beta).

I just uploaded a full 24-minute walkthrough showing the live radar tests, the Web UI responsiveness, and a look at the bare PCB.

Watch the full deep dive here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyLDA5Far0o

(Note: The audio explanation is in German, but I made sure YouTube's auto-translated English subtitles are fully working so you can follow every technical detail!)

Would love to hear your thoughts on a standalone smart device like this versus hub-controlled hardware!

u/vita_tec — 1 day ago
▲ 2 r/homeautomation

No Hub, No Buttons: Autonomous ESP32-S3 Radio using mmWave Radar & NFC Tap

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share the current state of my autonomous local Web Radio prototype (v0.9.5.5) built around the ESP32-S3. 

The biggest advantage: This is a completely STANDALONE device. You do NOT need Home Assistant, ioBroker, or any other smart home hub to run it. Just plug it in, and it works 100% locally on its own. It also features zero physical buttons.

How it works:
1. Presence Detection: It uses an LD2410 mmWave radar sensor. In far-mode, it instantly fades in the web stream when you enter the room. In near-mode, it reacts precisely to hand gestures.
2. No Buttons: I integrated an NFC tag into the top plate. Tapping your phone automatically launches the custom Web UI.
3. Software Features: The Web UI features a live animated sonar canvas (direct sensor feedback calculated offline on the chip), an equalizer, global radio browser search, and manual stream management.
4. Voice Control: Fully offline voice control using WakeNet and MultiNet directly on the chip (Beta).

I just uploaded a full 24-minute walkthrough showing the live radar tests, the Web UI responsiveness, and a look at the bare PCB. 

Watch the full deep dive here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyLDA5Far0o

(Note: The audio explanation is in German, but I made sure YouTube's auto-translated English subtitles are fully working so you can follow every technical detail!)

Would love to hear your thoughts on a standalone smart device like this versus hub-controlled hardware!
youtube.com
u/vita_tec — 1 day ago