Yes—the Aliens-style replica built by Rob Smith uses a real 60 GHz radar sensor to detect motion, rather than simply playing a preset animation. A Raspberry Pi 4 processes the radar data and turns it into the tracker’s screen graphics and audio effects. It can show that motion has been detected; it does not identify what caused it.
How does the replica detect motion?
At its core is DreamHAT+ Radar, a radar HAT based on Infineon’s BGT60TR13C. DreamRF describes the module as a 60 GHz FMCW radar with direct access to the radar chip and example software for real-time radar visualizations. Smith pairs it with a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, which processes the sensor data and drives the display. Hackster’s build overview and DreamRF’s DreamHAT+ documentation describe the hardware and project.
The radar provides motion data; the software and display make that data legible in a form inspired by the movie prop. Smith told Raspberry Pi Magazine, “I wanted more control and DreamHAT+ radar gives the raw data from the sensor.” He also said the processing demand was greater than expected, which made the Raspberry Pi a sensible choice. Raspberry Pi Magazine’s M314 feature includes his comments.
What does it show—and what can’t it tell you?
The system detects motion and renders it on the tracker display. The available descriptions do not establish that it can identify a person, distinguish one kind of target from another, or reliably detect motion through every wall. A radar return should not be mistaken for an identification: the build gives the operator a visual indication of motion, not a confirmed account of what is moving.
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- WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS : The wireless weather resistant driveway alarm motion sensor can be used to monitor&protect your outdoor/indoor property. Such as driveway, front porch, gate,pool,garage,shed and etc. Great for home, business,and office.The sensor will work properly at all the seasons. Working temperature range from -30 to 150 degree Fahrenheit.
- 1/2 MILE LONG WIRELESS TRANSMISSION RANGE : Both the motion sensor and plug-in receiver pick up alarm signals up to 1/2 mile away(actual range will vary depending on the local terrain), it is a great solution even you have a large perimeter or property to monitor. The system adopts improved wireless transmission technology(FSK+FHSS) to avoid the wireless signal interference from other devices.
- 50-FT WIDE MOTION DETECTION RANGE : The motion sensor will detect moving people or vehicles from 35 feet to 50 feet in front of it. Improved motion detection chip and detection angle to reduce the false alarms from dead leaves/small animals/sunlight/wind/temperature changes and etc. It has 2 adjustable sensitivities( Low=35ft; High=50ft), ideal for driveways, walking paths,yard,garage,gate,pool and anywhere of your outdoor/indoor property you want to be alerted.
- PLUG&PLAY,SUPER EASY TO INSTALL : Power on the motion sensor by 3pcs AA 1.5V Alkaline batteries(the package does not include the batteries) and plug the receiver into the outlet,here we go. The unit has been programmed before shipped, place the sensors to walls, fence posts, trees, or any other surface,the installation time can be as little as a few minutes.
- FULLY EXPANDBLE SYSTEM - The unit includes one plug-in receiver and two motion sensors. Expandable up to 32 sensors and unlimited receivers for complete coverage of your outdoor/indoor property. 4 volume levels adjustment and 35 optional melodies. Match different melody with different sensors around your property to differentiate where motion is being detected.
How far can it track motion?
There are two different range figures, and they refer to different things. Smith’s project repository says the finished tracker tracks motion “up to about 11ish meters”; the statement does not detail measurement conditions. Raspberry Pi Magazine reports the DreamHAT+ module’s range as “up to 15 metres.” That is a component-level stated maximum, not a promise that the assembled tracker will achieve that distance in every setting. Smith’s project repository and the magazine feature are the sources for those separate claims.
The magazine article recounts Smith taking the tracker to a laser tag arena, but that anecdote is not a controlled performance test. The available sources do not provide an independent, standardized range test.
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- 【58 RINGTONES & 5 VOLUME LEVELS】 Security Alarms Detection Chime has 58 ringtones and 5 adjustable volume levels for personal preferences. When the alert system receiver receives the signal from the motion sensor detector, the LED indicator light will flash
- 【EXPANDABLE WIRELESS HOME SECURITY】 Flexible design according to your actual needs. You can choose the quantity of transmitter and receiver you like, which can be freely matched with each other. Each receiver of this motion sensor detects an alarm and can work with 20 motion sensors at most
- 【SUPER LONG RECEIVING RANGE】 The operating range between the receiver and transmitter is up to 500 ft, and the infrared sensor has a range of about 13-16.5 ft, so when a thief tries to come, it will detect him and activate a 110 dB alarm
- 【EASY TO INSTALL】 The sensor is mounted and works with two AAA batteries (included) and the receiver plugs into a standard outlet. Our doorbell motion detector security sensor can detect motion up to 110 degrees
- 【After-sales service】 30 days return policy/ 24 Hours reply/1-year refund/replacement through seller for any product defects and customer dissatisfaction. If you have any questions, please email us with your order number and questions
What hardware does the DIY build use?
The essential named components are a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, a 2.4-inch Waveshare LCD using the ILI9341 controller, and the DreamHAT+ Radar. The rest of the build turns that sensor-and-computer core into a handheld prop:
- A 32 GB microSD card and Raspberry Pi setup.
- An MPU-6050 IMU module for orientation sensing, plus an analog-to-digital converter.
- A speaker and USB audio device for the ping effect.
- Wiring, switches, LEDs, battery and charging hardware, and fasteners.
- A 3D-printed shell based on a design credited by Hackster to DrMoribus on Thingiverse.
The parts list and Raspberry Pi configuration pages provide the builder’s setup guidance and more complete parts details. Check those pages for current requirements and wiring before assembling the project: Rob Smith’s project repository.
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- 【32 UNIQUE CHIMES & 5 VOLUME LEVELS】 Motion sensor doorbell features 32 unique ringtones including alarm sounds, door bell ring, and long ringtones; 5 adjustable volumes (0-110dB) with silent mode meet your needs for different occasions. The LED light indicator flashes to perform a visual alert, excellent security alert for the hearing impaired.
- 【Wide Range Wireless Door Chime】The indoor motion sensor Doorbell s movement within 16- 26ft range x 110°, with a Working Range up to 500ft between the receiver and motion sensor, allowing you to place it a good distance from the receiver. just place the sensor at the offices, stores door, front or back doors of factories, mailboxes, garages door and driveways, business entry, and the receiver can be inside your home.
- 【INDOOR MOTION SENSOR ALARM】Motion sensor detector can be mounted to the wall/by doorways, When the sensor zones overlap, it transmits signals to the receiver within a range of 500 feet and emits a maximum 110DB alarm sound. The motion sensor alarm makes it easy to monitor demented elderly individuals getting up or leaving the room. It can also alert business owners working in the back or out of sight to customers entering the retail store.
- 【EXPANDABLE & EASY INSTALLATION】Build your own home security alert system by pairing more receivers or motion sensors. Expandable up to 20 sensors and unlimited receivers for complete coverage of your property. Simply plug in the receiver and mount the detector anywhere you want with screws, easy to use.
- 【WHY US】Includes 1 plug-in receiver unit and 1 motion sensors requiring 2x AAA batteries (Included). All the products we manufactured are under strict test, based on safety and practicability as the core. Replacement for any product defect and customer dissatisfaction via seller. If you have any questions, email us with your order number and questions.
Is it a ready-made gadget?
No. This is a maker project that requires the radar HAT, computer, screen, supporting electronics, assembly, and software setup. Buying the DreamHAT+ alone does not produce a working Aliens-style tracker. The build’s appeal is that it combines genuine radar data with a movie-inspired interface and sound, but it is not a plug-and-play consumer detector.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you reuse or sell the build?
Smith’s repository describes the project as non-commercial copyleft with attribution; third-party components may have their own licenses. The original shell is credited to DrMoribus on Thingiverse, but its current listing and reuse terms are not established by the cited project coverage. Review the repository and individual component or design licenses before redistributing or selling a build.
Quick Recap
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- Wireless Motion Sensor Alarm: A Motion detector is essential in a home security system; It can detect movement in the surrounding areas: driveway, front porch, gate, home, shed, office, walkway, swimming pool, etc, and trigger alerts to the linked receiver; It provides an added level of security and safety to your property and loved ones
- Long Distance Wireless: Communication ranges up to 1000ft/300m from each sensor to the receiver; Cars, people, and animals can be detected within 24ft/8m of each sensor’s angled eye; Think of this system as your long-range doorbell
- Two Work Modes & Three Alert Options to Choose: The receiver can work not only as a doorbell but an alarm; Select one of three ways of being alerted (Sound/LED Flash/Sound and LED Flash) to alert visitors, scare off unwanted intruders, or even know when your children have accessed restricted areas
- Easy to Install & DIY: This system is fully expandable, with plug-and-play sensors that can be set up within minutes; Pair each receiver with up to 5 sensors for full coverage of your property; The sensors can be mounted to walls, fence posts, trees, or any other surface, providing extra layers of security and home safety
- Fully Expandable System: Our wireless driveway alarm sensor is fully expandable; Simply place your motion sensor or multiple sensors (expandable up to five sensors) anywhere on your property and when a person, vehicle, or large animal moves within 24 feet of the sensor’s angled eye, a signal will be sent to the receiver that will chime in your home just like a long-range doorbell
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- 【20S CUSTOM VOICE RECORDING】 Unlike standard entry alerts that only offer pre-set sounds, our motion sensor doorbell features a unique customizable recording function. Simply long-press the record button to capture up to 20 seconds of your own voice, promotional messages, or specific greetings. New recordings automatically overwrite previous ones, making it ideal for dynamic retail store promotions
- 【VERSATILE INDOOR SCENARIOS】 Designed exclusively for indoor environments, this motion detector alarm is an ideal door chime for business when entering, retail stores, and offices. Beyond commercial use, it serves effectively as a caregiver pager for monitoring elderly family members at home. Please note: This device has no waterproof capabilities and must not be used outdoors
- 【120DB LOUD AUDIO & ADJUSTABLE CHIMES】 Ensure you never miss a visitor with our powerful speaker that reaches a maximum volume of 120dB. The device offers 3 adjustable volume levels to suit different noise environments. Additionally, it comes pre-loaded with 6 international language welcome greetings and 6 distinct alert chimes, easily switched with a short press
- 【PRECISE DETECTION & NO BLIND SPOTS】 The infrared sensor effectively detects moving objects close to human body temperature within a 2 to 8 meters range, providing a wide 110-degree horizontal and 60-degree vertical coverage. To help you target the exact monitoring zone and avoid blind spots, the base features a full 360-degree horizontal rotation alongside a 180-degree vertical body flip. Secure it on walls under 3 meters high using the included double-sided tape or screws
- 【DUAL POWER & SAFETY WARNING】 Powered by a DC 5V Type-C cable or 3 AAA batteries. Important Alert: Never plug in the Type-C cable while dry batteries are installed to prevent device damage
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