Looking for a better firmware / codebase for LD2450 + ESP32

ESPHome
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve been experimenting with the HLK-LD2450 mmWave radar sensor connected to an ESP32, and I’m currently using this firmware:
:point_right: https://github.com/53l3cu5/ESP32_LD2450

It basically works, but I’m running into a few issues:

  • The project is no longer maintained.
  • The firmware is too large, so I can’t add my additional sensors (I’m using AHT20 + BMP280 and BH1750) — it quickly runs out of space or becomes unstable.
  • I’d like something more lightweight or modern that still integrates well with Home Assistant or ESPHome.

:bulb: My goal:
Find a more efficient firmware or example code for the LD2450 + ESP32, ideally one that allows adding I²C sensors (AHT20/BMP280/BH1750) and can still handle the radar data reliably.

So I’d really appreciate your advice:

  • Which firmware or ESPHome configuration works best for you with the LD2450?
  • Has anyone successfully combined the radar with environmental sensors?
  • Any known stable forks or projects that are still active?

Thanks a lot for any suggestions or shared examples!

2

There appear to have been quite a number of forks. Welcome to running down that rabbit hole where you may find clues to assist.

Recent developments in ESPHome have resulted in sleeker code as the bloat got so bad earlier in 2025 that even basic code was overflowing capacity on standard devices. Clear your ESPHome cache and recompile - you may be pleasantly surprised.

How much is your time and re-coding effort worth? More than a few dimes a year to have multiple cheap ESP32 devices hanging off your power supply? Have you considered some of the newer devices that come with added capacity you just have to reconfigure at compile time?

ESP-idf or Arduino options on ESPHome?

3

Or you could just read the docs :slight_smile:

This will give you a working config.