How to Connect and Use the HCSR501 PIR Sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico W

Learn how to connect and use the HC‑SR501 PIR motion sensor with a Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W. Passive infrared sensors detect human movement by sensing changes in body heat and output a digital signal, so you can trigger lights, alarms, timers or automation routines without complex processing【334627324580922†L159-L165】. What you'll learn in this tutorial: How PIR sensors work and why they use two sensors to detect changes in infrared radiation. Wiring the HC‑SR501 PIR sensor to the Pico / Pico W using 3.3 V, GND and a GPIO input. Adjusting the sensitivity and delay time using the onboard potentiometers to tune detection range and how long the output stays active【334627324580922†L190-L220】. Writing MicroPython code to read the digital output and trigger an LED or buzzer when motion is detected. Tips for calibrating the sensor and reducing false triggers in busy environments. Parts List (all available from ShillehTek): [HC‑SR501 PIR Motion Sensor](https://shillehtek.com/products/shill... detects motion by sensing infrared heat and provides a digital trigger with adjustable sensitivity and delay【334627324580922†L159-L165】. [Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W](https://shillehtek.com/collections/ra...) and Micro‑USB cable. Breadboard and jumper wires for quick prototyping. LED and 330 Ω resistor (optional) for visual motion indicator or use a buzzer. For wiring diagrams, MicroPython example code and a deeper explanation of PIR sensors, visit our full blog tutorial. Need help building motion‑activated projects? Hire our engineers at the ShillehTek [IoT & Robotics Consulting](https://shillehtek.com/pages/iot-cons...) page. Subscribe to follow along with more Raspberry Pi Pico tutorials!