Flame sensors are essential components in fire detection systems, making them useful for various DIY projects and safety applications. In this guide, we’ll show you how to test a 4-pin flame sensor module using an Arduino Uno with a simple code to monitor its output in the Serial Monitor.
Flame sensor with Arduino UNO
Understanding the 4-Pin Flame Sensor
The 4-pin flame sensor detects infrared light in the 760nm to 1100nm range, making it ideal for detecting fire or high-heat sources. It features:
Flame sensor specifications
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Components Required
To follow along with the tutorial, you'll need:
Components required for this tutorial
✅ Arduino UNO board
✅ 4-Pin Flame Sensor Module
✅ Jumper Wires
✅ USB cable for Arduino
Step 2: Setting Up the Circuit
Proper wiring is crucial for accurate readings. Follow these connections:
Connection flame sensor
The connection between the flame sensor and Arduino
Wiring diagram
✅VCC → 5V (Arduino)
✅GND → GND (Arduino)
✅A0 → A0 (Arduino) (for analog readings)
✅D0 → D2 (Arduino) (for digital output)
Once connected, plug in the USB cable to the Arduino. The PWR LED on the Arduino and flame sensor should light up, indicating power.
Step 3: Programming the Arduino
Using the Arduino IDE, you can write a simple program to control the servo motor or you can download the code HERE.
int flameAnalog = A0;
int flameDigital = 2;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(flameDigital, INPUT);
}
void loop() {
int analogValue = analogRead(flameAnalog);
int digitalValue = digitalRead(flameDigital);
Serial.print("Analog Value: ");
Serial.print(analogValue);
Serial.print(" | Digital Value: ");
Serial.println(digitalValue);
delay(500);
}
Open Arduino IDE and copy-paste the code
Step 4: Expected Output
After uploading the code to your Arduino, open the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE. Bring a flame source, such as a lighter or matchstick, near the sensor.
When no flame is detected, the sensor will produce high analog values and a digital output of 1.
When a flame is near, the analog value decreases, and the digital output changes to 0.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the sensor doesn’t detect flames, adjust the potentiometer to fine-tune sensitivity.
Ensure correct wiring and that the module is powered.
Try using different flame sources like a candle or matchstick.
Conclusion
Testing a 4-pin flame sensor with Arduino is simple and useful for fire detection projects. By following this guide, you can integrate the sensor into alarms, security systems, or automated responses. Try it out and let us know your results! 🔥🚀
In our latest tutorial, we delve into the world of servo motors, focusing on the SG90 and MG90 models, and demonstrate how to control them using an Arduino board. This guide is perfect for beginners and electronics enthusiasts eager to enhance their projects with precise motor control.
SG90 and MG90 servo motors with Arduino
Understanding Servo Motors
Servo motors are essential components in robotics and automation, offering precise control over angular or linear positions. The SG90 and MG90S are popular micro servo motors, each with unique characteristics.
Specification of servo motors SG90 and MG90S
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Components Required
To follow along with the tutorial, you'll need:
Components required for this tutorial
✅ Arduino UNO board
✅ SG90 or MG90 servo motor
✅ Jumper Wires
✅ USB cable for Arduino
Step 2: Setting Up the Circuit
Connecting the servo motor to the Arduino is straightforward:
Connection servo motor
Connection between servo motor and Arduino
✅Brown Wire: Connects to GND on the Arduino
✅Red Wire: Connects to the 5V pin
✅Orange/Yellow Wire: Connects to a PWM-capable digital pin 9
Step 3: Programming the Arduino
Using the Arduino IDE, you can write a simple program to control the servo motor or you can download the code HERE.
#include <Servo.h>
Servo myServo;
void setup() {
myServo.attach(9); // Attach servo to pin 9
}
void loop() {
myServo.write(0); // Move servo to 0 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait 1 second
myServo.write(90); // Move servo to 90 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait 1 second
myServo.write(180); // Move servo to 180 degrees
delay(1000); // Wait 1 second
}
Open Arduino IDE and copy-paste the code
Step 4: Expected Output
After uploading the code to your Arduino, observe the servo motor as it moves through the specified angles. If the servo doesn't respond as expected, double-check your wiring and ensure the motor receives adequate power.
Servo motor SG90 at 0°
Servo motor SG90 at 180°
Servo motor MG90S at 0°
Servo motor MG90S at 180°
Conclusion
By following this tutorial, you've learned how to control SG90 and MG90 servo motors using simple Arduino code. This foundational skill opens up possibilities for more complex projects involving precise motor control. For a visual walkthrough and additional insights, watch our full tutorial below:
Integrating the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor with an Arduino UNO allows for precise distance measurements, making it invaluable for projects like obstacle-avoiding robots and distance monitoring systems. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of setting up and programming the HC-SR04 sensor with your Arduino.
HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor with an Arduino UNO
Understanding the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
The HC-SR04 sensor determines distance by emitting ultrasonic waves at 40 kHz through its transmitter. When these waves encounter an object, they reflect back to the sensor's receiver. By calculating the time taken for the echo to return, the sensor can determine the distance to the object using the formula.
Dimension and specification of HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Components Required
To test the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor with an Arduino, you’ll need:
Components required for this project
✅ Arduino UNO board
✅ HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor
✅ Jumper Wires
✅ Breadboard
✅ USB cable for Arduino
Step 2: Wiring the HC-SR04 to the Arduino UNO
Here’s how to connect the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor to your Arduino:
Connection between HC-SR04 to the Arduino UNO
✅VCC to 5V: Connect the VCC pin of the HC-SR04 to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
✅GND to GND: Connect the GND pin of the sensor to the GND pin on the Arduino.
✅Trig to Digital Pin 9: Connect the Trig pin to Digital Pin 9 on the Arduino.
✅Echo to Digital Pin 10: Connect the Echo pin to Digital Pin 10 on the Arduino.
Step 3: Programming the Arduino
Now, Open the Arduino IDE and input the following code to measure distances using the HC-SR04 sensor or you can download the code HERE.
After successfully uploading the code to your Arduino UNO, open the Serial Monitor to observe real-time distance readings in centimetres. To assess the sensor's accuracy, position objects at various distances from the HC-SR04 sensor and monitor the corresponding measurements displayed. This hands-on approach allows you to evaluate the sensor's performance across different ranges.
Position objects at various distances from the HC-SR04 sensor
Conclusion
By following this guide, you've successfully integrated the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor with the Arduino UNO to measure distances. This foundational setup can be expanded for applications like obstacle avoidance in robotics, liquid-level detection, and more. Experiment with different objects and environments to fully explore the sensor's capabilities.
Are you looking for an easy way to measure temperature and humidity using an Arduino? The DHT11 sensor is one of the most popular and affordable choices for beginners. In this blog, we’ll guide you through testing a DHT11 sensor with simple Arduino code, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step instructions.
DHT11 Sensor with Arduino
What is the DHT11 Sensor?
The DHT11 is a basic temperature and humidity sensor used in many DIY electronics projects. It operates on low power and provides reasonably accurate readings, making it ideal for home automation, weather stations, and IoT applications.
Dimension and specifications of DHT 11
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Components Required
To test the DHT11 sensor with an Arduino, you’ll need:
✅ Arduino Uno/Nano
✅ DHT11 Sensor
✅ Jumper Wires
✅ Breadboard
Components for Testing
Step 2: Wiring the DHT11 with Arduino
Here’s how to connect the DHT11 sensor to your Arduino:
Diagram Showing Wiring
💡 Note: Some DHT11 modules have a pull-up resistor built-in. If you’re using a raw sensor, connect a 10kΩ pull-up resistor between VCC and Data pin for stable readings.
Step 3: Arduino Code for Testing DHT11
Now, let’s upload a simple code to read temperature and humidity from the DHT11 sensor. You can DHT11 code HERE.
#include <DHT.h>
// Define sensor type
#define DHTPIN 8 // Data pin connected to pin 8
#define DHTTYPE DHT22 // Change to DHT22 if using it
DHT dht(DHTPIN, DHTTYPE);
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("Testing DHT sensor...");
dht.begin();
}
void loop() {
delay(500); // Wait 2 seconds between readings
float temperature = dht.readTemperature(); // Celsius
float humidity = dht.readHumidity();
// Check if readings are valid
if (isnan(temperature) || isnan(humidity)) {
Serial.println("Failed to read from DHT sensor!");
return;
}
Serial.print("Humidity: ");
Serial.print(humidity);
Serial.print(" %\t");
Serial.print("Temperature: ");
Serial.print(temperature);
Serial.println(" °C");
}
Open Arduino IDE and copy-paste the code.
Step 4: Expected Output
Once uploaded successfully, you should see readings like this:
Temperature Increases When a Flame is Brought Near the DHT11
Conclusion
Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully tested the DHT11 sensor with Arduino. This setup is great for weather monitoring, home automation, and IoT projects.
RGB LEDs are a fundamental component in modern lighting and display applications, offering a vast array of colours by combining red, green, and blue light. Among the various types available, the 5mm RGB LED is one of the most popular due to its compact size and ease of use. This article explores its specifications, configurations, and applications, helping you understand the difference between Common Anode and Common Cathode RGB LEDs.
RGB LED Common Anode & Common Cathode
Physical Dimensions and Specifications
The 5mm RGB LED is a four-pin, through-hole LED that integrates three different LEDs in one package. Here are some key specifications:
Dimension and Specification of RGB LEDs
Common Anode vs. Common Cathode RGB LEDs
Common Anode RGB LED
In a Common Anode configuration, all three LEDs share a single positive (anode) connection. To control the colour output, each LED's cathode is connected to the ground through a current-limiting resistor.
Blue Colour Common Anode LED RGB
Red Colour Common Anode LED RGB
Green Colour Common Anode LED RGB
The brightness and colour of the LED are adjusted by varying the voltage applied to each cathode.
Common Cathode RGB LED
In a Common Cathode configuration, all three LEDs share a negative (cathode) connection. Instead of grounding the cathode, each LED's anode receives a positive voltage through a resistor.
Blue Colour Common Cathode LED RGB
Green Colour Common Cathode LED RGB
Red Colour Common Cathode LED RGB
Adjusting the applied voltage controls the brightness and color output.
Pin Configuration
A 4-pin RGB LED includes the following connections:
Red: Controls the red LED
Common Anode/Cathode: Shared positive or negative connection (typically the longest pin)
Green: Controls the green LED
Blue: Controls the blue LED
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Common Anode and Common Cathode RGB LEDs is crucial for choosing the right LED for your project. Whether you're working on decorative lighting, digital displays, or interactive electronics, the 5mm RGB LED offers an easy and effective way to implement full-color illumination.
Would you like to learn more about how to integrate these LEDs into your projects? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more electronics tutorials! 🚀