Sensors - which one to use

Summary

This video script offers an extensive guide to various sensors compatible with Arduino and other microcontrollers, perfect for project enthusiasts. It covers a range of sensors from light-based to movement detectors, explaining their applications and providing example code. The script also distinguishes between sensors and detectors, emphasizing the importance of each in creating interactive projects. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe for more informative content and support the creator on Patreon.

Takeaways

• 📹 The video provides an overview of various sensors suitable for use with Arduino and other microcontrollers.
• 🔍 The presenter categorizes sensors into groups such as light-related, magnetic, pressure, gyro, acceleration, and general-purpose sensors.
• 🌈 A color sensor based on the TCS3200 chip is introduced, which can detect red, green, and blue colors by applying white light and sensing the reflected frequency.
• ❤️ A heart rate sensor is demonstrated, which combines an optical heart rate sensor with an amplification circuit for reliable pulse readings.
• 👀 The PIR (Passive Infrared Radiation) sensor is explained, which detects movement by sensing changes in infrared radiation.
• 📏 Infrared and laser-based distance sensors are showcased, which use reflected light to measure distances accurately.
• 🔥 An infrared sensor is used to detect fire by sensing the high amount of infrared light emitted by flames.
• 🌞 The LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) is introduced, which changes its resistance based on the light intensity it receives.
• 🧭 IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) modules and a magnetometer are presented for detecting orientation, angle, and magnetic fields.
• 🌡️ Atmospheric pressure sensors are discussed for measuring altitude and pressure, useful for weather stations or drones.
• 🔥 Gas sensors are mentioned for detecting changes in air composition, which can indicate air quality or the presence of specific gases.
• 📶 An ultrasonic distance sensor is explained, which uses sound waves to measure distances to objects.
• 🌡️ Thermocouple and thermistor sensors are introduced for temperature measurement, with the thermocouple being suitable for high-temperature environments.
• 🔌 A current sensor is demonstrated, which measures the electrical current used by a load when connected in parallel.
• 🧲 A Hall effect sensor is presented for detecting magnetic fields, useful in various applications like switches or encoders.
• 🔢 An ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) is highlighted for high-precision analog readings, offering 16-bit resolution for various applications.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to introduce various types of sensors that can be used with Arduino or other microcontrollers, provide example code for each, and discuss their applications.

What is the difference between a sensor and a detector as explained in the video?

A sensor is the device that gives information or data according to the surroundings or situation, while a detector is a device, such as an Arduino, that processes the sensor's data to give a detection output, indicating if something is or is not present.

What type of sensor is used to detect movement in the video?

A PIR (Passive Infrared Radiation) sensor is used to detect movement by sensing changes in infrared radiation.

How does the color sensor based on the TCS3200 chip work?

The color sensor applies white light and senses the response frequency of each color that is reflected. Different colored objects absorb different frequencies, allowing the sensor to detect the color.

What is the purpose of the heart rate sensor in the video?

The heart rate sensor combines an optical heart rate sensor with an amplification and noise-cancellation circuit to provide reliable pulse readings.

How does the infrared distance sensor measure the distance to an object?

The infrared distance sensor sends an infrared beam, detects the reflected beam, and measures the distance based on the angle at which the light touches the sensor.

What is the VL53L0 chip used for in the video?

The VL53L0 chip is used in a laser-based distance sensor to measure distances up to 2 meters with high precision.

What is the function of the direct infrared sensor in the video?

The direct infrared sensor uses an infrared LED to send light and a photo transistor to detect the reflected light. It can be used as a switch or to detect the presence of an object.

How does the LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) work?

The LDR changes its resistance value according to the amount of light it receives, which can be measured by creating a voltage divider and observing the voltage drop.

What is the purpose of the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) module in the video?

The IMU module, such as the MPU6050 or MPU9265, senses gyro forces and accelerations, which can be used to calculate angles and detect movements or changes in orientation.

How does the magnetometer sensor work?

The magnetometer sensor, like the HMC5883, measures the Earth's magnetic field, which can be used to create a compass and determine orientation or direction.

What is the atmospheric pressure sensor used for in the video?

The atmospheric pressure sensor measures air pressure to determine altitude or to be used in weather station projects.

How does the gas sensor detect changes in the air quality?

The gas sensor detects changes in the normal air percentage of gases, which can indicate the presence of specific gases or air quality changes.

What is the principle behind the ultrasonic distance sensor?

The ultrasonic distance sensor sends a sound wave, measures the time it takes for the wave to bounce back, and calculates the distance based on the speed of sound.

How does the thermocouple voltage sensor measure temperature?

The thermocouple creates a small voltage drop when heated, and by knowing the temperature versus voltage drop relation, the sensor can measure temperature.

What is the function of the thermistor in the video?

The thermistor is a temperature-dependent resistor that changes its resistance value with temperature changes, allowing temperature measurement when used with a voltage divider.

How does the current sensor module work?

The current sensor module, using the MAX471, measures the current that a load uses when connected in parallel with it.

What is the霍尔传感器 (Hall sensor) used for in the video?

The Hall sensor detects magnetic fields and can be used as a switch or an encoder on a motor shaft, providing a linear output based on the magnetic field strength.

What is the purpose of the 8-bit ADC mentioned in the video?

The 8-bit ADC is used for analog-to-digital conversion, providing 256 points for a range from 0 to 5 volts, but the video also mentions a 16-bit ADC for higher precision.

How does the 16-bit ADC improve precision in analog readings?

The 16-bit ADC provides 65,536 points for a range from 0 to 5 volts, offering a resolution of only 75 microvolts, which is much more precise than a standard 10-bit converter.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Introduction to Sensor Types for Arduino Projects

The script introduces a variety of sensors suitable for use with Arduino and other microcontrollers. It aims to provide examples, sample code, and discuss the applications of each sensor. The narrator emphasizes the difference between sensors, which gather data from the environment, and detectors, which process this data to indicate the presence or absence of certain conditions. The video is sponsored by JLCPCB, offering affordable PCB services, and encourages viewers to subscribe for future content.

05:01

🌈 Exploring Light-Related Sensors and Their Applications

This section delves into various light-related sensors, including a color sensor based on the TCS3200 chip, a heart rate sensor with an optical detector, and a PIR (Passive Infrared Radiation) sensor for motion detection. The script explains how these sensors work, for instance, the color sensor analyzing reflected light frequencies and the PIR sensor detecting changes in infrared radiation. It also mentions the need for additional software like Processing for certain sensors and provides schematics and code for testing these sensors with Arduino.

10:03

📡 Discussing Advanced Sensor Modules for Motion and Environment Sensing

The script moves on to discuss more complex sensors such as the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) modules, which can detect gyro forces and accelerations, and magnetometers for measuring the Earth's magnetic field. It also covers atmospheric pressure sensors for altitude measurements and gas sensors for detecting changes in air composition. Each sensor's functionality is explained, along with potential applications like drone navigation, weather stations, and air quality monitoring. The importance of using specific libraries and the process of connecting these sensors to Arduino are highlighted.

15:03

🔧 General Purpose Sensors and Their Versatile Uses

The final part of the script covers a range of general-purpose sensors, including distance sensors using ultrasonic pulses, thermocouples and thermistors for temperature measurement, current sensors for measuring electrical load, and Hall effect sensors for detecting magnetic fields. The script provides insights into how these sensors can be used in various projects, such as creating a POV clock or an electronic speed controller. It also mentions the use of an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) for higher precision in analog readings. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to support the project on Patreon and to engage with the content by subscribing, liking, and sharing.

Keywords

💡Sensors

Sensors are devices that detect changes in the environment and convert those changes into a signal. In the context of the video, sensors are used with Arduino or other microcontrollers to gather data for various projects. Examples include a PIR sensor detecting movement or a light sensor responding to different colors.

💡Arduino

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It is used in the video as the central microcontroller to which various sensors are connected to perform tasks such as detecting movement or measuring distances.

💡Microcontrollers

Microcontrollers are small computers that are used to control a variety of electronic devices and systems. In the video, microcontrollers like Arduino are mentioned as the platform for interfacing with various sensors to create interactive projects.

💡Digital Output

Digital output refers to a type of signal that a sensor can provide, typically in the form of a binary high (1) or low (0) state. In the video, a movement detector is described that gives a high output when movement is detected and a low output when there is no movement.

💡Analog Output

Analog output is a continuous signal that can vary within a given range, as opposed to the discrete states of digital output. The video mentions sensors like the infrared distance sensor, which provides an analog output representing the distance to an object.

💡I2C Communication

I2C, or Inter-Integrated Circuit, is a two-wire serial communication protocol used for attaching low-speed peripherals to a microcontroller or computer. The video describes sensors that use I2C to send data to the Arduino, such as the APDS-9960 color sensor.

💡Magnetic Sensor

A magnetic sensor is a device that detects the presence of a magnetic field and responds to it. In the video, a magnetometer is mentioned, which measures the Earth's magnetic field to create a compass or detect orientation.

💡Gyro Sensor

A gyro sensor measures angular velocity and can be used to determine the orientation of an object. The video discusses the MPU-6050, which is an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that includes a gyro sensor to detect movements and calculate angles.

💡Atmospheric Pressure Sensor

This type of sensor measures the pressure of the atmosphere, which can be used to determine altitude. The video mentions using an atmospheric pressure sensor to get altitude data, which can be useful for weather stations or drone applications.

💡Thermistor

A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance changes with temperature. The video describes using a thermistor to create a voltage divider, where the output voltage changes with temperature, allowing the Arduino to measure the temperature.

💡Current Sensor

A current sensor is used to measure the amount of electric current flowing through a circuit. In the video, the MAX471 current sensor is mentioned, which can be used to measure the current used by a load when connected in parallel with it.

💡Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

An ADC is a device that converts continuous analog signals into discrete digital values. The video mentions using a 16-bit ADC for higher precision in analog readings, such as measuring the value from a potentiometer with greater accuracy than the Arduino's built-in 10-bit ADC.

Highlights

Introduction to a variety of sensors compatible with Arduino and other microcontrollers.

Explanation of the difference between sensors and detectors, emphasizing the role of the sensor in data collection and the detector in processing.

Demonstration of a movement detector module using a PIR (Passive Infrared Radiation) sensor to detect changes in infrared radiation for motion sensing.

Overview of light-related sensors, including a color sensor based on the TCS3200 chip that senses reflected frequencies of red, green, and blue colors.

Introduction to a heart rate sensor that combines optical sensing with amplification and noise cancellation for reliable pulse readings.

Discussion on the use of PIR sensors for detecting movement and their applications in various projects such as lighting and alarms.

Explanation of infrared distance sensors and their use in measuring distances with high accuracy, suitable for projects like 3D scanners.

Introduction to a laser-based distance sensor with the VL53L0 chip, highlighting its small size and ability to measure distances up to 2 meters.

Description of an infrared sensor used for detecting the presence of objects and its potential applications in switches and remote controls.

Presentation of an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) and its use in detecting light changes for applications like light-following robots.

Overview of IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) modules like the MPU6050 and MPU9265 for sensing gyro forces and accelerations.

Introduction to a magnetometer for measuring the Earth's magnetic field, useful for creating compasses and drone navigation.

Discussion on atmospheric pressure sensors for measuring altitude and their potential use in weather stations and drones.

Overview of gas sensors for detecting specific types of gases or changes in air quality, with demonstrations of their sensitivity to gas leaks.

Explanation of ultrasonic distance sensors and their method of measuring distances by timing the echo of a sound wave.

Introduction to thermocouple voltage sensors for measuring temperatures in high-temperature environments up to 700 degrees.

Description of thermistors as temperature-dependent resistors for temperature measurement in projects requiring precise temperature sensing.

Overview of current sensors using the MAX471 for measuring the current used by a load, useful for projects involving power management.

Introduction to Hall effect sensors for detecting magnetic fields, with applications in switches and encoders for motor shafts.

Discussion on the use of 16-bit ADCs for high-precision analog readings, highlighting their advantage over the 10-bit ADCs in Arduinos.

Transcripts

if you remember a few weeks ago I've

made a video about types of displays

that you could use in your project

well I like to do the same but with

sensors that you could use with Arduino

or other microcontrollers obviously

there are a lot of sensors and I can get

them all but I would like to show you

the sensors that I have around my

workshop show you an example code for

each and talk about the use of each of

these sensors we have a lot of sensors

and some of these have a digital output

or an analog output or some sort of I

square C or SPI communication this will

be another basic video but in this way

you could make an idea of what projects

you could start with an Arduino and some

sensors I hope this will help beginners

or for those who are not beginners well

see some more sensors that we have on

the market before we start make sure you

hit the subscribe button and the

notification bell in order to see my

future videos also thanks to all my

patrons for the support so let's get

started

[Music]

this video is sponsored by gel CPCB

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just upload the Gerber files to GL CPC

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for amazing prices what's up my friends

welcome back so I have a bunch of

sensors here my table a breadboard my

oscilloscope and an Arduino for tests I

won't go with each other we know code

step by step but I'm sharing below the

schematic for each example and the code

with comments for each line so make sure

you read that before uploading the code

so what could be a sensor I mean even a

push button could send something it

could detect if I push the button or not

that's pretty obvious but we don't

usually refer to a push button as a

sensor more as a detector so a detector

is the result after the sensor process

to say if something is or is not for

example this entire module is a

so-called movement detector if it

detects movement it gives a high output

if we don't have movement the output is

low so we couldn't call this a sensor

but inside this module we have a PIR

sensor or a passive infrared radiation

sensor this will sense the amount of

infrared radiation and give that amount

to an integrated chip this one here and

that will calculate the difference and

say if there was movement or not so the

detection process needs a sensor a

device or module that could sense the

events or changes from the environment

and then send that information so let's

just make the difference between the

sensor and a detector the sensor is the

device itself that gives information or

data according to the surroundings or

situation and the detector will be a

device so let's say an Arduino for

example that will give the detection

output I've tried to separate my sensor

in three packs here I have those who are

light related sensors then I have the

magnetic the pressure the gyro and

acceleration sensors and this final

group well is just general sensor with

all kind of purposes

let's start with this back here first we

have a color sensor that is based on the

TCS 3200 chip with photo dial turns for

red green and blue colors

this module will apply white light and

sense the response frequency of each

color that is reflected of course a red

object will absorb all the colors but

the red one and so on so you should run

this example that will print the

response for each color and place a red

green and blue color in front of the

sensor and note on the ranges of each

color so you could then detect the

colors for example here I place the blue

side of this Ruby cube and I can see

that a blue response is getting lower

note down the values for each color you

have the schematic an example code and

the full tutorial about this below okay

guys next we have this heart pole sensor

it combines a simple optical heart rate

sensor with an amplification and noise

cancellation circuit making this fast

and easy to get reliable pulse readings

you will also need to install processing

for this example make the connections

and upload the Arduino code to the

Arduino then run the processing and get

the serial data from the Arduino and we

could print the heart pulses to the

screen this is pretty nice right

ok guys next we have the PIR sensor or a

passive infrared radiation sensor

detects radiation changes and since our

bodies radiate heat in the form of

infrared radiation we can detect

movement by detecting these changes in

the infrared radiation so make the

connections to the Arduino and run the

example code the sensor will give the

high output each time it detects

movement in this example I turn on this

led each time that I detect movement as

you can see here I move my hand and I

turn on the LED this sensor could be

used in so many application where you

could turn on lights set an alarm

activated by movement and so on

ok the next light based sensor is this

infrared distance sensor as you can see

infrared light is used very often that

is because we are usually already

surrounded by visible light and that

will result in a lot of noise

okay this module will send an infrared

beam then it detects the bounce beam of

light and depending on where the light

touches the sensor it can detect the

bounce angle and by that the distance to

the object these sensors can be quite

accurate I have one that goes from 15

centimeters up to 1 meter and another

one that goes from 1 centimeter to 10

centimeters it will give an analogue

output according to the distance here I

have it connected to my low scope and as

you can see by moving an object in front

of the sensor the output value will

change I've used this kind of sensor in

my 3d scanner project since it has some

decent precision when measuring small

distances connected to an Arduino and a

plot example code and you could bring

the distance to the serial monitor or to

the LCD screen you will need the

distance to voltage graph in order to

know how to map the distance in the

Arduino code read the code for more ok I

also have this laser based distance

sensor with the VL 53 L 0 chip this is

one of the smallest packages on the

market for a laser based distance sensor

as you can see it is very small so you

could place this one on any kind of PCBs

and detect the distances or gestures it

uses a nice cuesta communication to send

the data and it could measure up to 2

meters in perfect conditions it measures

the distance by detecting the reflected

laser beam connect it to the Arduino

install the needed library that you

could also find below and run the code

that will print a distance in

millimeters to the serial monitor or to

the LCD screen if you have one this

module has a very good precision for

distance so have this chip in mind when

preparing your project it is also quite

cheap just a few dollars another light

weight sensor is this direct infrared

sensor this module has an infrared LED

that will send an infrared light then we

have the photo transistor that will

detect the light it reflects on an

object in front of it this kind of

sensor could also be used as a switch as

these small modules do where the emitter

and the receiver are one in front of

each other and could attack when

something is in between them I've used

this sensor in a lot of projects such as

the encoded DC motor to come

apps or the infrared remote to send and

receive data using infrared light as you

can see almost lost hope more infrared

light we get the higher will be the

output or if we have the module into

digital mode it will switch to high when

we are close enough to the sensor this

module has an amplifier and by setting

the threshold with this potentiometer we

could detect stuff

for example fire emits a lot of infrared

light so we could sense fire if we want

download the example code and upload it

to the Arduino and you could print the

analog output to the serial monitor or

to the LCD screen and then you could

activate stuff for example turn on LED

when we detect fire finally the last

light based sensor is this LDR or light

dependent resistor this resistor will

change its value according to the amount

of light that it receives so if I create

a voltage divider and apply 5 volts to

it we could measure the voltage drop and

see how it changes according to the

light we can connect this to an Arduino

and detect the visible light and maybe

create a light falling robot or any

other idea that you have you have the

schematic and a simple example code

below together with the full tutorial on

my webpage electronic comm ok guys now

we have this other group here I have an

IMU module and a magnetometer we've seen

this immune module in a lot of past

tutorials this is the APU 6050 and I

also have the APU 9265 module it can

sense gyro forces and accelerations with

these values we could calculate the

angle as well below this video you have

a few examples this module uses a nice

Christi communication to send the data

to the microcontroller so connected to

the Arduino and you could for example

print the orientation angle to the Shura

monitor or to the LCD screen you could

also print the raw values of

accelerations or gyro data you could use

this sensor with drones that must fly

horizontal also you could detect

accidents by sensing the accelerations

and when the peak is detected well that

must be a fast change of acceleration so

it might be an accident

you could also detect if something moved

if you detect gyro or acceleration

changes that means that the object on

which the module is placed moved this is

a very interesting module okay guys I

also have this magnetometer this module

is the h MC

58 83 and it uses a nice racy

communication to send the data this

measures the earth magnetic field so we

could create a compass and attack where

is north and by that orient us in space

this could also be used with drones

together with a GPS module so we could

know the location of the drone you could

also use this to make measurements of

the earth magnetic field

connect the I square see pins as in the

schematic below and upload the example

code that will print the magnetic values

and that's it ok guys now I have this

atmospheric pressure sensor it will

measure the pressure so with that we

could get the altitude the higher in the

air we are the lower will be the

pressure since we have less air above us

pushing us downwards the module has a

nice Cristy communication as well so

connect that to the Arduino and then

install the needed libraries that you

could also find below run the code that

will print the pressure and approximated

altitude you could use this module for a

weather station project or for a drone

so you could implement the altitude hold

configuration for that drone check more

details in the link below ok guys we

finally have the last group of sensors

which are quite general let's start with

this gas sensor now depending on the

type of sensor you could detect specific

types of gases as for example in

flammable gases air quality or alcohol

detection in the air that you excel but

in this case this sensor will detect the

changes in the normal air percentage of

gases it uses an amplifier it could have

an analog signal as well or directly the

detection signal which could be high or

low meaning that the normal valves of

air are not right or that the air is

clean connect this module to the Arduino

and upload the code it will print the

angle grid from the sensor and by

setting the threshold values

could detect the air quality changes or

any other gas by using a specific gas

sensor as you can see when I release

guess from this lighter the analog

output increases and that means that we

have a gas leak

okay the next example is the common

distance sensor using ultrasound pulses

it sends a sound wave the text the

bounced wave and it calculates the time

it took this out to get back and by

knowing the speed of sound we can get

the distance to the object in front of

the sensor I've made a full tutorial on

how to make a sensor like this one so

check that video for more details

connect the module and upload a code and

it will print a distance in centimeter

onto the serial monitor or to the LCD

screen if you have one read more about

this on my webpage and read the lines in

the example code for more okay now I

have a thermocouple voltage sensor the

thermocouple is a component that will

create a small voltage drop on these

connectors when it's heated up by

knowing the temperature versus the

voltage drop relation we can measure

temperatures since the voltage drop is

very very small we need this kind of

sensor that uses the Mac sixty 675

amplifier so connect a k-type

thermocouple to this module and make the

connections to the Arduino then upload

the code and run it and it will print

the temperature as you can see I heat up

the thermocouple and I get the real

value of the temperature this kind of

component is very useful when working

with high temperatures since it would

withstand up to 700 degrees okay now in

the same way I have this thermistor

which is a temperature dependent

resistor as in the example with the

light dependent resistor we could create

a voltage divider and we will see that

the output voltage will vary depending

on the temperature if we know that our

mister response we can measure the

temperature with the Arduino as you can

see when I heat up the thermistor the

resistance will change and as you can

see on the oscilloscope the voltage

divider output will change as well more

information below okay I also have this

current sensor this module uses the max

471 current sensor

connect this module in parallel with the

load and it will measure the current

that the load uses I make the

connections and I add a resistor as a

load and I use this power controller to

variety applied voltage from the battery

after I upload an example code it will

print the current values and as you can

see I increase the voltage and the

current increases as well and that gets

printed onto the screen this is another

very useful sensor for your projects

now here we have a whole sensor the

small component could detect magnetic

fields I've used this kind of sensor for

my POV clock project and for the sensors

electronic speed controller this is the

49 a hole sensor and this one has a

linear output if I make the connections

to 5 volts and ground as you can see

when I place a magnet goes to this

module the output will increase or

decrease I could connect this analog

output to an Arduino and by dead the

tech magnetic fields you could use this

as a switch or an encoder on a motor

shaft or any other idea that you have

once you know how to measure the output

you could use this for any project it is

very easy to use you also have the

digital type where the output is high or

low and that means that the magnet is

close to the component or not ok so

finally I have an 8 DC now you could say

that this is not a sensor but

technically it sends the unlock value

you could use the ADC of the Arduino but

that is only a 10 bit converter for more

precision I have this 16 bits ABC this

will give me 65 thousand points for a

range from 0 to 5 volts that is a

resolution of only 75 micro volts it

uses a nice crazy communication as well

and it has four different analog inputs

this is a great module if you want

procedure I make the connections and now

as you can see it prints the analog

value from this potentiometer to the

screen or to the serial monitor with

very high precision so have this module

in mind when you want good precision for

your analog reads so that's it my

friends these are more or less the

sensors that I have right now laying

around my workshop there are much more

on the market so I hope that this video

helped you to make an idea of the amount

of sensors and how to use each one of

them consider supporting

my project on patreon if you liked this

video make sure to subscribe and

activate your notification bell for

future videos also click the like button

like crazy and share this video with

your friends and remember that you'll

help on patreon means a lot for me and

will keep these kind of videos going so

thanks again and see you later guys

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