What You’ll Need
- Arduino board
- Temperature sensor (DS18B20)
- Resistor (4.7k ohm)
- Breadboard
- Jumper wires
- USB cable
- Computer
Step 1: Setting Up the Arduino
Begin by connecting your Arduino board to the computer using the USB cable. Open the Arduino IDE and select the appropriate board and port in the Tools menu. Now you’re ready to start coding!
Step 2: Wiring the Temperature Sensor
Take your breadboard and place the temperature sensor (DS18B20) on it. Connect the left pin of the sensor to 5V on the Arduino, the right pin to ground, and the center pin to pin 2 on the Arduino through the 4.7k ohm resistor. Ensure all connections are secure and well-insulated.
Step 3: Writing the Code
In the Arduino IDE, create a new sketch and begin by including the OneWire and DallasTemperature libraries. Define the data wire pin as 2 and create a new instance of the DallasTemperature class. In the setup function, initialize the sensor and Serial monitor. Finally, in the loop function, read and display the temperature data.
Step 4: Uploading the Code
Connect your Arduino board to the computer using the USB cable and press the upload button in the Arduino IDE. Wait for the upload to complete and disconnect the board from the computer.
Step 5: Testing the Thermometer
Now it’s time to test your thermometer! Connect the Arduino to a power source and check if the temperature readings are displayed correctly on the Serial monitor. You can also add an LCD display or other output components to enhance the functionality.
Building your own thermometer is an excellent way to learn about Arduino, electronics, and programming. By following this step-by-step guide, even beginners can successfully create a working thermometer. So have fun, experiment, and enjoy the rewards of your new DIY project!