Arduino MQ5 Gas Sensor Project for Beginners: Detect Gas Levels
Project Overview
This beginner-friendly project demonstrates how to use an MQ5 gas sensor with Arduino to detect gas levels in the environment and indicate the status using an LED. The MQ5 sensor is widely used for detecting gases like LPG, natural gas, and methane, making it suitable for gas leakage detection systems.
Project Goals for Arduino MQ5 Gas Sensor
- Learn how to connect an MQ5 gas sensor to Arduino for gas detection.
- Measure gas levels and control an LED when the gas concentration exceeds a threshold.
- Use simple conditional statements to trigger alerts based on gas levels.
Required Components for Arduino MQ5 Gas Sensor Project
Here’s a list of components needed to build this project:
| Component | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino Uno | Main microcontroller board | Buy on Amazon |
| MQ5 Gas Sensor | Detects gas levels in the air | Check Availability |
| LED | Indicates high gas levels | Buy on Amazon |
| 220 Ohm Resistor | Limits current to the LED | Check Availability |
| Jumper Wires | Connects components to Arduino | Buy on Amazon |
| Breadboard | For prototyping connections | Buy on Amazon |
What is the MQ5 Gas Sensor?
The MQ5 gas sensor is a gas sensor used to detect the presence of gases such as LPG, natural gas, and methane in the air. It outputs an analog voltage that varies with the gas concentration, making it ideal for gas leakage detection and safety systems.
MQ5 Gas Sensor Pinout Overview
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| VCC | Power supply (5V) |
| GND | Ground connection |
| OUT | Analog output, connected to Arduino analog input |
Circuit Connection for MQ5 & LED with Arduino
Follow these connections to set up the MQ5 gas sensor and LED with Arduino:
| Component | Arduino Pin | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor VCC | 5V | Connect to 5V power supply |
| Sensor GND | GND | Ground connection |
| Sensor OUT | A0 | Analog output to Arduino |
| LED Anode | D7 | Connects to Arduino digital pin with resistor |
| LED Cathode | GND | Ground connection |
How the Circuit Works
The MQ5 gas sensor reads the gas concentration and outputs an analog voltage to the Arduino. If the gas level exceeds the defined threshold, the LED is turned on to indicate the presence of gas. If the gas level is below the threshold, the LED remains off.
Arduino Code for MQ5 Gas Sensor & LED
This code reads the gas concentration using the MQ5 sensor and controls the LED. Copy and upload this code to your Arduino Uno.
#define ledPin 7
#define sensor A0
int gas_value;
void setup() {
pinMode(sensor, INPUT);
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("MQ5 Heating Up!");
delay(20000); // Allow the MQ5 to warm up
}
void loop() {
gas_value = analogRead(sensor); // Read analog input from MQ5 sensor
Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
Serial.println(gas_value);
if (gas_value > 250) {
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Turn on LED if gas level exceeds threshold
} else {
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // Turn off LED if gas level is below threshold
}
}
Steps to Upload Arduino Code
- Connect your Arduino to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open the Arduino IDE and paste the code into a new sketch.
- Select the correct board (e.g., Arduino Uno) and port from the "Tools" menu.
- Click the "Upload" button to transfer the code to the Arduino.
Check Output for MQ5 Gas Sensor & LED
- Open the Serial Monitor (Ctrl + Shift + M) after uploading the code.
- The gas sensor reading will be displayed in the Serial Monitor.
- If the gas concentration exceeds the defined threshold (250), the LED will turn on.
Troubleshooting Tips for MQ5 Sensor & LED
- No Response from Sensor: Check the wiring and ensure the sensor is connected correctly.
- LED Not Lighting Up: Verify that the sensor output exceeds the threshold value.
- Inconsistent Readings: Ensure stable power supply and proper sensor calibration.
Suggestions for Beginners
Start by testing the MQ5 sensor with the Serial Monitor to understand its behavior. Once you’re comfortable with the readings, integrate it into more advanced gas detection projects.
Recommended Book for Learning Arduino
Arduino Programming for Absolute Beginners - This book provides easy, step-by-step instructions, making it ideal for beginners who want to learn Arduino programming.
For more Arduino tutorials, visit MechatronicsLab.net, where you’ll find resources on Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi.
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