Arduino Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F: Measure Air Quality for Beginners

Arduino Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F: Measure Air Quality for Beginners

Project Overview

This beginner-friendly project demonstrates how to use the Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F with Arduino to measure dust concentration levels in the air. The sensor is capable of detecting fine particles like cigarette smoke, pollen, and dust, making it ideal for indoor air quality monitoring.

Project Goals for Sharp Optical Dust Sensor with Arduino

  • Learn how to connect the Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F to Arduino to measure dust concentration levels.
  • Understand how to read and interpret the sensor’s analog output to display dust density in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³).
  • Use Arduino to process the sensor's readings and display air quality data in the Serial Monitor.

Required Components for Arduino Dust Sensor Project

Here’s a list of components needed to build this project:

ComponentDescriptionLink
Arduino UnoMain microcontroller boardBuy on Amazon
Sharp Optical Dust Sensor (GP2Y1014AU0F)Measures dust concentration levelsCheck Availability
150 Ohm ResistorLimits current to the LED inside the dust sensorCheck Availability
220uF CapacitorStabilizes sensor readingsCheck Availability
Jumper WiresConnects components to ArduinoBuy on Amazon
BreadboardFor prototyping connectionsBuy on Amazon

What is the Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F?

The Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F is a compact optical sensor that detects dust particles in the air. It uses an infrared LED and a phototransistor to measure reflected light, which varies depending on the dust concentration in the air. It outputs an analog voltage proportional to the dust density, making it easy to read with Arduino.

Sharp Optical Dust Sensor Pinout Overview

PinDescription
Pin 1 (LED-GND)Ground for the LED driver
Pin 2 (LED)LED control pin (connect to Arduino digital pin)
Pin 3 (Vo)Analog output for dust concentration
Pin 4 (GND)Ground connection
Pin 5 (V-LED)Power supply for the LED driver (5V)
Pin 6 (Vcc)Power supply for the sensor (5V)

Circuit Connection for Dust Sensor with Arduino

Follow these connections to set up the Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F with Arduino:

ComponentArduino PinDetails
Sensor Vcc5VConnect to 5V power supply
Sensor GNDGNDGround connection
Sensor VoA0Analog output, reads dust density
Sensor LEDD7LED control pin
150 Ohm ResistorBetween V-LED and VccLimits current to the LED
220uF CapacitorBetween Vcc and GNDStabilizes sensor readings

How the Circuit Works

The Sharp Optical Dust Sensor measures dust density by shining an infrared LED through the air. As dust particles pass through, they reflect light to the sensor's phototransistor. The analog voltage output from the sensor is proportional to the dust density, which the Arduino reads and processes to display the air quality in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³).

Arduino Code for Dust Sensor

This code reads dust concentration levels from the Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F and displays it in the Serial Monitor. Copy and upload this code to your Arduino Uno.


/*
 Sharp Optical Dust Sensor GP2Y1014AU0F get data
*/

int measurePin = 0; //Connect dust sensor to Arduino A0 pin
int ledPower = 7;   //Connect LED control pin to Arduino D7

int samplingTime = 280;
int deltaTime = 40;
int sleepTime = 9680;

float voMeasured = 0;
float calcVoltage = 0;
float dustDensity = 0;

void setup(){
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(ledPower, OUTPUT);
}

void loop(){
  digitalWrite(ledPower, LOW); // power on the LED
  delayMicroseconds(samplingTime);

  voMeasured = analogRead(measurePin); // read the dust value

  delayMicroseconds(deltaTime);
  digitalWrite(ledPower, HIGH); // turn the LED off
  delayMicroseconds(sleepTime);

  // 0 - 5V mapped to 0 - 1023 integer values
  // recover voltage
  calcVoltage = voMeasured * (5.0 / 1024.0);

  // linear equation for dust density in ug/m3
  dustDensity = 170 * calcVoltage - 0.1;

  Serial.print("Dust Density: ");
  Serial.print(dustDensity);
  Serial.println(" ug/m3");

  delay(1000);
}

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 Dust Sensor

  • Open the Serial Monitor (Ctrl + Shift + M) after uploading the code.
  • The dust concentration levels will be displayed in the Serial Monitor in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³).

Troubleshooting Tips for Dust Sensor

  • No Output in Serial Monitor: Check the wiring and ensure the sensor is properly powered.
  • Incorrect Readings: Confirm that the resistor and capacitor are correctly connected, as they help stabilize sensor readings.
  • Consistently Low Values: Ensure that the sensor is not blocked and is exposed to the air for accurate measurements.

Suggestions for Beginners

Start by testing the Sharp Optical Dust Sensor alone to understand its behavior. Once you’re comfortable with the readings, try integrating it into more advanced air quality monitoring 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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