Arduino Ultrasonic Sensor Project for Beginners: Measure Distance with HC-SR04
Project Overview
This beginner-friendly project demonstrates how to use an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor with Arduino to measure distance accurately. The HC-SR04 is a popular sensor for distance measurement, making it useful in obstacle detection and range-finding projects.
Project Goals for Arduino Ultrasonic Sensor
- Learn how to connect the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor to Arduino for distance measurement.
- Measure and display the distance in centimeters using the Arduino Serial Monitor.
- Understand how to use the NewPing library for improved accuracy and performance.
Required Components for Arduino Ultrasonic Sensor Project
Here’s a list of components needed to build this project:
| Component | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino Uno | Main microcontroller board | Buy on Amazon |
| HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor | Measures distance using sound waves | Check Availability |
| Jumper Wires | Connects components to Arduino | Buy on Amazon |
| Breadboard | For prototyping connections | Buy on Amazon |
What is the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor?
The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor is a popular distance sensor that uses ultrasonic waves to measure the distance between the sensor and an object. It emits sound waves from the trigger pin and listens for their reflection using the echo pin. The time taken for the sound to return is used to calculate the distance.
HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor Pinout Overview
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| VCC | Power supply (5V) |
| GND | Ground connection |
| Trigger | Trigger pin, connected to Arduino digital pin |
| Echo | Echo pin, connected to Arduino digital pin |
Circuit Connection for HC-SR04 with Arduino
Follow these connections to set up the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor with Arduino:
| Component | Arduino Pin | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor VCC | 5V | Connect to 5V power supply |
| Sensor GND | GND | Ground connection |
| Sensor Trigger | D3 | Trigger pin for sending sound waves |
| Sensor Echo | D2 | Echo pin for receiving sound waves |
How the Circuit Works
The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor sends a pulse from the trigger pin and waits for it to reflect back to the echo pin. The time taken for the pulse to return is used to calculate the distance in centimeters. The NewPing library is used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of distance measurement.
Arduino Code for Ultrasonic Sensor
This code measures distance using the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor and displays the result in the Serial Monitor. It uses the NewPing library for better performance. Copy and upload this code to your Arduino Uno.
#include
#define TRIGGER_PIN 3
#define ECHO_PIN 2
#define MAX_DISTANCE 400
NewPing sonar(TRIGGER_PIN, ECHO_PIN, MAX_DISTANCE);
float tempval1;
float tempval2;
int finalval;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(57600);
}
void loop() {
delay(20);
Serial.print("Ping: ");
int iterations = 10;
tempval1 = ((sonar.ping_median(iterations) / 2) * 0.0343);
if(tempval1 - tempval2 > 60 || tempval1 - tempval2 < -60) {
tempval2 = (tempval1 * 0.02) + (tempval2 * 0.98);
} else {
tempval2 = (tempval1 * 0.4) + (tempval2 * 0.6);
}
finalval = tempval2;
Serial.print(finalval);
Serial.println(" cm");
}
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.
- Install the NewPing library from the Library Manager.
- 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 HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
- Open the Serial Monitor (Ctrl + Shift + M) after uploading the code.
- The measured distance will be displayed in the Serial Monitor in centimeters.
- Place an object in front of the sensor to observe changes in the distance readings.
Troubleshooting Tips for HC-SR04 Sensor
- No Readings in Serial Monitor: Check the wiring, especially the connections for the trigger and echo pins.
- Incorrect Distance Values: Ensure that the sensor is properly aligned with the object being measured.
- Inconsistent Readings: Verify the power supply and avoid electrical noise in the circuit.
Suggestions for Beginners
Start by testing the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor to understand its behavior with different distances. Once you’re comfortable with the readings, try integrating it into more advanced obstacle detection and range-finding 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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