Arduino Motion Detector


Written by Mitch on August 7, 2010 in Arduino.

Using Parallax Passive Infrared Motion Sensor #555-28027

Arduino Motion Detector Using Parallax Passive Infrared Motion Sensor #555-28027

Parallax’s Passive Infrared Motion Sensor, #555-28027, is a small board you can easily add to your Arduino project. I put together a sketch using this device together with a 16×2 LCD for the read out. The code is based on two other sketches I found; one for LCD and the other for processing the input from the sensor.

The circuit is powered by 3.3V on the Arduino.

This code prints an alert along with the hours, minutes, and seconds since initialization on the LCD. It also prints out to the serial port/USB that you can read from your computer if you don’t have an LCD.

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Arduino LCD Thermometer


Written by Mitch on August 7, 2010 in Arduino.

Arduino LCD Thermometer Using Dallas DS1822+

Arduino LCD Thermometer Using Dallas DS1822+

The Dallas DS1822+ is a tiny little IC in a typical transistor package that can be used for temperature readings. I put together a simple little sketch using this device together with a 16×2 LCD for the read out. The code is based on two other sketches I found; one for LCD and the other for reading temperatures with the Dallas 1822+.

It is powered by 5V via USB. I had to use both the 3V and 5V outputs of the Arduino to power the Dallas DS1822+ and the LCD simultaneously. The LCD wouldn’t work when I tried to power it on the same 5V as the IC. Does anyone know how to make them work together? This is one of my first Arduino projects and I’m just thinking the circuits I can combine is limited if they all need separate power supplies.

This code prints the temperature only when it changes. It prints to the serial port that you can read from your computer if hooked up and it prints to the LCD.

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Checking Oxygen Content in Exhaust Gas with an Arduino


Written by Mitch on August 1, 2010 in Arduino.

Ok. Here’s another Arduino idea.

My son’s 1995 Nissan 300ZX has a problem with excessive NOX emissions. I have an old Exhaust Gas Sensor from another engine. Let’s see if we can hook it up to the Arduino to measure Oxygen content in the exhaust gas and then try to tune the engine a little.

The Exhaust Gas Sensor is pretty cool. It has a built-in heater and a zirconia ceramic sensor embedded with platinum electrodes. Two of the three sensor wires are used to power the heater up to about 300F. The third wire outputs voltage in the range of 0 – 1 volts.

In my test, I hooked up the heater wires to a 12-volt battery charger then read the voltage off the third wire at about 30 mV. I then deprived the sensor of Oxygen and watched the voltage shoot into the several hundreds of millivolts.

Next steps:

  1. Figure out how to read voltage from the Arduino — shouldn’t be too hard to use an analog input to do this.
  2. Make a holder for the Exhaust Gas Sensor so I can attach it to the exhaust pipe.
  3. Hook up the heater to the car battery.
  4. Take measurements from the Nissan and compare to the exhaust of a car that passed inspection.
  5. Take steps to tune the Nissan to pass inspection.

OBD-I Diagnostics with Arduino


Written by Mitch on August 1, 2010 in Arduino.

Another new project idea. Details to follow.

Wireless Meat Thermometer


Written by Mitch on July 28, 2010 in Arduino, Wireless.

A project just beginning…

Wireless Arduino


Written by Mitch on July 26, 2010 in Arduino.

I’m researching wireless technology to enhance my Arduino projects. Most wireless technology is cost prohibitive. I’ve hit upon some components from Silicon Labs that look promising. More to follow…


Be prepared for the coming food shortage.