Flame Sensors Using Arduino

Today I am going to provide you the simple guide which gives an appropriate explanation about how to use and explore the Flame Sensor module with an Arduino.

Arduino Flame Sensor

The  various materials that are needed in this are :

·         Flame Sensor (model with an analog out)

·         Male to Female jumper wires

·         An Arduino, any flavor.

·         Lighter or another flame source for testing.

You can use any other flavors of Arduino as well  in your project like arduino yun, arduino unojoystick, mpu6050 arduino uno and you can easily get any type of arduino from robomart (http://www.robomart.com).

Step 1: Basic Idea About the Flame Sensor : 

·         Usage:
We used these types of sensors for short range fire detection and they can be used to monitor the projects or as a safety precaution to cut devices on/off.

·         Range:

Most accurate unit for this is up to about 3 feet that I have found in my               experiment.

·         How it works:

The flame sensor that we have used in our project is very sensitive to Infra Red wavelength at 760 nm ~ 1100 nm light.

Analog output (A0): In this ,Real-time output voltage signal on the thermal resistance.

Digital output (D0): When the temperature reaches a certain threshold,the output high and low signal threshold will be adjusted via potentiometer.               

·         Pins:

VCC...... Positive voltage input: 5v for analog 3.3v for Digital.

A0.......... Analog output

D0......... Digital outputGND..... Ground

·         Dimensions:

 (3.0 cm x 1.5 cm x 0.5 cm) 1.18 in x 0.59 in x 0.20 in

·         Weight:

 (8 g) 0.28 oz

Step 2: Testing and Troubleshooting:

Arduino Uno Testing

Testing:
To test the Flame Sensor and ensure that it is working correctly connect the VCC to a 5v power source and GND. Move a flame source with in a foot of the front of the Ir sensor and the D0-LED should light up.

Troubleshooting:

If the DO-LED does not light up,you have to check the following :

·         Is the power source 5v?

·         Is the ground hooked up?

·         Is the flame with in 1 foot and in Line of Sight?

When you found that If none of the previous makes the D0-LED light up, your sensor may be defective.

Step 3: Wiring to an Arduino:

To wire the Flame Sensor to the Arduino simply connect the following as shown:

Flame sensor ............... Arduino

VCC............................... 5v

GND...............................GND

A0.................................. Analog in 0

 

Step 4: Arduino Sketch Example:

The following code maps and reads the analog values given by the flame sensor (0-1024). The stock flame sensor will have the following reaction with this code:

·         If holding a flame within 1.5 feet in front of the sensor; "case 0" will be activated and " ** Close Fire ** " will be sent to the serial monitor.

·         If holding a flame between 1.5 feet and 3 feet in front of the sensor; "case 1" will be activated and " **Distant Fire** " will be sent to the serial monitor.

If no flame is detected in front of the sensor; "case 2" will be activated and "No Fire " will be sent to the serial monitor.Arduino Uno testing