Introduction: Smoke 'Detector'

This instructable explains how to make a simple smoke detector using and Arduino and a Carbon Monoxide Sensor. The sensor is one of the MQ series gas sensors. Check out the demo here.

Featuring a solar charger kit from Voltaic Systems.

Step 1: The Parts and Tools

This is a fairly simple project. You will need the following:

  • 1x Arduino (I was using an Arduino Uno)
  • 1x MQ-7 Carbon Monoxide Sensor
  • 1x Breadboard
  • Connecting wire
  • 1x 10K Resistor
  • 1x 220 Resistor
  • 1x 16x2 LCD
  • Soldering Iron + Wire
  • +5V Power supply
  • (Optional) A lighter and a pack of cigarettes

Step 2: Solder Wires to Sensor

Solder 4 wire onto the sensor. Two wires on the both H pins, one wire on one of the A pins (any) and another on any of the B pins.

Step 3: Wiring the Sensor

To connect the sensor, you have to connect one of the H pin to +5V Supply and the other one to Ground GND).
Pin A is connected to the 5V pin. And the B pin is connect to the GND Pin and Pin A0 as shown on the pictures.

Once you have the circuit in place, upload the attached code onto the Arduino and open the serial monitor of the IDE.

Step 4: Adding the LCD

Modify the circuit to add an LCD as shown in the picture. Edit the code so that it uses the screen as output.

Step 5: Demo

All done! Power up you circuit and give it a try.

Here is a demo of the project. It is powered using a Voltaic 6W Solar Charger Kit. If you don't have one, you can use any 5V power supply. But I recommend you get one. It's perfect for Arduino Porjects

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