Introduction: Easy RPM Counter | Arduino & IR Sensor

By Random Stuff We Make!
About: Bringing Fiction to Reality.

This project uses an infrared (IR) sensor pair to measure the speed of a rotating object and visually represents this speed through the number of illuminated LEDs on a NeoPixel ring. As the object rotates faster, more LEDs light up.


Supplies

  • Arduino (Uno, Nano, Mega, or any compatible board)
  • 16 LED NeoPixel Ring
  • IR transmitter and receiver pair (IR sensor pair)
  • Breadboard and jumper wires
  • 5V Power supply for NeoPixel Ring (if required by your setup)
  • Resistors for IR sensor pair if needed (refer to your sensor's datasheet)
  • Arduino IDE for programming

Step 1: Design the Circuit

  • Connect the NeoPixel Ring's data input pin to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., pin 6).
  • Connect the NeoPixel Ring's power (+5V) and ground (GND) pins to the Arduino's 5V and GND.
  • Connect the IR receiver's output pin to another digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., pin 2) for detecting pulses.
  • Ensure the IR transmitter is positioned to shine directly at the receiver, with the rotating object interrupting the beam.

Step 2: Arduino Code

  • Install Libraries: Open the Arduino IDE, go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries..., and install the Adafruit NeoPixel library.
  • Upload the code.

Attachments