In this project we are going to learn how to use the HC-SR04 PING))) ultrasonic sensor to measure distance. This sensor is also often used on robots to detect obstacles.

Difficulty level: Easy

Time needed: ±10 minutes

Step 1: Things You'll Need

HC-SR04 PING sensor (x1)

Arduino UNO (x1)

LCD 16x2 (x1)

9V battery + dc adaptor (x1)

Potentiometer 10kΩ (x1)

Set of jumper wires

Step 2: Plug the PING Sensor and LCD

HC-SR04

GND (pin 1) to potentiometer (left pin)

VCC (pin 2) to potentiometer (right pin)

VO (pin 3) to potentiometer (center pin)

RS (pin 4) to arduino digital pin 12

RW (pin 5) to potentiometer (left pin)

E (pin 6) to arduino digital pin 11

D4 (pin 11) to arduino digital pin 5

D5 (pin 12) to arduino digital pin 4

D6 (pin 13) to arduino digital pin 3

D7 (pin 14) to arduino digital pin 2

Potentiometer

left pin to arduino GND

right pin ro arduino 5V

PING Sensor

VCC to arduino 5V

Trig to arduino digital pin 7

Echo to arduino digital pin 6

9V battery

To arduino DC power socket

Step 3: Upload the Code

simple_distance_measuring_device.ino
Download

Step 4: Have Fun! Show It to Your Friends :)

Yay! you have finished making your own measuring device. Now you can measure things without using a ruler! You can adjust the LCD brightness using the potentiometer. Feel free to give comments or ask questions and stay tune for my next project ; )