Arduino analog input and output

Difficult Level:

A. Introduction
The world is analog. And any inputs we can perceive are analog. For example, sounds are
analog signals; they are continuous time and continuous value. Our ears listen to analog
signals and we speak with analog signals. Images, pictures, and video are all analog at the
source and our eyes are analog sensors.

B. The analog in this Kit

An analog input pin can read a voltage level that ranges from the supply voltage of your
board 3.3 v (3.3V) down to 0 v (GND). The value returned to your program from reading the
pin is not the actual voltage value but a number that is between 0 and 1023. This is because
the microcontroller on the board is a digital system and must convert the analog signal at an
input pin to a digital number. The value representing the input voltage that is returned
is relative to the actual voltage level present at the pin.
Reading an analog input pin is quite simple. There’s just one block to does it which returns a
number that represents the input voltage level. The raindrop sensor is an analog quantity in
the kit. Now let’s read the raindrop sensor.

What you need?

• Arduino IDE software
• 1 x Arduino UNO R4 Wi-Fi
• 1 x USB 2.0 cable Type C
• 1 x Raindrop Sensor Module
• 3 x Female-Male Jumper wires

How to wiring circuit diagram?

Arduino UNO R4 WIFI Raindrop Sensor Module

3.3V VCC

GND GND

NC DO

A0 AO

You can look at the circuit connection diagram below to connect our own devices.
Then connect the computer with the Arduino UNO R4 WIFI, and open the Arduino IDE. Then
copy the code and upload it. It’s easy to know we need only read from the A0 pin.
#define AO_PIN A0 // Arduino's pin connected to AO pin of
the rain sensor

void setup() {
// initialize serial communication
Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
//read analog from A0 pin
int rainValue = analogRead(AO_PIN);

Serial.println(rainValue); // print out the analog value

delay(1000); // pause for 1 sec to avoid reading
sensors frequently to prolong the sensor lifetime
}
After upload finished we can get our answer from the serial monitor. (By put some water drops
on the sensor and dry it slowly, its value gradually increases)
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) transforms an analog signal to a digital one. In
the previous Arduino Uno board, the Arduino Uno R4 Wi-Fi updates the standard
resolution. You can use analogReadResolution() to update the standard resolution to
12-bit or 14-bit resolutions. The standard resolution on Arduino boards is typically set
to 10-bit (0-1023).

This means that it will map input voltages between 0 and the operating voltage (5V or
3.3V) into integer values between 0 and 1023 (0-4095 for 12 bits, 0-16383 for 14
bits). At 10-bit resolution, for example, this yields a resolution between readings of: 5
volts / 1024 units or, 0.0049 volts (4.9 mV) per unit.

You can modify your code to read the data more accurately based on the information
below.

C. Moisture Sensor
The work principle of a moisture sensor's analog output is based on the variation of
conductivity or resistance in the sensor's probes as they come into contact with the moisture
content in the soil or other material being measured. Here's how it generally works:

⚫ Sensor Construction: A moisture sensor typically consists of two or more metal probes
 or electrodes embedded in a material that can absorb moisture, such as soil. These
probes are connected to the sensor circuitry.

⚫ Conductivity Variation: When the sensor probes are inserted into the soil, they come
into contact with the moisture content. Moisture in the soil enhances its conductivity,
allowing electric current to flow more easily between the probes.

⚫ Analog Output: The sensor measures the conductivity between its probes and generates
an analog voltage or current signal proportional to the moisture content. Higher
moisture levels result in higher conductivity and thus a higher analog output signal, while
lower moisture levels result in lower conductivity and a lower analog output signal.

⚫ Calibration: To convert the analog output signal to a meaningful moisture level, the
sensor may need to be calibrated. This calibration process typically involves correlating
the analog output signal with known moisture levels in the material being measured. This
calibration can be done empirically by testing the sensor in different moisture conditions
and recording the corresponding analog output values.

⚫ Signal Processing: Once calibrated, the analog output signal can be processed by a
microcontroller or other control system to determine the moisture level. This processing
may involve scaling the analog signal, applying calibration factors, and possibly filtering
out noise or other unwanted signals.

⚫ Display or Action: Finally, the moisture level information derived from the analog output
signal can be displayed on a screen, used to trigger actions such as activating irrigation
systems, or transmitted wirelessly to other devices for further processing or monitoring.

Overall, the analog output of a moisture sensor provides a convenient and relatively simple
way to measure and monitor the moisture content in soil or other materials, making it useful
for applications such as agriculture, gardening, and environmental monitoring.

Demo code
Open a new sketch on Arduino IDE, and typing following code, or write your own.
and use the same way to upload the code to Arduino board.
#define MOISTURE_SENSOR A1 // Arduino's pin connected to AO
pin of the moisture sensor

void setup() {
// initialize serial communication
Serial.begin(9600);
analogReadResolution(14); //default to 10-bit resolution
}
void loop() {
//read analog from A1 pin
int moisture_value = analogRead(MOISTURE_SENSOR);

Serial.println(moisture_value); //print out value

delay(1000); // pause for 1 sec to avoid reading sensors
}

To test the moisture sensor, first ensure that the code has been uploaded to the
microcontroller and the sensor is correctly wired according to the provided instructions.
Once everything is set up, place the sensor probes into the soil or other material you wish
to test. Then, observe the readings either through the serial monitor or any output method
specified in the code. If the sensor is functioning properly, you should see readings
corresponding to the moisture level of the soil. Additionally, you can simulate changes in
moisture levels by adding or removing water from the soil and observing how the sensor
readings respond. This will help verify that the code accurately reflects changes in moisture
content.

When you open serial monitor, you will see following figure, put moisture sensor into the soil
and watering the soil, observe the data changes.

Congratulations! By successfully testing the demo code, you've taken the first step towards
exploring the exciting world of sensor technology. Now, I encourage you to take your learning
journey a step further by diving into the code and experimenting with it. Building your own
code based on the demo code is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding and creativity
in electronics and programming. Don't hesitate to modify parameters, add new features, or
integrate additional sensors to tailor the code to your specific needs or project ideas. Embrace
the opportunity to innovate and create something truly unique. Happy coding!