Pressure and Temperature Sensor

Goal: Develop a cost effective device that can simultaneously measure pressure and temperature for use with a variety of high school science labs. The device should be able to function as a stand alone measurement tool for simple measurements and/or be able to connect to a computer to output data real-time data graphically while generating a .csv file for later analysis.

Prototype v0.01

An [IMAGE] (https://www.dropbox.com/s/y8mp2ea1r3saoiz/Pressure%20temp%20LCD.jpg) of the first functional "proof-of-concept" device:

Brief description of capabilities for v0.01

• This device can measure ambient temperature, ambient pressure and output the results to computer via the Arduino serial monitor and an LCD connected to the device.
• Pressure of a container can be measured within 0.01 atm by connecting tubing to the container in question and tubing to the on-board pressure sensor.
• The temperature measurement is only ambient for now but will be replaced (as soon as the parts arrive) with a waterproof sensor that can be placed in a container (or system) to measure just the temp within that system.
• The LCD text can be customized. The display shown in the image is just an example
• The device can be powered with a USB cable and computer; or with an A/C adapter connected via the USB; or A/C cable for the arduino.

Parts List v0.01 The links are ONLY SUGGESTIONS for purchasing materials and may not be ideal. The devices were wired using the manufacturer datasheets found at Digikey.

Main Components

• [Arduino UNO R3] (http://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Rev-3-Uno-R3/dp/B006H06TVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345944672&sr=8-1&keywords=arduino)

• [Pressure Sensor (MPX4250AP)] (http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?x=0&y=0&lang=en&site=us&KeyWords=MPX4250AP)

• [Temperature Sensor (TMP37F)] (http://www.digikey.com/scripts/dksearch/dksus.dll?vendor=0&keywords=tmp37F)

• [LCD (16 x 2, LED backlit)] (http://www.futureelectronics.com/en/technologies/semiconductors/lcd-display-solutions/passive-displays/Pages/9303033-ACM1602K-FL-GTS-G-GN.aspx?IM=0) [LINK for help setting up the LCD] (https://github.com/Pioneer-Valley-Open-Science/pioneer-valley-open-science.github.com/wiki/Lcd)

Minor components

• [Breadboard] (http://www.amazon.com/microtivity-400-point-Experiment-Breadboard-Jumper/dp/B004RXKWDQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1345944770&sr=1-2&keywords=breadboard)
• resistor (10 ohm - 100 ohm, variety) - purchased from Radioshack
• potentiometer: purchased from Radioshack
• wires - purchased from radioshack
• [USB cable (A male - B male)] (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030301&p_id=5437&seq=1&format=2)

Software

• [Arduino IDE - required] (http://www.arduino.cc/)
• [Processing - for manipulating sensor measurements] (http://processing.org/)

Code v0.01 [Current Arduino code for v0.01] (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ixe6jl71fvnzmpk/Pressure_Temp_LCD_combo.ino)

Future updates

• add waterproof temp. probe
• place the device in a customizable box for protection/use in a classroom
• access to potentiometer to adjust LCD display contrast as situation dictates
• Software: real-time plotting software via processing v0.01
• Software: generate .csv via processing
• Develop a device for less $$$ than the current prototype