Introduction
Ensuring water quality is a critical aspect of various applications, from agriculture to water treatment. One vital parameter to monitor is the pH level of water, as it indicates its acidity or alkalinity. In this tutorial, we’ll learn how to build a system using an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, a pH sensor, and Firebase Real-time Database to continuously monitor water pH levels and store the data for analysis.
Components Used
1. ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module: This module enables our system to connect to the internet and communicate with Firebase.
2. PH Sensor: A sensor specifically designed to measure the pH level of liquids.
3. Arduino Board: We’ll use an Arduino board (such as Arduino Uno) as the microcontroller to interface with the pH sensor and ESP8266.
4. Jumper Wires: These wires will help us connect the components on the breadboard.
5. Breadboard: Provides a platform for prototyping and connecting the components.
Circuit Setup
Begin by connecting the pH sensor to the Arduino board according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, connect the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module to the Arduino board. Make sure all connections are secure and double-check the wiring before proceeding.
Setting Up Firebase Real-time Database
1. Create a Firebase account if you haven’t already done so.
2. Start a new Firebase project and enable Real-time Database.
3. Take note of your Firebase project credentials, including the database URL and authentication token.
Now, let’s write the Arduino sketch to read pH values from the sensor and send them to Firebase.
1. Include the necessary libraries for interfacing with the pH sensor and ESP8266.
2. Configure the ESP8266 to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Implement Firebase authentication and data transmission protocols in the Arduino sketch.
4. Write code to read pH values from the sensor and send them to Firebase at regular intervals.
Testing and Results
Upload the Arduino sketch to the Arduino board and monitor the serial output to ensure the pH sensor is providing accurate readings. Check the Firebase Real-time Database dashboard to verify that pH values are being stored correctly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we’ve successfully built a system that monitors water pH levels using an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, a pH sensor, and Firebase Real-time Database. This system can be deployed in various settings, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, or environmental monitoring, to ensure optimal water quality and safety.