Monday, September 3, 2012

Arduino Dormant Labs PH Shield Tutorial

UPDATE: This product has been replaced by its successor:
          http://rezaalihussain.blogspot.com/2014/04/measuring-ph-using-dormant-labs-ph.html

Here is a quick setup guide to help you get started measuring ph using arduino.

You will need:


1. Take your arduino and insert the ph shield on top of it.
2. Connect your PH Probe to the shield.

3. Download the Arduino Dormant Labs PH Shield Sketch , open it in the arduino IDE, and then upload. If you do not have the Arduino IDE installed, go to the Arduino site. Make sure you are using arduino IDE 1.0 or higher.

4. After uploading, open the serial monitor. The button is in the top right hand side of the Arduino IDE. It should start showing scrolling text similar to below. Don't worry about the values yet, they will be correct once we calibrate the ph probe. Leave this serial monitor window open on your computer.


5. Pour the 7.0 calibration solution into one cup, the 4.0 calibration solution into a second cup, and tap water into the third.
6. Start by rinsing your ph probe in the tap water.
7. Now immerse the tip of the probe into your 7.0 calibration solution. Swirl it around for 10 seconds, then press the calibrate button on the ph shield.

8. Now re-rinse the probe in the water.
9. Now immerse the probe in the 4.0 calibration fluid, swirl around for 10 seconds, and then press the calibrate button.
10. Your ph shield is now calibrated! The serial monitor in the arduino ide now will show correct information. You can now alter the sketch however you like. 

23 comments:

  1. Hello,

    Thanks for posting this tutorial. Could you use any of the probes that you listed for measuring pH in soil?

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    1. Hello, you can measure the ph of soil with those probe by using a 'soil solution' (mixing soil with water and then measuring). You might be able to use this however. http://www.getbluelab.com/shop/Bluelab+Soil+pH+Probe.html

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  2. CAN I USE THIS WITH A NANO AND A MEGA OR IS IT JUST FOR THE UNO?

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    1. Hello, you can use it with UNO and Mega, I am working on a new version that will be compatible with all microcontrollers

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  3. Hi! I got one set up. But how do I connect the LCD shield like the one shown with the LCD 5110 shield? I am flywiring it with sparkfun LCD. Could you please advice ASAP? Thank you very much!

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    1. Hello, can you link the lcd that you are using?

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    2. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9054

      This is the LCD that I am using. I did try to configure it to work somehow, but I can't figure out how to make it display calibration status or instructions...

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    3. The program appears to be related to temperature... does it require a temperature sensor also? If so how is it connected to it?

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    4. Hello, the board has an onboard temperature sensor that measures ambient temp.

      You should start by printing out what goes to the arduino console to the lcd and then work up from there. Displaying calibration status, you would have to code that functionality.

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    5. I have been on the waiting list for one of these for several weeks now. how long till you start shipping out as i really can't wait much longer and will have to purchase from some other supply?

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    6. Hello John,

      You should purchase from another supply if your project is time critical. Version 1 of this module will not re-enter production. Version 2 is still in the R&D phase.

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    7. Can you tell me about the V2 What extras it has ?
      Also the R1 has a temperature sensor does this measure the outside air temperature or the water temperature?
      last Q how long till the V2 is out ?
      Thanks

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    8. The Planned List For V2 is
      -I2C communication
      -Higher precision / Noise immunity
      -Galvanic isolation
      -Module form factor instead of shield

      V1 has an ambient air temperature sensor.

      I can't say when V2 will be out, a conservative estimate is sometime in Jan or Feb 2014.

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    9. V2 has entered production as of mid february 2014, I'm just waiting to get them in my hands now.

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  4. Thanks so much for your documentation on this, best I have found so far. I was wondering if you had any experience setting up the PH readings output to a web server or a spreadsheet for future use?

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    Replies
    1. Hello Miles,

      I do know how, and plan to make a tutorial this weekend if everything goes right :)

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    2. Well I guess I am still waiting for my parts to arrive

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  5. pesky parts :)
    Mine are arriving next week. Hopefully things go well.

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  6. Hey Reza!
    I remember a while back you had a post using the pH Shield in conjunction with an old peristaltic pump to control dosing (pH) levels. I have been looking for it and I haven't been able to find it in your archives. Is there anyway I could take a look at that tutorial again?
    Thank you for time and efforts. Great work!
    Best,
    Eric

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Eric!

      yes, it should be right here: http://rezaalihussain.blogspot.com/2013/02/diy-arduino-ph-controller-tutorial.html

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    2. Outstanding!
      Thanks again! : )

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  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  8. Hi, Reza. Congrats for this tutorial!
    I need to connect some ISE probes (nitrite/ammonia) to arduino via BNC, but so far I couldn`t find any BNC shield specific for this kind of probe.
    There was a generic one provided bu=y Practical MAker, but there aren`t not available anymore.
    Can you please recommend where can I find this BNC shield for arduino or tell if I can use this PH BNC shield?
    Thanks, Daniel

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