HIGH PRECISION LIQUID LEVEL ALARM

The need to monitor water levels with high precision is essential in projects such as school gardens, plant germination, and smart irrigation systems. In this instructable, along with the video link, I will teach you how to create a simple but highly accurate circuit using the VL53X0L sensor and a Raspberry Pi Pico. This system is ideal for ensuring an adequate water supply in educational or agricultural projects, helping to avoid waste and optimizing the use of water resources. With this solution, you will be able to measure water levels in real time and maintain ideal conditions for the healthy growth of your plants. Find out how to do it easily and practically!

Materials needed:

Raspberry Pi Pico with soldered pins.

LCD1602 display (preferably with I2C module to simplify connections).

VL53L0X sensor.

LEDs (red, green, yellow, etc.).

Resistors (330 Ω for the LEDs and depending on the circuit).

Dupont cables and breadboard.

Below I'll detail the steps to connect an LCD1602 display, some LEDs and a VL53L0X sensor to a Raspberry Pi Pico:

Connection diagram:

1. LCD1602 display with I2C module:

VCC of the I2C module → 5V(OUT) pin of the Pi Pico.

GND → GND pin of the Pi Pico.

SDA → GP26 pin (I2C0 SDA).

SCL → GP27 pin (I2C0 SCL).

2. VL53L0X sensor:

VIN → 3V3(OUT) pin of the Pi Pico.

GND → GND pin of the Pi Pico.

SDA → GP16 pin (I2C1 SDA).

SCL → GP17 pin (I2C1 SCL).

3. LEDs:

Connect the anode (long leg) of the LED to a GPIO pin (e.g., GP19, GP20, GP21).

Connect the cathode (short leg) to a 330 Ω resistor and then to GND.

Red LED: GP16.

Yellow LED: GP17.

Green LED: GP18.

Install the necessary libraries for I2C and the VL53L0X sensor. Use micropython-i2c-lcd for the display and a compatible library for the sensor.

Configure the Raspberry Pi Pico to use the GPIO pins as per the schematic. Download the main.py executor in thonny, remember to have the board configured in the rapsberry pi pico interpreter

This innovative liquid level alarm project would not have been possible without the invaluable support of JustWay, our official sponsor. JustWay is a leading brand in the development and distribution of high-quality electronic and technological products, designed to meet the needs of enthusiasts, makers, and industry professionals.

Among its featured products are electronic modules, precision sensors such as the VL53L0X, development boards such as the Raspberry Pi Pico, and a wide range of components ideal for educational projects, IoT, and industrial applications. In addition, JustWay is characterized by its commitment to innovation and accessibility, offering cutting-edge solutions at competitive prices.

Their support for this project reflects their mission to promote technological learning and foster sustainable solutions that benefit both communities and the environment. If you are looking for materials to take your ideas to the next level, do not hesitate to visit their official page: JustWay.

link https://www.justway.com/

With JustWay, technology has no limits. Thank you for being part of this project and for believing in the transformative power of education and innovation!