How to use a water level sensor with the Microbit board

Hello and welcome back! In this tutorial, we will learn how to use a water level sensor with the Microbit board. For this project, I’ve used an LCD screen to display the water level readings and the built-in buzzer to indicate when the water level is too high. You can customize these components as needed. For example, you could replace the LCD with an LED indicator or choose a different type of component. Also, I used the Microsoft MakeCode platform for this project, which is great for beginners as it allows us to create code easily with code block-based programming. The platform also gives you the option to switch to Python or JavaScript. When you are using Python or JavaScript codes, you can see the automatically generated code blocks. Also, you can use this knowledge for small water level monitoring and leakage detection projects. If you’d like to learn more about how the water level sensor works, please use this link.

• What is the Micro:bit board —  Click on me

OK let’s do it step by step. The required components are given below.

• Micro: bit V2 or V1 board x 1 — Our store / Amazon
• Micro: bit sensor shield x 1 — Our store / Amazon
• Water level sensor x 1 — Our Store / Amazon
• LCD screen x 1 — Our store / Amazon
• I2C module x 1 — Our store / Amazon
• Jumper wires — Our store / Amazon
• Keyestudio BBC Micro: bit starter kit — Click on me

Step 1

Firstly, identify these components.

Step 2

Secondly, connect the MicroBit board to the sensor shield.

Step 3

Thirdly, connect the I2C module and water level sensor to the sensor shield using the circuit diagram below.

Step 4

Next, connect the MicroBit board to the computer, then open the MakeCode website and create a new project.

Step 5

Afterward, install the LCD extension. Then, click the Python tab and copy and paste the following script into the window. You should now see the auto-generated code blocks.

• Python script and Circuit diagram — Download

value = 0
I2C_LCD1602.lcd_init(0)
I2C_LCD1602.show_string("Water Level", 0, 0)
I2C_LCD1602.show_string("Monitoring", 3, 1)
basic.pause(3000)
I2C_LCD1602.clear()

def on_forever():
    global value
    basic.clear_screen()
    value = pins.analog_read_pin(AnalogReadWritePin.P10)
    I2C_LCD1602.show_string("Water Level:", 0, 0)
    I2C_LCD1602.show_string("" + str(value) + " ", 12, 0)
    basic.pause(100)
    if value > 700:
        I2C_LCD1602.show_string("High", 0, 1)
        music.ring_tone(262)
    elif value < 700:
        I2C_LCD1602.show_string("Low ", 0, 1)
        music.stop_all_sounds()
basic.forever(on_forever)

Step 6

Now, connect the device to the computer. Finally, click the download button.

Step 7

Next, disconnect the USB cable and power the sensor shield with another power supply. I used two Li-ion batteries, but you can use a 9V battery or any other suitable power source.

Step 8

Finally, test the project with a cup of water. Enjoy the project! The full video guide is below. We hope to see you in the next project or tutorial. Have a great day!

How to use a water level sensor with the Microbit board