The photoresistor is a typical device for analog inputs and it is used in a very similar way to a potentiometer. Its resistance value depends on the intensity of the light, the stronger the irradiated light, the smaller its resistance value; conversely, it increases.
Required Components
In this project, we need the following components.
It's definitely convenient to buy a whole kit, here's the link:
| Name | ITEMS IN THIS KIT | LINK |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in 1 Starter Kit | 380+ |
You can also buy them separately from the links below.
| COMPONENT INTRODUCTION | PURCHASE LINK |
|---|---|
cpn_uno |
|
cpn_breadboard |
|
cpn_wires |
|
cpn_resistor |
|
cpn_photoresistor |
Schematic
In this circuit, the 10K resistor and the photoresistor are connected in series, and the current passing through them is the same. The 10K resistor acts as a protection, and the pin A0 reads the value after the voltage conversion of the photoresistor.
When the light is enhanced, the resistance of the photoresistor decreases, then its voltage decreases, so the value from pin A0 will increase; if the light is strong enough, the resistance of the photoresistor will be close to 0, and the value of pin A0 will be close to 1023. At this time, the 10K resistor plays a protective role, so that 5V and GND are not connected together, resulting in a short circuit.
If you place the photoresistor in a dark situation, the value of pin A0 will decrease. In a dark enough situation, the resistance of the photoresistor will be infinite, and its voltage will be close to 5V (the 10K resistor is negligible), and the value of pin A0 will be close to 0.
Wiring
Code
Note
- Open the
4.2.feel_the_light.inofile under the path of3in1-kit\basic_project\4.2.feel_the_light. - Or copy this code into Arduino IDE.
- Or upload the code through the Arduino Web Editor.
After the code is uploaded successfully, the serial monitor prints out the photoresistor values. The stronger the current ambient brightness, the larger the value displayed on the serial monitor.