Smoke Detector

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi,

My idea is to make my own smoke detector. I already have a MQ2 sensor on my part list. Somewhere I read that a MQ2 sensor isn't always reliable, but you want a smoke detector to be reliable, so that's why you might consider multiple sensors.

I also have a MQ7 sensor on my list, so I'm considering to combine the MQ2 and 7 to only raise the alarm when both measure 'smoke'. Not really sure about that yet, as I'm still looking about/if smoke always contains carbon monoxide.

Except for the MQ2, what other sensors etc can I use to make my smoke detector reliable?
I know I can use a temperature sensor, but I think that there isn't always a higher temperature when there's smoke (especially not at the beginning of a fire).

I'd love to hearing back from you guys!
Thanks!

2

You can get a "reliable-enough" battery operated smoke detector, (optionally) remove it's loudly piezo speaker and read in arduino the speaker's output to sense when the smoke alarm is triggered.

3

blimpyway:
You can get a "reliable-enough" battery operated smoke detector, (optionally) remove it's loudly piezo speaker and read in arduino the speaker's output to sense when the smoke alarm is triggered.

Hmm, I just found out 9V isn't really reliable as it only has a battery duration of max 2 days. I also see that with some AA batteries it won't be months either. How can I power my arduino reliably to use it as smoke detector?

5

MichaelW1998:
Hmm, I just found out 9V isn't really reliable as it only has a battery duration of max 2 days. I also see that with some AA batteries it won't be months either. How can I power my arduino reliably to use it as smoke detector?

Well you said MQ2 isn't reliable, I took it doesn't detect smoke reliably.

I mentioned the battery-operated consumer devices since they are sold as life-saving stuff.

You can use whatever power source you want. Nobody said you have to power the arduino from the same battery that normally powers the smoke detector. if you have no other option than to use the 9V block battery, searching for "Low power arduino" will reveal tips on how to extend battery life to months. Or use a bigger battery or 9V power adapter for both.