Water level sensor

Hello all,

My project requires me to create a water level measurement device that can store values to be retrieved at a later date. I also need to be able to check levels remotely (contact the device and receive an SMS with the level).

I have bought the Arduino mega 2560, a simcom sim900 GSM shield and a maxbotix MB7360 ultrasonic sensor.

My understanding of writing code for this is almost non-existant. So any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I was also wondering if anyone had created anything similar?

Thanks.

If you are new to Arduino programming study several of the examples that come with the IDE. I'm sure there will be many that illustrate relevant techniques. Make a copy of some of the examples and learn how to modify them.

Study the datasheet for your ultrasonic sensor.

Start by thinking about your project as several separate parts and write short sketches that just do one thing - for example reading data from the sensor or sending SMS messages. Only think about joining them up into a comprehensive project when know how do do each piece.

...R

interesting group of components, did you attempt to define the project before buying them?

what distance do you need to work ?

I did not see any mention of a data logging module. how often do you need to measure ? and how long do you need to keep data ? if you are in constant contact, you can store on your PC, if you are only going once a day, you might want to data log.

a suggestion to get you started, google your parts and add arduino

MB7360 arduino

will yield results that will have ties to the arduino.

as for code, jeffrey blum has some tutorials on youtube. not great but his first few help with a beginner on how to write a program. he skims over some stuff, so if you get lost, look elsewhere to fill in the gaps.

I would offer that you should sketch out the process

read level
store data
send data

then write the code for each section, test it, verify it, then attack the next section.

as for reading data, you might want to integrate your readings.

you get to create registers and name them, as you will find out by using the examples in the software.

move data in register 4 into register5, move data in register 3 into register 4, move data from register 2 into register3, move data from register 1 into register 2
take a reading, move data into register 1

average registers 1,2,3,4,5 divide by 5
transmit data.

if you want to data log, with an SD data logging shield, get the full shield, not a mini module

buy from Adafruit or sparkfun that have forums for their stuff. you get actual schematics and help !

the mini modules are 3.3volt the arduino is probably 5 volt and are not comparable.

This might help or at least give you an idea...
http://lifeboat.co.nz/the-finished-wireless-water-sensor/