Sensors
IR (Infrared) sensor tuned to 38KHz, perfect for receiving commands from a TV remote control. Runs at 3V to 5V so it's great for use on the Raspberry Pi!
To use, connect pin 3 (all the way to the right) to 5V power, pin 2 (middle) to ground and listen on pin 1. It doesn't do any decoding of the signal, just passes the 'raw data' along.
- Carrier Frequency: 38kHz
- Transmission Range: 45m
- Directivity: 45°
- Supply Voltage Min: 2.5V
- Supply Voltage Max: 5.5V
- Supply Current: 350µA
- Opto Case Style: Through Hole
- Operating Temperature Min: -25°C
- Operating Temperature Max: 85°C
- Packaging: Each
- Operating Temperature Range: -25°C to 85°C
- SVHC: No SVHC (16-Dec-2013)
- Supply Voltage Range: 2.5V to 5.5V
- Manufacturer: VISHAY MINICAST AGC2
What's in the box?
1x Infrared Receiver
Resources
- Using an IR remote with a Raspberry Pi
IR sensor with filter at 38KHz, perfect for receiving commands from a TV remote control. Runs from 2.7V to 5.5VDC so it's great for any microcontroller, which include Arduino running at 3.3V or 5.0V, and of course include Raspberry Pi which run at 3.3V.
To use, connect pin 3 (all the way to the right) to 5V power, pin 2 (middle) to ground and listen on pin 1. It doesn't do any decoding of the signal, just passes the 'raw data' along. Check the VS1838B datasheet for more details.
- IR Remote Control Receiver
- Built-in Filter at 38KHz
- Wide operating voltage range: 2.7V to 5.5VDC
- Compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi
- Simple interface to use it
What's in the box?
1 x infrared receiver
This one's great, as it can be powered via the Raspberry Pi's 5V output, and be read directly from the Raspberry Pi's GPIO input (as the sensor has a digital 3.3V output!)
This PIR includes an adjustable delay before firing (approx 0.5 - 200 seconds), has adjustable sensitivity and two M2 mounting holes! It runs on 4.5V-20V power (or 3V by bypassing the regulator with a bit of soldering) and has a digital signal output (3.3V) high, 0V low. Its sensing range is up to 7 meters in a 100 degree cone.
Specifications
- Input Voltage: 4.5V - 20V
- Current Draw: <50µA
- Digital Output: 3.3V (High)
- Digital Output: 0V (Low)
- Working Temperature: -15°C to 70°C
- Delay Time: 0.5 - 200 Seconds
- Sensing Angle: 100° Cone
- Range 5m - 7m
Dimensions
- Sensor Lens Diameter: 23mm
- Length: 24.03mm
- Width: 32.34mm
- Height (with lens): 24.66mm
- Centre screw hole distance: 28mm
- Screw hole diameter: 2mm (M2)
What's in the box?
1x HC-SR501 Motion Sensor
Resources
The only downside is they use the Dallas 1-Wire protocol, which is somewhat complex, and requires a bunch of code to parse out the communication. If you want something really simple, and you have an analog input pin, the TMP36 is trivial to get going.
We toss in a 4.7k resistor, which is required as a pullup from the DATA to VCC line when using the sensor.
Cable specs
- Stainless steel tube 6mm diameter by 30mm long
- Cable is 36" long / 91cm, 4mm diameter
- Contains DS18B20 temperature sensor
- If your sensor has four wires - Red connects to 3-5V, Black connects to ground and White is data. The copper wire is soldered to the wire shielding
- If your sensor has three wires - Red connects to 3-5V, Blue/Black connects to ground and Yellow/White is data
DS18B20 Technical specs:
- Usable temperature range: -55 to 125°C (-67°F to 257°F)
- 9 to 12 bit selectable resolution
- Uses 1-Wire interface- requires only one digital pin for communication
- Unique 64 bit ID burned into chip
- Multiple sensors can share one pin
- ±0.5°C Accuracy from -10°C to 85°C
- Temperature-limit alarm system
- Query time is less than 750ms
- Usable with 3.0V to 5.5V power/data
What's in the box?
1 x DS18B20 Digital temperature sensor
1 x 4.7k resistor
Resources
Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson: DS18B20 Temperature Sensing
There are only four pins that you need to worry about on the HC-SR04: VCC (Power), Trig (Trigger), Echo (Receive), and GND (Ground). You will find this sensor very easy to set up and use for your next range-finding project!
Specifications
- Model: HC-SR04
- Color: Blue Silver
- Working voltage : 5V(DC)
- Static current: Less than 2mA.
- Output signal: Electric frequency signal, high level 5V, low level 0V.
- Sensor angle: Not more than 15 degrees.
- Detection distance: 2cm~450cm.
- High precision: Up to 3mm
- Mode of connection: VCC / trig(T) / echo(R) / GND
- Module Working Principle:
- Adopt IO trigger through supplying at least 10us sequence of high level signal
- The module automatically send eight 40khz square wave and automatically detect whether it receive the returning pulse signal
What's in the box?
1 x HC-SR04 distance sensor
Resources
A good tutorial available at ThePiHut.
https://thepihut.com/blogs/raspberry-pi-tutorials/hc-sr04-ultrasonic-range-sensor-on-the-raspberry-pi
Read the Docs
Specifications
- Operating voltage: 3.3V~5V.
- Adjustable sensitivity (blue digital potentiometer adjustment)
- Dual output mode, analog output more accurate.
- A fixed bolt hole for easy installation.
- Power indicator (red) and digital switching output indicator (green).
- LM393 comparator chip, stable.
- PCB Dimension: 3cm x 1.5cm.
- Soil Probe Dimension: 6cm x 2cm.
- Cable Length: 21cm.
Connections
VCC: 3.3V-5V.
GND: GND.
DO: digital output interface (0 and 1).
AO: analog output interface.
What's in the box?
1 x Soil moisture detector module
1 x Probe
5 x Jumper Cables
Resources
Setup with Raspberry Pi
The DHT11 sensor can either be purchased as a sensor or as a module. Either way, the performance of the sensor is the same. The sensor will come as a 4-pin package out of which only three pins will be used whereas the module will come with three pins as shown below. The only difference between the sensor and module is that the module will have a filtering capacitor and pull-up resistor inbuilt so that you can just simply connect wires and start your project!

Pinout Configuration
- Vcc: Power supply 3.5V to 5.5V
- Signal: Outputs both Temperature and Humidity through serial Data
- Ground: Connected to the ground of the circuit
Features
- With calibrated digital signal output
- Adopt special digital module acquisition technology and temperature and humidity sensing technology to ensure high reliability and excellent long-term stability.
- The sensor is composed of a resistance liquid contact element and an NTC temperature measuring element and is connected to a high-performance 8-bit microcontroller. Therefore, the product has the advantages of high quality, ultra-fast response, strong anti-interference ability, and high-cost performance.
- The single-wire serial interface makes system integration simple and fast. Ultra-small size, low power consumption, and a signal transmission distance of more than 20 meters make it the best choice for any application, even the most demanding ones. The product is easy to connect and can be plugged directly into the sensor expansion board.
Application
- Measure temperature and humidity
- Widely used for IoT projects
- Local Weather station
- Automatic climate control
- Environment monitoring
Specifications
- Operating Voltage: 3.0V to 5.5V
- Operating current: 0.3mA (measuring) 60uA (standby)
- Output: Serial data
- Temperature Range: 0°C to 50°C
- Humidity Range: 20% to 90%
- Resolution: Temperature and Humidity both are 16-bit
- Accuracy: ±1°C and ±1%
What's in the box?
1 x DHT11 Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor Module
Resources
- How to setup a DHT11 with your Raspberry Pi.
- DHT 11 Datasheet
- https://github.com/adafruit/DHT-sensor-library
This infrared obstacle/object detection sensor is super easy to use. It comes with a potentiometer to adjust the sensitivity. The output is a digital signal so it is easy to interface with any microcontroller such as Maker UNO, Mega, Leornado, Zero, 101, or even the Raspberry Pi or Raspberry Pi Zero. This infrared sensor offers simple, user-friendly, and fast obstacle detection via infrared reflection, it is non-contact detection. As it is based on light reflection, the detection varies with different surfaces. And any infrared source might also interfere with the detection.
It comes in a pair of Infrared emitter and receiver at the front of the module, whenever an object blocks the infrared source, it reflects the infrared and the receiver gets it and the signal goes through a comparator circuit on board. Depending on the threshold that is being adjusted, it will output logic LOW at the output pin and the green LED will light up to indicate the detection. Turning the onboard potentiometer clockwise will increase the sensitivity and further increase the detection range. Compatible with 5V or 3.3V power input.
Note: Please make sure that there is a gap between the emitter and the receiver so that the sensor can work properly.
Specifications
- Working voltage : 3.3V – 5V DC
- Working current : ≥ 20mA
- Working temperature : -10°C – 50°C
- Detection distance : 2cm – 40cm
- IO interface : 4-wire interface (-/ /S/EN)
- Output signal : TTL level (low level if obstacle detected, high if no obstacle)
- Adjustment method : multi-turn resistance adjustment
- IR pulse frequency : 38kHz
- Effective angle : 35°
- Board Size : 1.6cm x 4cm
- Weight : 9g
What's in the box?
1 x Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor
Resources
Video:
Description:
A DC-to-DC converter is an electronic circuit or electromechanical device that converts a source of direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another. It is a type of electric power converter.
Ideal for reading high 5V sensors on your SBC or Microcontrollers, or sending signals to 5V input devices
Specifications:
- Mutual conversion between 3V and 5V, It's convenient for PI connected to external 5V sensors or modules
- Supports total of 8 channels
- Range of voltage converted: 1.8V~6VDC
How to Use:
In the case of translating between 3.3V and 5V system:
VCCA connects to 3.3V power supply
VCCB connects to 5V power supply
GND connects to power negative pole respectively, the two power supply should be common-grounded with each other
When Ax has 3.3V input, Bx will get 5V output
When Bx has 5V input, Ax will get 3.3V output
NO direction control required
What's in the box?:
1 x Voltage Converter Module
You are purchasing a fantastic set of components to get you started! You can
measure light, time, magnetic fields, temperature, humidity...you can measure sound and create sound, you can measure tilt and user input! All of these components are presented on easy to access boards and allow you to connect them rapidly to the Arduino or Raspberry Pi, RP2040 Pico, ESP board.
Specifications
Product Dimensions: 10.63 x 7.09 x 1.73 inches
Item Weight: 14.1 ounces
Number of modules: 37
What's in the box?
1 x XY JoyStick
1 x Relay
1 x Big Sound
1 x Small Microphone
1 x Tracking
1 x Avoid
1 x Flame
1 x Linear Hall
1 x Touch
1 x Digital Temperature
1 x Buzzer
1 x Passive Buzzer
1 x RGB LED
1 x SMD RGB
1 x 2-Color LED
1 x 2-Color
1 x Reed Switch
1 x Mini Reed
1 x Heartbeat
1 x 7 Color Flash
1 x Laser
1 x Button
1 x Shock
1 x Rotary Encoders
2 x Magic Cup
1 x Tilt Switch
1 x Ball Switch
1 x Photo resistor
1 x Temp and Humidity
1 x Analog Hall
1 x Hall Magnetic
1 x TEMP
1 x Analog Temp
1 x IR Emission
1 x IR Receiver
1 x Tap module
1 x Light Blocking
Resources
We found a nice tutorial that covers most of the sensors here
We found this article explaining what the sensors are used for: http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-37-in-1-Sensors-Kit-Explained/?ALLSTEPS
It uses dedicated digital module capture technology and temperature and humidity sensor technology to ensure that products has high reliability and excellent long-term stability. Sensor includes a capacitive humidity sensing element and a high-precision temperature measurement device, and with a high-performance 8-bit microcontroller connected. Therefore, the product has excellent quality, fast response, anti-interference ability, low cost and other advantages. Ultra-small size, low power consumption, signal transmission distance up to 20 meters. Making it the best choice for all kinds of applications and even the most demanding applications.
Applications
HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning), dehumidifiers, testing and inspection equipment, consumer goods, automotive, automation, data loggers, home appliances, humidity regulator, medical,weather stations, and other related humidity detection control.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 40 x 23mm
- Weight: 4g
- Working voltage: 3 V - 5.5 V
- Port: digital two-way single bus
- Temperature range: -40 to 80 °C ± 0.5 °C
- Humidity: 20 to 90% RH ± 2% RH
- Platform: Arduino, SBC
What's in the box?
1 x Sensor Module
Resources
How to setup a DHT22 with your Raspberry Pi.The resistor is already on the PCB so you can skip the breadboard part.
- Datasheet (DHT22)
Specifications
- 1.8V to 3.6V Supply Voltage
- Low power consumption - 0.5uA at 1Hz
- I2C interface
- Max I2C Speed: 3.5 MHz
- Very low noise - up to 0.02hPa (17cm)
- Fully calibrated
- Pressure Range: 300hPa to 1100hPa ( 9000m to -500m)
- Weight: 1.18g
- Size: 21mm x 18mm
What's in the box?
1 x BMP180 Digital Barometric Pressure Sensor Board Module
1 x Male to Male 4 pin header
Resources
Using the BMP180 with Raspberry Pi
LM393 Sound Detection Sensor Module for controller detects whether the sound has exceeded a threshold value. The sound is detected via a microphone and fed into an LM393 op-amp. The sound level setpoint is set via an onboard potentiometer.
Can be used for Acoustic control light; give sound and light alarm working with Photosensitive sensor
Note: The Maximum induction distance is 0.5M
- Main Chip: LM393, Electret condenser microphone
- Working Voltage: DC 4-6V
- Signal output indication
- Single channel signal output
- The output effective signal is low level
- When there is sound,output low level and the signal lights
What's in the box?
1 x LM393 Sound Detection Sensor
Resources
Find help with this sensor at https://www.instructables.com/id/Sound-Sensor-Raspberry-Pi/
The liquid level switch detects the rising level of liquid in a sump or tank. It can be connected to a micro controller. It can then be used to start/stop a pump which then pumps liquid in/out until the level of the liquid has been restored to the point where the pump is switched off again. The switch may be used in a pump station, a sensor, a tank alarm, or other devices.
Specifications
- Contact Rating: 10W
- Switching Voltage: 220V
- Switching Current: 0.5A
- Breakdown Voltage: 220VDC
- Carry Current: 1.0A
- Contact Resistance: 100mohm
What's in the box?
1 x Liquid Water level sensor
Resources
Python library
Introduction to Buttons and Switches
Types of buttons and switches
- This product is mainly used for water metering
- High amplitude ≥ 4.6V
- Low amplitude ≤ 0.5V
- Electric strength 1250V/min
- Insulation resistance ≥ 100MΩ
- Hydrostatic pressure testing ≤ 2.0Mpa
Specifications
- The lowest rated working voltage: DC4.5 5V-24V
- Maximum operating current: 15 mA (DC 5V)
- Working voltage range: DC 5~18 v
- Load capacity: ≤ 10 mA (DC 5V)
- Use temperature: ≤ 80°C
- Operating humidity range: 35%~90%RH (no frost)
- Allowing pressure: pressure 2.0Mpa
- Temperature: -25~ 80 °C
- External threads: 1/2"
- Outer diameter: 20mm
- Intake diameter: 9mm
- Outlet diameter: 12mm
Application
Water heaters, water vending machines, flow measurement
What's in the box?
1 x Water flow sensor
Resources
Flow sensor Wiki
An instructable on how to use the Flow Sensor with Arduino
Adafruit experiment connecting the Flow Sensor to a Raspberry Pi
https://www.ardumotive.com/water-flow-sensor-en.html
RPi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JXd-2_zJQ0
The sensor is supplied pre-wired with flying output leads.
Float switch is a used to sense the level of liquid within a tank, used to activate a pump, an indicator, an alarm or other device.
Use them with hydroponics, saltwater tanks, freshwater tanks, gardening, aquariums for power head control, pet bowls, fish tanks, filtration, heating, or what ever your project may be
Contains no mercury
Down float switch
Specifications
- Maximum Load: 50 W
- Max Switching Voltage: 100V DC
- Minimum Voltage: 250V DC
- Maximum Switching Current: 0.5 A
- Max Load Current: 1.0 A
- Max Contact Resistance: 0.4 Ω
- Temp Rating: -20~ 80℃
- Net Weight: 12g
- Material: PP
What's in the box?
1 x Liquid Float Switch
Resources

Python library
Introduction to Buttons and Switches
Types of buttons and switches
Hack this component to form part of your weather station.
Specifications
Sensor | 3-cup anemometer |
Measurement Description | Wind speed |
Range | 0 to 45 m/s (0 to 100 mph) |
Starting Threshold | 0.45 m/s (1.0 mph) |
Accuracy | 0.11 m/s (0.25 mph) or 1.5% |
Contact Rating | 10 mA (maximum) |
Operating Temperature Range | -50° to 70°C |
Distance Constant |
|
Cable Description | Quick-connect connector with vinyl jacketed, shielded cable |
What's in the box?
1 x Anemometer
Resources
MS wind vane as used in the Raspberry Pi foundation weather station project to measure wind direction.
Hack this component to form part of your weather station.
Specifications:
Range | 0 to 360° (352° electrical, 8° open) |
Accuracy | 1% of full scale |
Operating Voltage | 10-36 VDC |
Sensitivity | 1 m/s (2.2 mph) |
Resources:
View the project details here
And some more help here
Article specific to the wind vane only
We have used the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Distance Sensor many times and for many good reasons. It is pretty easy to use, it performs well, and it is very inexpensive. For collision avoidance robots or intruder detection, this sensor is usually all you’ll need.
However, using the HC-SR04 outside is a different story. It is a pretty fragile device and can easily be damaged by dirt, or even high winds. And, above all, it is not waterproof.
For these circumstances you can use this sensor, in more weathered states, even outdoors.
Specifications
- Operating voltage: DC 5V
- Total current work: 40mA
- Acoustic emission frequency: 40khz
- Maximum distance: 2m
- Blind: 25cm
- Resolution: about 0.5cm
- Angle: 70 degrees
- Working temperature: -10 ~ 70 ℃
- Storage temperature: -20 ~ 80 ℃
Wiring
5V (positive power supply)
Trig (control side) RX
Echo (the receiver) TX
GND (negative)
Product Features
- small size, easy to use;
- low voltage, low power consumption;
- high accuracy;
- strong anti-jamming;
- integrated with wire enclosed waterproof probe, suitable for wet, harsh measuring conditions.
Application
1 Horizontal distance;
2 obstacle avoidance, automatic control;
3 traffic control;
4 security, industrial control;
5 artificial intelligence, and research
What's in the box?
1 x DC 5V Waterproof Ultrasonic Module Distance Measuring Transducer Sensor
Resources
Sensor Usage
Basic working principle
(1) using IO port TRIG trigger location, to the high level signal of at least 10us;
(2) module automatically sends 8 40KHz pulse, automatic detecting whether a signal returns;
(3) on signal return, a high level is output through the IO port ECHO, the time duration of the high level is ultrasonic from launch to return. The test distance = (high level time * speed of sound (340M/S)) /2;
Features
- Size: 3.5 x 1cm
- Power supply: 5V DC
- Detector distance: 10mm
- Build-in Tcrt5000 Sensor NSOR
- Applicable to a variety of platforms including Arduino / AVR / ARM /PIC
What's in the box?
1 x Tracking Sensor Module
Resources
Build A Line-following robot