Let's Workshop: Keyestudio Ambient Light Sensor Module

Here is a quick introduction to using the Keyestudio ambient light sensor module. Hopefully it will provide you with the confidence to integrate light sensing into your project.

This example will demonstrate the use of an Arduino UNO in monitoring an analog pin over the range of light levels that an TEMT6000 sensor responds to.

Components

• 1pcs Arduino UNO or Compatible - LCAA100005
• 1pcs Keyestudio Ambient Light Sensor Module - BDAA100018
• 3pcs Male to Female Jumper Cables - GBAA100002

Wiring

Wire the one of the two boards to the Arduino as can be seen in the images below, taking care to match the pin numbers.

Coding

The code consists of a definition, setup and loop. First the A0 pin is assigned followed by a variable to store the value read. This allows easier use later in your program. A setup informs the system that the pin is an input is an input and then launches the serial connection. Next we enter the loop, where the value on the pin is read and stored in the variable declared earlier. Following that we send it to the serial monitor so that the value can be read on the screen.

Load the code below into the Arduino IDE and upload it to your board.

/*
  A simple program designed to setup and demonstrate the Keyestudio Ambient Light Sensor Module - BDAA100018.
 
  The program monitors a connected analog pin and outputs the value to the
  serial monitor.
  
  modified 16th October 2019
  by Sebastian Karam - Flux Workshop
*/
int analogApin = 0; // define OUT signal pin
int analogA; // define variable to store value read from pin
  
void setup() {
  pinMode(analogApin, INPUT); // set the OUT signal pin as an input
  Serial.begin(9600); // launch the serial monitor
  Serial.println("Flux Workshop Example");
}
 
void loop() {
  analogA = analogRead(analogApin);  // read the voltage level on the A0
  Serial.println((String)"Ambient Light level: " + analogA); // send the result to the serial monitor
  delay(200); // pause for a moment before repeating
}

Running

With the board loaded with the program and all the connections made the serial monitor will produce an output like the one seen below. In this case the sensor is facing a bright window before it is covered by a my hand. I then repeat this time just waving across the sensor. You can see the gentler change.

What to try next?

• Use the output to monitor sunrise and sunset.
• To avoid excessive polling you may wish to only check occasionally, or maybe investigate interrupts.