Repurpose devices as Arduino-ready modules

Most individuals have a basic consciousness of how economies of scale play into the price of merchandise; a bespoke, handcrafted vase goes to price much more than a mass-produced vase bought within the tens of millions. However the ramifications of that idea could be actually counterintuitive with regards to digital items. In some instances, a complete gadget can price much less to buy than only one element in that gadget. In a brand new video for element14 Presents, Clem Mayer demonstrates the best way to repurpose these elements to be used with Arduino boards.

You possibly can, in fact, buy naked elements or modules designed to be Arduino-compatible. However harvesting elements from different units could be an effective way to save cash — particularly if these units are e-waste with out worth.

On this case, Mayer tore right into a keychain breathalyzer. That could be a quite simple gadget that can illuminate certainly one of three LEDs to point a basic blood alcohol content material (BAC) vary. Mayer pulled its circuit board and modified it to work with an Arduino MKR WiFi 1010. The alcohol vapor sensor is analog, so the Arduino can present a way more granular studying than the unique gadget’s three LEDs.

The conversion course of was simple and solely required two main adjustments. The primary was lowering present draw, so the Arduino may provide energy straight. Mayer achieved that by eradicating the LEDs, which have been drawing extra present than the rest. The second was to carry the working voltage all the way down to the three.3V required for the Arduino, which was straightforward to do with a voltage divider.

A keychain breathalyzer like the type Mayer used solely prices about $5. However an Arduino-ready alcohol sensor from a good model, like Adafruit, can price $15 or extra. So, you’ll be able to see how the economic system of scale makes the entire breathalyzer gadget a savvy selection and the identical applies to lots of different {hardware}.