How to Make a Mini Oscilloscope at Home Using Arduino Nano

How to Make a Mini Oscilloscope at Home Using Arduino Nano

A mini oscilloscope is a great tool to have when you're trying to measure the output of an electronic circuit. An oscilloscope measures the voltage of an electronic signal as it changes over time, allowing you to see how your circuit works and identify any potential problems. In this guide, we'll show you how to make a mini oscilloscope at home using Arduino Nano.

Gathering Materials

You will need the following materials to build your mini oscilloscope:

• Arduino Nano
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires
• LCD display
• Potentiometer

Building the Circuit

Connect the Arduino Nano to the breadboard using the jumper wires. Then, connect the LCD display to the breadboard following the diagram below. Connect the potentiometer to the LCD display to adjust the contrast. Finally, connect the external voltage source to the circuit so that it can be measured.

Writing the Sketch

Now it's time to write the sketch that will be used to control the oscilloscope. In the Arduino IDE, create a new sketch and paste the following code:

#include <LiquidCrystal.h>

LiquidCrystal lcd(8, 9, 4, 5, 6, 7); 

double voltage;

void setup() 
{ 
  lcd.begin(16, 2); 
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0); 
  lcd.print("Mini Oscilloscope");
}

void loop() 
{
  voltage = analogRead(A0);
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  lcd.print(voltage);
  delay(100);
}

This sketch will read the voltage from the analog pin A0 and display it on the LCD screen.

Testing the Oscilloscope

Once your circuit is built and the sketch is written, it's time to test it out. Apply the voltage from the external source to the circuit and observe the LCD display. You should see the voltage displayed on the screen. If everything is working correctly, you have just made a mini oscilloscope!