🌡️ Temperature Meter - Using Thermistor and Arduino With LCD 16x2 Display

In this project, we will create a temperature meter using a thermistor and Arduino. Before building this project, it's essential to understand the key component: the thermistor.

What is a Thermistor?

A thermistor, short for Thermal Resistor, is a type of resistor whose resistance changes with temperature. This component finds widespread use in various electronic circuits, such as SMPS, battery packs (for temperature detection), charging circuits, thermometers, and more.

Types of Thermistors

There are two main types of thermistors:

• NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient): The resistance decreases as temperature increases.
• PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient): The resistance increases as temperature increases.

For this project, we will use an NTC thermistor.

Components Required

• NTC Thermistor (10kΩ)
• 10kΩ Fixed Resistor
• 220Ω Fixed Resistor (for LCD)
• 10K Potentiometer (for LCD)
• 16x2 LCD Display
• Arduino UNO R3
• Connecting wires as required!

Connection Instructions

LCD to Arduino Connections:

• LCD D4 pin to digital pin 5
• LCD D5 pin to digital pin 4
• LCD D6 pin to digital pin 3
• LCD D7 pin to digital pin 2
• LCD RS pin to digital pin 12
• LCD Enable pin to digital pin 11
• LCD R/W pin to GND
• LCD VSS pin to GND
• LCD VCC pin to 5V
• LCD LED+ to 5V through a 220-ohm resistor
• LCD LED- to GND

Additional Adjustment:

For contrast adjustment (recommended), wire a 10k potentiometer to +5V and GND of the Arduino. Connect the wiper pin (center pin) of the potentiometer to the LCD screen's VO pin (pin 3).

Circuit Diagram

Testing

Features

It can measure temperatures from -40°C to 125°C and provides accurate measurements. When using the I2C module, you can significantly reduce the number of connecting wires for the LCD display.

Additional Considerations:

1. Don't forget to install the LiquidCrystal library for the LCD display if it is not installed by default.

Go to Sketch -> Include Library -> Manage Libraries...

Search LiquidCrystal and install the latest version.

2. Ensure the circuit connection is stable; if it isn't, it may show incorrect outputs on the display.

Conclusion

By following these connections and using the components listed, you can assemble a temperature meter using an Arduino and an LCD display. This setup allows you to read temperature data from the NTC thermistor and display it on the LCD screen effectively.