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Water Level Depth Detection Sensor

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Ekostra Electronics

On April 7, 2025

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Water Level Depth Detection Sensor

Liquid Measurement for Arduino and IoT Projects

Introduction

The Water Level Depth Detection Sensor is a reliable tool for measuring liquid levels in tanks, wells, and other containers. Using exposed parallel traces, it measures water levels through conductivity with a simple analog output that varies with immersion depth.

Key Features

💧 Depth Measurement

Measures water level up to 40cm (depending on model)

🔌 Simple Interface

Analog output proportional to water level

⚡ Low Power

Operates at 3.3V-5V with minimal current draw

🔧 Easy Installation

Mounts vertically with standard bolts

Technical Specifications

Operating Voltage	3.3V – 5V DC
Output Signal	Analog (0-VCC)
Measurement Range	Up to 40cm (model dependent)
Current Consumption	<20mA
Operating Temperature	10°C – 30°C (for optimal performance)
PCB Material	FR4 with gold-plated contacts
Dimensions	60mm × 20mm × 5mm (typical)

Pin Configuration

Pin	Label	Description	Arduino Connection
1	VCC	Power (3.3V-5V)	5V
2	GND	Ground	GND
3	OUT	Analog output	A0

Note: The sensor should be mounted vertically with sensing traces facing downward

Wiring with Arduino

// Basic Connections:
// VCC → 5V
// GND → GND
// OUT → A0 (analog input)

// For best results:
// - Keep sensor vertical
// - Avoid touching the sensing traces
// - Calibrate with known water levels

// Basic Connections:

// VCC → 5V

// GND → GND

// OUT → A0 (analog input)

// For best results:

// - Keep sensor vertical

// - Avoid touching the sensing traces

// - Calibrate with known water levels

Important: Do not expose the electronics (top portion) to water – only the sensing traces should be submerged

Basic Water Level Example

// Water Level Sensor Basic Example
const int sensorPin = A0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);
  
  // Convert analog reading to voltage
  float voltage = sensorValue * (5.0 / 1023.0);
  
  Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");
  Serial.print(sensorValue);
  Serial.print(" | Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(voltage);
  Serial.println("V");
  
  delay(1000);
}

// Water Level Sensor Basic Example

const int sensorPin = A0;

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600);

}

void loop() {

int sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);

// Convert analog reading to voltage

float voltage = sensorValue * (5.0 / 1023.0);

Serial.print("Sensor Value: ");

Serial.print(sensorValue);

Serial.print(" | Voltage: ");

Serial.print(voltage);

Serial.println("V");

delay(1000);

}

Advanced Features

Depth Calibration

// Convert readings to depth (cm)
float readDepth() {
  int raw = analogRead(sensorPin);
  // Calibration values (adjust based on your sensor)
  float depth = map(raw, 0, 1023, 0, 40); // 40cm max depth
  return constrain(depth, 0, 40);
}

// Convert readings to depth (cm)

float readDepth() {

int raw = analogRead(sensorPin);

// Calibration values (adjust based on your sensor)

float depth = map(raw, 0, 1023, 0, 40); // 40cm max depth

return constrain(depth, 0, 40);

}

Low Water Alarm

// Check for low water level
bool checkLowLevel() {
  int threshold = 200; // Adjust based on your setup
  return analogRead(sensorPin) < threshold;
}

void loop() {
  if (checkLowLevel()) {
    digitalWrite(ALARM_PIN, HIGH);
  }
}

// Check for low water level

bool checkLowLevel() {

int threshold = 200; // Adjust based on your setup

return analogRead(sensorPin) < threshold;

}

void loop() {

if (checkLowLevel()) {

digitalWrite(ALARM_PIN, HIGH);

}

Moving Average

// Smooth readings with moving average
const int numReadings = 10;
int readings[numReadings];
int index = 0;

int smoothReading() {
  readings[index] = analogRead(sensorPin);
  index = (index + 1) % numReadings;
  
  int total = 0;
  for (int i = 0; i < numReadings; i++) {
    total += readings[i];
  }
  return total / numReadings;
}

// Smooth readings with moving average

const int numReadings = 10;

int readings[numReadings];

int index = 0;

int smoothReading() {

readings[index] = analogRead(sensorPin);

index = (index + 1) % numReadings;

int total = 0;

for (int i = 0; i < numReadings; i++) {

total += readings[i];

}

return total / numReadings;

}

Percentage Calculation

// Calculate tank percentage full
float getPercentage() {
  int dryValue = 50;   // Sensor value when dry
  int wetValue = 800;  // Sensor value when fully submerged
  
  int raw = analogRead(sensorPin);
  float percent = map(raw, dryValue, wetValue, 0, 100);
  return constrain(percent, 0, 100);
}

// Calculate tank percentage full

float getPercentage() {

int dryValue = 50; // Sensor value when dry

int wetValue = 800; // Sensor value when fully submerged

int raw = analogRead(sensorPin);

float percent = map(raw, dryValue, wetValue, 0, 100);

return constrain(percent, 0, 100);

}

Troubleshooting

No Output Change

Check water is contacting the sensing traces
Verify wiring connections
Ensure power supply is adequate

Inconsistent Readings

Clean sensing traces (mineral buildup)
Implement software smoothing
Check for water turbulence

Corrosion Issues

Consider gold-plated sensors for harsh environments
Apply conformal coating (except sensing area)
Use in clean water when possible

Hotline 24/7

Blogs

Water Level Depth Detection Sensor

Introduction

Key Features

💧 Depth Measurement

🔌 Simple Interface

⚡ Low Power

🔧 Easy Installation

Technical Specifications

Pin Configuration

Wiring with Arduino

Basic Water Level Example

Advanced Features

Depth Calibration

Low Water Alarm

Moving Average

Percentage Calculation

Troubleshooting

No Output Change

Inconsistent Readings

Corrosion Issues

Project Ideas

Aquarium Monitor

Rainwater Tank

Flood Alert

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