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Guide to 5-Channel Flame Sensor Module

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Ekostra Electronics

On April 5, 2025

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5-Channel Flame Sensor Module

Multi-directional Flame Detection for Arduino and Robotics Projects

Introduction

The 5-Channel Flame Sensor Module is an infrared detection system capable of identifying flame sources from multiple directions. With five independent IR receivers arranged in a 180° arc, it provides directional flame detection for fire prevention systems, robotics, and safety applications.

Key Features

🔥 Multi-directional

Five independent detection channels covering 180°

📶 Analog Output

Provides intensity readings for precise flame location

⚡ Adjustable Sensitivity

Potentiometers for each channel’s detection threshold

🔧 Easy Integration

Works with 3.3V or 5V systems including Arduino

Technical Specifications

Detection Angle	180° (5× 36° sectors)
Detection Range	0.8m-1.5m (depends on flame size)
Output Type	5× Analog + 1× Digital
Operating Voltage	3.3V – 5V DC
Current Consumption	<20mA per channel
Response Time	<100ms

Pin Configuration

Pin	Label	Description	Arduino Connection
1	VCC	Power (3.3V-5V)	5V
2	GND	Ground	GND
3	A1	Channel 1 Analog	A0
4	A2	Channel 2 Analog	A1
5	A3	Channel 3 Analog	A2
6	A4	Channel 4 Analog	A3
7	A5	Channel 5 Analog	A4
8	D0	Digital Output	D2

Note: Each channel has its own sensitivity adjustment potentiometer

Wiring with Arduino

// Basic Connections:
// VCC → 5V
// GND → GND
// A1-A5 → A0-A4 (analog inputs)
// D0 → D2 (digital input - optional)

// For best results, place sensor 30-50cm above surface

// Basic Connections:

// VCC → 5V

// GND → GND

// A1-A5 → A0-A4 (analog inputs)

// D0 → D2 (digital input - optional)

// For best results, place sensor 30-50cm above surface

Important: Avoid direct sunlight as it may cause false positives

Basic Detection Example

// 5-Channel Flame Sensor Basic Example
const int channels = 5;
const int pins[channels] = {A0, A1, A2, A3, A4};

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  for(int i=0; i<channels; i++) {
    pinMode(pins[i], INPUT);
  }
}

void loop() {
  for(int i=0; i<channels; i++) {
    int value = analogRead(pins[i]);
    Serial.print("Channel ");
    Serial.print(i+1);
    Serial.print(": ");
    Serial.print(value);
    Serial.print("\t");
  }
  Serial.println();
  delay(200);
}

// 5-Channel Flame Sensor Basic Example

const int channels = 5;

const int pins[channels] = {A0, A1, A2, A3, A4};

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600);

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

pinMode(pins[i], INPUT);

}

void loop() {

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

int value = analogRead(pins[i]);

Serial.print("Channel ");

Serial.print(i+1);

Serial.print(": ");

Serial.print(value);

Serial.print("\t");

}

Serial.println();

delay(200);

}

Directional Flame Detection

// Determine flame direction from 5 sensors
int getFlameDirection() {
  int values[5];
  int maxVal = 0;
  int direction = 0; // 0 = no flame
  
  // Read all channels
  for(int i=0; i<5; i++) { values[i] = analogRead(A0 + i); if(values[i] > maxVal && values[i] > 500) { // 500 = threshold
      maxVal = values[i];
      direction = i + 1; // Channels 1-5
    }
  }
  return direction;
}

void loop() {
  int flameDir = getFlameDirection();
  if(flameDir > 0) {
    Serial.print("Flame detected from direction: ");
    Serial.println(flameDir);
  }
  delay(100);
}

// Determine flame direction from 5 sensors

int getFlameDirection() {

int values[5];

int maxVal = 0;

int direction = 0; // 0 = no flame

// Read all channels

for(int i=0; i<5; i++) { values[i] = analogRead(A0 + i); if(values[i] > maxVal && values[i] > 500) { // 500 = threshold

maxVal = values[i];

direction = i + 1; // Channels 1-5

}

return direction;

}

void loop() {

int flameDir = getFlameDirection();

if(flameDir > 0) {

Serial.print("Flame detected from direction: ");

Serial.println(flameDir);

}

delay(100);

}

Advanced Features

Threshold Calibration

// Auto-calibration for changing light conditions
int baselines[5];

void calibrateSensors() {
  for(int i=0; i<5; i++) {
    baselines[i] = analogRead(A0 + i);
    // Add 10% safety margin
    baselines[i] += baselines[i] * 0.1; 
  }
}

// Auto-calibration for changing light conditions

int baselines[5];

void calibrateSensors() {

for(int i=0; i<5; i++) {

baselines[i] = analogRead(A0 + i);

// Add 10% safety margin

baselines[i] += baselines[i] * 0.1;

}

Flame Intensity

// Calculate relative flame intensity
float getFlameIntensity() {
  int total = 0;
  for(int i=0; i<5; i++) {
    total += analogRead(A0 + i);
  }
  return total / 5.0; // Average intensity
}

// Calculate relative flame intensity

float getFlameIntensity() {

int total = 0;

for(int i=0; i<5; i++) {

total += analogRead(A0 + i);

}

return total / 5.0; // Average intensity

}

Digital Output

// Using the digital output pin
void setup() {
  pinMode(2, INPUT); // D0 connected to D2
}

void loop() {
  if(digitalRead(2) {
    Serial.println("Flame detected!");
  }
}

// Using the digital output pin

void setup() {

pinMode(2, INPUT); // D0 connected to D2

}

void loop() {

if(digitalRead(2) {

Serial.println("Flame detected!");

}

Robotic Response

// Simple robot fire-fighting logic
void respondToFlame(int direction) {
  switch(direction) {
    case 1: turnLeft(45); break;
    case 2: turnLeft(15); break;
    case 3: moveForward(); break;
    case 4: turnRight(15); break;
    case 5: turnRight(45); break;
  }
  activateWaterPump();
}

// Simple robot fire-fighting logic

void respondToFlame(int direction) {

switch(direction) {

case 1: turnLeft(45); break;

case 2: turnLeft(15); break;

case 3: moveForward(); break;

case 4: turnRight(15); break;

case 5: turnRight(45); break;

}

activateWaterPump();

}

Troubleshooting

No Detection

Adjust sensitivity potentiometers clockwise
Check IR sensor alignment (should face outward)
Verify flame is within 0.8-1.5m range

False Positives

Reduce sensitivity (turn potentiometers CCW)
Shield sensors from ambient IR sources
Implement software debouncing in your code

Inconsistent Readings

Ensure stable power supply (3.3V-5V)
Check for loose wiring connections
Recalibrate sensor baselines periodically

Hotline 24/7

5-Channel Flame Sensor Module

Introduction

Key Features

🔥 Multi-directional

📶 Analog Output

⚡ Adjustable Sensitivity

🔧 Easy Integration

Technical Specifications

Pin Configuration

Wiring with Arduino

Basic Detection Example

Directional Flame Detection

Advanced Features

Threshold Calibration

Flame Intensity

Digital Output

Robotic Response

Troubleshooting

No Detection

False Positives

Inconsistent Readings

Project Ideas

Fire-Fighting Robot

Smart Alarm System

Industrial Monitor

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