Summary of The Ultimate Altimeter – A compact, Arduino altimeter
The Ultimate Altimeter is a compact Arduino-based device using an MPL3115A2 sensor and a bubble LCD to measure altitude to 0.3 m, track highest/lowest readings, show differences, and offer a standby mode to save battery. It runs from a 40 mAh LiPo, is simple to build with through-hole soldering, and can be housed in an optional 3D printed case.
Parts used in the Ultimate Altimeter:
- Arduino Pro Mini
- MPL3115A2 Altitude Sensor
- Bubble Display
- 40 mAh LiPo battery
- Button
- Switch
- JST connector
- FTDI Basic
- 24 gauge stranded wire
- Hot glue (for assembly)
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The Ultimate Altimeter is a super-compact, Arduino controlled altimeter capable of measuring the altitude with an accuracy of 0.3 meters, and saving the highest and lowest values it has measured. It is powered by a 40 mAh Lithium Polymer battery, uses a tiny LCD Bubble Display, and measures altitude with a MPL3115A2 Altitude Sensor. It’s very simple and fairly easy to build with just six major components. Additionally, an optional 3D printed case can house the Altimeter.
The Altimeter has a couple of different modes: current altitude, highest altitude, lowest altitude, difference in altitude (highest minus lowest), and standby (turns display off to save power for ~6 hr battery life, not shown in video).
The entire build adds up to around $30, but you may have some or most of the parts lying around already.
You can make this! It is not a very difficult project, and could be good practice for through-hole soldering, and coding (if you want to do modifications). Read on and create!
Step 1: Materials List
Parts:
Tools and other materials:
Soldering iron
Solder
Flush cutters or wire cutters
Wire strippers
Electrical tape
Liquid electrical tape or other insulative paint (you could also use regular electrical tape or heat shrink tubing)
24 guage stranded wire
Hot glue gun
Step 2: Solder the Bubble Display
The Bubble Displays are set up to be put into a breadboard, but since we will be soldering it directly onto the pins on the back of our Arduino, the leads need to be bent flat with a pair of pliers. Once bent, rest the display on a flat surface, and make sure it lays flat and all of its leads touch the surface. This will ensure that they will make good contact with the pins on the Arduino.
For more detail: The Ultimate Altimeter – A compact, Arduino altimeter
- What sensor does the Ultimate Altimeter use?
The project uses an MPL3115A2 altitude sensor. - What microcontroller is used in the project?
The project uses an Arduino Pro Mini. - Can the device display current, highest, and lowest altitude?
Yes, it shows current altitude, highest altitude, and lowest altitude. - What display is used for showing readings?
The project uses a tiny Bubble Display. - What battery powers the Ultimate Altimeter?
It is powered by a 40 mAh Lithium Polymer battery. - Does the project include a power-saving mode?
Yes, there is a standby mode that turns the display off to save power for about a 6 hour battery life. - Is a 3D printed case available for the altimeter?
An optional 3D printed case can house the Altimeter. - Is the build considered difficult for beginners?
No, the article states it is not very difficult and is good practice for through-hole soldering and coding.
