Lucía Garbo has created an Arduino powered noise pollution monitor, powered by an Arduino Mega micro-controller and housed in a 3D printed case. Other components include a SparkFun Sound Detector and small LCD display to provide details on recorded dB as well as an LED strip on top which changes colour depending on the noise level: red, yellow, and green.
“I’ll show how to make a Sound Meter using an Arduino and some more components. This is a school project I did recently which took me a year to complete, it is based on the construction of a Sound Meter which registers sound levels in decibels. The objective was highlighting noise pollution, a type of pollution that is less known, but which constantly affects us in our daily lives.”
Understanding Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is an often overlooked environmental issue that can have significant impacts on human health and well-being. Unlike other forms of pollution, noise pollution does not leave visible traces, making it harder to quantify and address. However, prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can lead to various health problems, including stress, hearing loss, and sleep disturbances. Urban areas, in particular, are prone to high levels of noise pollution due to traffic, construction, and industrial activities.
Building the Arduino Noise Pollution Monitor
The Arduino noise pollution monitor created by Lucía Garbo is an innovative solution to measure and visualize noise levels in real-time. The project utilizes an Arduino Mega micro-controller, which serves as the brain of the device. The SparkFun Sound Detector is used to capture sound levels, converting them into electrical signals that the Arduino can process. The small LCD display provides a visual representation of the recorded decibels, making it easy to understand the noise levels at a glance.
One of the standout features of this project is the LED strip on top of the device. The LED strip changes color based on the noise level: green for low noise, yellow for moderate noise, and red for high noise. This color-coded system provides an immediate visual cue about the noise environment, making it easier to identify areas with high noise pollution.
The 3D printed case not only houses all the components but also adds a professional touch to the project. The design of the case ensures that the components are securely held in place while allowing easy access for maintenance and upgrades.
“I’ll show how to make a Sound Meter using an Arduino and some more components. This is a school project I did recently which took me a year to complete, it is based on the construction of a Sound Meter which registers sound levels in decibels. The objective was highlighting noise pollution, a type of pollution that is less known, but which constantly affects us in our daily lives.”
Visit the official Instructables project page to learn more about the Arduino sound meter and its construction. Full details and code have been provided enabling you to build your very own.
Source: AB Lucía Garbo
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