Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED using Raspberry Pi

Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED using Raspberry Pi

In the world of Internet of Things (IoT), the ability to monitor and control physical parameters remotely has become increasingly crucial. One such parameter is temperature, and a popular choice for temperature sensing in DIY projects is the DS18B20 sensor. In this tutorial, we’ll dive into the process of connecting a DS18B20 sensor to Node-RED using a Raspberry Pi, providing a practical guide for enthusiasts and developers alike.

Materials Required

  • Raspberry Pi
  • DS18B20 Temperature Sensor
  • 4.7KΩ Resistor
  • Breadboard (Optional)

Understanding DS18B20 Sensor

The DS18B20 is a digital temperature sensor known for its accuracy and ease of use. Its one-wire interface simplifies the connection process, making it a favorite among hobbyists and professionals alike. With its ability to operate in a wide temperature range, it is well-suited for various applications, from home automation to industrial monitoring.

Setting up Raspberry Pi

Before diving into the sensor connection, ensure that your Raspberry Pi is set up and running. You can install the Raspbian operating system, connect to the internet, and enable the SSH interface for remote access. Additionally, make sure your Raspberry Pi has the necessary GPIO pins available for connecting the DS18B20 sensor.

Wiring the DS18B20 Sensor

Connect the DS18B20 sensor to the Raspberry Pi using a 4.7kΩ resistor. The one-wire data line (DQ) should be connected to GPIO pin 4 (physical pin 7), the power line to the 3.3V pin (physical pin 1), and the ground line to the ground pin (physical pin 6).

Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED

Double-check your connections to ensure a secure and accurate setup.

Enabling One-Wire Interface

  • Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi or connect to it remotely via SSH.
  • Type the following command to edit the Raspberry Pi configuration:

sudo raspi-config

  • Navigate to “Interfacing Options” and enable the “1-Wire” interface.
  • Reboot the Raspberry Pi for the changes to take effect.

Installing Node-RED

If Node-RED is not yet installed on your Raspberry Pi, you can do so by using the following commands in your raspberry pi.

sudo apt update

bash <(curl -sL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/node-red/linux-installers/master/deb/update-nodejs-and-nodered)

In case you need some more details, you can refer to this guide or you can refer to How to install Node-Red on Raspberry Pi.

Configuring Prerequisites in Node-RED

Open Node-RED in your web browser by navigating to “http://<your-pi-ip>:1880”.

Goto Manage Palette option and install below nodes.

Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED

Click on Install tab and copy paste these names one by one.

  • node-red-dashboard
  • node-red-contrib-ds18b20-sensor

Now click on install

Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED

Creating the Dashboard in Node-RED

In workspace tab, drag and drop below nodes.

  • Inject
  • Function
  • Debug
  • rpi-ds18b20
  • Gauge

Now configure the nodes as shown below

Drag and drop an Inject node.

Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED using Raspberry Pi

Function Node

Debug Node

Double-click on the rpi-DS18B20 node to configure it.

Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED using Raspberry Pi

Gauge Node

Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED using Raspberry Pi

Finally connect the nodes as shown below and click on Deploy in top right-hand corner.

Connecting DS18B20 Sensor with Node-RED using Raspberry Pi

Displaying Temperature Data

To see the sensor temperature data, open a browser and go to http://<your-pi-ip>:1880/ui. If all the connections are correct, then you will be able to see the dashboard with temperature gauge.

You can now use various Node-RED nodes and dashboards to visualize and analyze the temperature data. For example, you can use the built-in Dashboard node to create a simple web interface displaying real-time temperature readings.

Conclusion

Connecting a DS18B20 sensor to Node-RED using a Raspberry Pi provides a straightforward solution for temperature monitoring in IoT projects. With the combination of the reliable DS18B20 sensor and the versatile Node-RED platform, you can easily build and customize temperature monitoring systems for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this guide offers a practical starting point for exploring the world of sensor integration with Node-RED on the Raspberry Pi.

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