Building a Motor vibration sensor

Concept Overview

The objective is to configure a vibration sensor and data logger for a small motor test stand for drones, to gather data on different parts and props. The goal is to create a portable, affordable unit that can be duplicated for various needs.

Summary

• Purpose: To monitor vibrations on a motor or bearing.
• Use Case: Drone motor testing.
• Components: Arduino Nano, accelerometer, data logger.
• Challenges: Commercial units are expensive and proprietary software is required.

Key Points

• Research resulted in a slim unit using affordable components and minor soldering.
• Two examples of builds were found: vib1 and vib2.
• vib1 uses a datalogger board that attaches to the Nano but has compilation issues.
• vib2 uses instructions from Instructables and HowToMechatronics.

Build Instructions

Overview

The project aims to create a vibration sensor and data logger for drone motors using an Arduino Nano and an accelerometer.

Parts

• Arduino Nano
• Accelerometer (MPU6050)
• Data logger board
• SD card

Steps

1. Connect the MPU6050 to the Arduino Nano. 2. Connect the data logger board to the Arduino Nano. 3. Program the Arduino Nano with the appropriate sketch. 4. Test the setup to ensure it logs data correctly.

Notes

• Ensure the SD card is formatted and ready for logging.
• Use the provided links for detailed instructions and tutorials.

Technical Details

Problem

• Compilation issues with the datalogger board for vib1.
• Compatibility and functionality issues with purchased data loggers.

Solution

• Use vib2 build instructions for a more reliable setup.
• Ensure correct connections and use of pins, especially the CS pin for the SD card.

Summary

• CS pin is for "Chip Select" and can be any GPIO pin except the three SPI pins.
• SD cards natively communicate in either SDI or SPI format.
• Multiple SPI slaves can share the same SPI bus but need individual CS pins.

Key Points

• Use the SS pin for CS if possible for convenience.
• SDI to SPI converter boards perform level shifting for 5V microcontrollers.
• Ensure the SD card is compatible with the voltage level of the microcontroller.

Additional Information

Summary

• Learning and testing with Arduino IDE and ESP32.
• Purchased data loggers did not work as expected.
• Preference for US-made components due to reliability and support.

Key Points

• Avoid Chinese-made components due to quality and support issues.
• Use Adafruit or DFROBOT for better quality and support.
• Ensure the software sees the data logger but also test writing and retrieving data.