Summary of Air Sampler using PIC16F690 microcontroller
The article describes a DIY air sampler project designed to capture airborne particles such as pollen, dust, spores, and other microscopic debris for later examination under a microscope. Inspired by curiosity about air content and allergies, the device uses a PIC16F690 microcontroller and includes detailed construction steps, schematics, and assembly code for assembly and operation.
Parts used in the Air Sampler using PIC16F690 microcontroller:
- PIC16F690 microcontroller
- Air sampling housing or casing
- Microscope slide or particle collection surface
- Fan or air pump (to draw air through sampler)
- Power supply (battery or adapter)
- Electronic components for circuit (resistors, capacitors, etc.)
- Wiring and connectors
- Optional: Microscope for particle examination
Do you ever wonder what is in the air you breathe? Or maybe you have hay fever and want to know what kind of pollen makes you sneeze in spring? Questions like that prompted me to build a simple device for capturing airborne particles so they can later be examined under a microscope.
Before you take your next breath, here is an important piece of advice:
DON’T!
It turns out that the air is full of pollen, dust, spores, artificial fibers, and some things that definitely do not belong there such as pieces of decomposing vegetation, tiny insect body parts, and moth poop. (OK, the moth poop bit was an exaggeration; it could have been butterfly poop.) That is the air outdoors. Indoors it gets much worse. Don’t ask.
If you are still reading, you are either very brave, or something is seriously wrong with you. Whatever the reason, if you are interested you can check details for the air sampler project below. Make sure to view some pictures of the “catch” too.
| Construction | The construction process in pictures, step-by-step. | |
| Schematics & Code | Schematics and PIC assembly code. |
For more detail: Air Sampler using PIC16F690 microcontroller
