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Air Sampler using PIC16F690 microcontroller

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?

Tags: #air-sampler#pic16f690
Ibrar Ayyub By Ibrar Ayyub
Published

At a glance

CategorySensors & Temperature
PIC modelPIC16F690
Reading time~2 min

Summary of Air Sampler using PIC16F690 microcontroller

This article describes a DIY airborne particle sampler built to capture pollen, dust, spores, and other microscopic debris for later examination under a microscope. It warns about the variety of unpleasant particles found in outdoor and indoor air, then directs readers to detailed construction photos, schematics, and PIC16F690 assembly code for building the device, plus images of collected samples.

Parts used in the Air Sampler project:

  • PIC16F690 microcontroller
  • Printed circuit components as shown in schematics (resistors, capacitors, etc.)
  • Microcontroller programming interface/hardware
  • Sampler enclosure and mechanical mounting parts
  • Air intake/filter surface or adhesive capture substrate
  • Power supply or battery
  • Fan or airflow mechanism
  • Wiring and connectors
  • Microscope for examining captured particles

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.
air sampler
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

  • What does the air sampler capture?
    The air sampler captures pollen, dust, spores, artificial fibers, pieces of decomposing vegetation, tiny insect parts, and similar airborne particles.
  • Can the sampler's catch be viewed under a microscope?
    Yes, the captured particles are meant to be examined later under a microscope.
  • What microcontroller is used in the project?
    The project uses a PIC16F690 microcontroller.
  • Are schematics and code provided for the project?
    Yes, schematics and PIC assembly code are provided.
  • Does the article include construction photos?
    Yes, the article includes step-by-step construction pictures.
  • Is there photographic evidence of the collected particles?
    Yes, the article advises to view pictures of the catch.
  • Is the device intended for indoor or outdoor air sampling?
    The article discusses both outdoor and indoor air and implies the sampler can be used to sample ambient air; it notes indoor air can be worse.
  • Does the project require a fan or airflow mechanism?
    Yes, an airflow mechanism such as a fan is part of the sampler to draw air over the capture surface.
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Ibrar Ayyub

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough...