This project demonstrates how to measure current using an Allegro ACS758 current sensor and display the readings on an LCD1602 screen connected to an Arduino. The ACS758 is a versatile sensor capable of measuring currents up to 200 Amps, making it suitable for various applications. This project provides a practical way to monitor current flow in a circuit, which is crucial for various applications, including:

• Monitoring power consumption in appliances
• Building a battery management system
• Designing an electric motor controller
• Creating a current-based security system

This guide will walk you through the necessary hardware, wiring, code, and a live demonstration.

Hardware/Components

To build this project, you will need the following components:

• Arduino Uno (or compatible)
• Allegro ACS758 Current Sensor (the specific model number will determine the maximum current measurement; ensure to adjust the code accordingly. (in video at 00:14 and 03:18))
• LCD1602 Display
• Connecting wires
• Power supply (5V)
• Load (for testing the current measurement)

Wiring Guide

The wiring for the LCD1602 is explained in a separate video (in video at 01:24). The key connections for this project are as follows (in video at 01:24):

• ACS758: VCC to 5V, GND to GND, Signal Out (yellow wire) to A0 on the Arduino.
• The ACS758 sensor's two main wires are connected in series with the load (in video at 02:09).

%%WIRING%%

Code Explanation

The Arduino code consists of two main parts: one for handling the ACS758 sensor and another for interacting with the LCD1602. The user-configurable parts of the code are:

#define VIN A0 // define the Arduino pin A0 as voltage input (V in)
const float VCC   = 5.0;// supply voltage 5V or 3.3V. If using PCB, set to 5V only.
const int model = 2;   // enter the model (see below)
float cutOffLimit = 1.00;// reading cutoff current. 1.00 is 1 Amper

The model variable needs to be set according to the specific ACS758 model used (in video at 03:18). Refer to the code comments for the model number mapping. The cutOffLimit variable determines the minimum current to be displayed (in video at 03:48). Adjust this value to filter out insignificant readings.

Live Project/Demonstration

The video demonstrates how to connect the ammeter to measure the current flowing through the load (in video at 02:18). The code displays the current and voltage readings on both the LCD1602 and the serial monitor (in video at 07:02). The demonstration shows how the readings update dynamically as the load current changes (in video at 07:14). It also highlights that when the current falls below the specified limit, "No Current" is displayed (in video at 07:59).

Chapters

• [00:06] Introduction
• [00:34] Prerequisites
• [01:24] Wiring Explanation
• [02:18] Current Measurement Demonstration
• [02:57] Code Explanation
• [07:02] Live Demonstration
• [08:18] Conclusion