Detecting Altitude with BMP280

Introduction

This experiment demonstrates how to measure altitude using the BMP280 barometer with Arduino.

Components Needed

• BMP280 Barometer
• Arduino
• Jumper Wires

Circuit Setup

1. Connect the BMP280 sensor to the Arduino using I2C (SCL and SDA pins).
2. Connect the VCC and GND to the Arduino's 5V and GND pins.

The BMP280 sensor measures barometric pressure, which can be used to estimate altitude.

Code for Altitude Measurement

Upload the following code to your Arduino to measure altitude:

#include 
#include 
#include 

Adafruit_BMP280_Unified bmp;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  if (!bmp.begin()) {
    Serial.println("Could not find a valid BMP280 sensor.");
    while (1);
  }
}

void loop() {
  float pressure, altitude;
  bmp.getPressure(&pressure);
  altitude = bmp.pressureToAltitude(1013.25, pressure); // 1013.25 hPa is standard pressure at sea level
  Serial.print("Altitude: ");
  Serial.print(altitude);
  Serial.println(" meters");
  delay(1000);
}
            

Explanation

The BMP280 sensor measures atmospheric pressure, and by using the pressure data, we can estimate the altitude above sea level.

Troubleshooting

• If the sensor isn't reading correctly, check the I2C wiring and connections.
• If the altitude reading is incorrect, ensure that the local barometric pressure is set correctly in the code.