Gearbox Labs has worked with all of the sensors on this page. Many appear in one or more of our publications.

Links to the sensor on our store are included. After each sensor are some ideas that would be great science or engineering fair ideas.

Mass

  • HX711 Sensor - This sensor uses the electricity to measure the flexing of a bar of aluminum. As the bar flexes more the current measured indicates more mass is on the bar. Very accurate down to the milligram. Two versions are available - the sensor and a kit that includes a stand and pan. Store Link | Store Link to Kit

Temperature

  • TMP36 – Air Temperature. A simple easy to use and calibrate air temperature sensor. Store Link
  • DHT 22 - Air Temperature and Humidity - A very easy to use sensor that delivers very accurate air temperature and humidity data. View Video | Store Link
  • BMP 280 - Air Temperature and Pressure - this sensor is a bit challenging to use, but once you are calibrated it works super-fast and accurately Store Link
  • Water Temperature - This sensor will can be fully immersed in a liquid and measure temperatures from -55 C to 120 C. View Video | Store Link 
  • High Temperature Sensor - This sensor will can be fully immersed in a liquid and measure temperatures from 30  C to 350 C.Store Link

Light

  • UV Sensor - this sensor is able to detect a wide range of the UV spectrum.  Store Link
  • Light Spectrum - this sensor is able to detect a wide range of the UV spectrum. Store Link
  • Photoresistor -   this is a simple light level sensor used in many devices. But don't let its simplicity make you think it is not useful. We use in night-light projects and for our solar tracker. Store Link
  • Color Sensor - this sensor detects pigments in different materials. In physics, we use this sensor to detect different pigments in dyed or painted materials View Video | Store Link

Motion

  • Accelerometer- Sensor that detects its own acceleration and is used in cell phones to determine the phone's orientation.
  • Tilt Switch - Can be used to detect motion and switch on an off a device like an LED or buzzer. Store Link
  • Vibration Sensor - Generates a voltage when tapped or moved proportionate to the movement. Store Link
  • Passive Infrared Sensor - This sensor detects heat signatures in motion and sends a signal to the microcontroller. Store Link

Distance

  • HCSR-04 The reference standard distance sensor for distances under 3 meters. Uses an ultrasonic pulse to range an object. Store Link

Infrared Sensor

  • Passive Infrared Sensor - This sensor detects heat signatures in motion and sends a signal to the microcontroller. Store Link

Sound

  • Sound sensor-Used to detect the intensity of sound. Store Link

Materials

  • Inductive proximity sensor-Identifies metals. It can be calibrated for different metal types. Current sensors need a 9 volt power supply to work. But once powered the data can be received by any Arduino or ESP32. We feature this sensor in our IoT book. Store Link
  • Capacitive sensor- Identifies wood, plastic, glass. Current sensors need a 9-volt power supply to work. But once powered the data can be received by any Arduino or ESP32. We feature this sensor in our IoT book. Store Link

 

Disclaimer. The sensors are meant to be used for prototyping, informational, and demonstration purposes only. The sensors are not meant to be used as replacements for certified professional sensors that have been independently tested and certified for use in health and safety applications.