Build Instructions

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• 1

  The Science Behind It (Photoplethysmography)

  This project relies on a medical technique called Photoplethysmography (PPG). The Pulse Sensor has a tiny green LED that continuously shines light into the tissue of your finger. Every time your heart pumps, a fresh wave of blood rushes through your capillaries. Since blood naturally absorbs green light, less light reflects back to the sensor's photodetector during a heartbeat. The Arduino measures these microscopic changes in light reflection to detect your exact pulse!

• 2

  Circuit Assembly & Wiring

  The hardware setup is incredibly straightforward. We only need to make three connections between the Pulse Sensor and the Arduino Uno:

  • VCC (+): Connect to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
  • GND (-): Connect to the GND pin on the Arduino.
  • Signal (S): Connect to the Analog Pin A0 on the Arduino. (For the exact Fritzing wiring diagram, please check out my YouTube video!)
• 3

  Uploading the Arduino Code
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  1. Open the .ino file in your Arduino IDE.

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  2. Connect the Arduino Uno to your computer.

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  3. Select "Arduino Uno" in Tools > Board.

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  4. Select your active COM Port in Tools > Port (Note this COM port number down!).

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  5. Compile and upload the code to the board.