In this project, you'll learn how to interface an analog sound sensor with the Pluto drone. By reading ADC values and comparing them against a threshold, you'll program the drone to take off automatically when it detects a loud sound - a fundamental concept in sensor-driven automation.
Build a program for Pluto drone that automatically takes off when it detects a loud sound on the sound sensor.
A sound sensor is a module that detects sound waves through their intensity and converts them to electrical signals. It consists of an in-built capacitive microphone, a peak detector, and an amplifier that is highly sensitive to sound. The sensor outputs analog values proportional to the sound intensity, which can be read via the ADC port on the Primus board. he detection sensitivity can be fine-tuned using the onboard potentiometer. Normal Range >130Trigger Threshold 0-4096ADC Range 100msLoop Time
Connect the AudioSense to the ADC port on the Primus V5/X2 board. The sensitivity of the sound sensor can be adjusted using the potentiometer on the sensor module. Calibrate it in your testing environment before flight.
| Primus V5/X2 Pin | Peripheral |
|---|
Open this code in PlutoBlocks to program your drone. The visual blocks below show the complete solution.
PlutoBlocks visual code for AudioSense project
Ready for the next challenge? Try these extensions to deepen your understanding.
| VCC on ADC port | VCC on Sound Sensor |
| GND on ADC port | GND on Sound Sensor |
| Signal on ADC port | A0 on Sound Sensor |
Approach We constantly monitor the ADC port pin input data. When the input goes above a specified threshold, the drone decides whether to take off. Code Logic Explained On Start: The Blue LED is turned ON to indicate the program has started and the drone is ready.Pluto Loop: The sound sensor returns analog values from 0 to 4096. Under normal ambient conditions, values stay between 115-125. When a substantially loud sound or vibration occurs, the input level crosses 130. The code checks if the ADC reading exceeds this threshold - if yes, the drone takes off to 150cm. The current sound value is printed to the console for debugging. Red and Green LEDs glow to indicate the loop is active.On Stop: Green LED turns ON to confirm the program has ended safely. Normal Range >130Trigger Threshold 0-4096ADC Range 100msLoop Time
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Ready for the next challenge? Try these extensions to deepen your understanding. 1Try a different type of sound sensor and compare sensitivity ranges. 2Make an audio-reactive Pluto that changes LED colors based on sound levels. Pluto Drone Add-On Projects — Compatible with Pluto 1.2 (Primus V5) & Pluto X (Primus X2) — Drona Aviation