Learn how digital sensors communicate with the Pluto drone by interfacing a flame detection module. This project teaches you to read GPIO digital inputs and use them to trigger autonomous flight - a core skill in building reactive drone systems.
Build a program to add fire sensing ability to Pluto drone. The drone should sense fire and take off accordingly.
A flame sensor module is essentially an IR receiver that detects fire by sensing the infrared waves emitted by flames. Under normal conditions, the sensor output stays HIGH. When fire or a flame is detected in its sensing range, the output goes LOW. The detection sensitivity can be fine-tuned using the onboard potentiometer.
Connect the FlameSense to the RC port on the Primus V5/X2 board. The flame sensor has a limited detection angle. Point it in the direction you want to monitor. Adjust the onboard potentiometer to set sensitivity.
| Primus V5/X2 Pin | Peripheral |
|---|---|
| VCC on RC port |
PlutoBlocks code for this module is coming soon. Stay tuned for updates!
PlutoIDE C++ code for this module is coming soon. Stay tuned for updates!
Ready for the next challenge? Try these extensions to deepen your understanding.
| VCC on flame_module |
| GND on RC port | GND on flame_module |
| Signal on RC port | Signal on flame_module |
Approach We utilise the input signal from the flame sensor to evaluate the drone's takeoff decision. Code Logic Explained On Start: Blue LED turns ON to signal the program is initialized.Pluto Loop: The loop continuously reads GPIO_1 (connected to the flame sensor on the RC port). Under normal conditions, the sensor sends a HIGH signal. When it detects flames nearby, the signal drops to LOW (false). When this LOW is detected, the drone takes off to 150cm. The LED changes to Green + Red (Yellow) to indicate the loop is running, and Blue turns OFF to show the transition from standby to active mode.On Stop: Green LED turns ON confirming the program ended cleanly.
Fire detection and alert drone Emergency response automation Industrial safety monitoring
Ready for the next challenge? Try these extensions to deepen your understanding. 1Use multiple flame sensors to determine the direction of fire. 2Combine with a Hooter module to create a fire alarm drone that buzzes when fire is detected. Pluto Drone Add-On Projects — Compatible with Pluto 1.2 (Primus V5) & Pluto X (Primus X2) — Drona Aviation