SENSORS/ACTUATORS

Arduino MicroPython Control Heating Element

This tutorial teaches you how to control a heating element with an Arduino using MicroPython. Specifically, we will learn:

How a heating element functions
How to connect a heating element to the Arduino
How to write MicroPython code for the Arduino to control the heating element

Hardware Preparation

1	×	Arduino Giga R1 WiFi
1	×	USB Cable Type-C
1	×	Relay
1	×	Heating Element
1	×	12V Power Adapter
1	×	DC Power Jack
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	(Recommended) Screw Terminal Block Shield for Arduino Uno/Mega/Giga
1	×	(Recommended) Breadboard Shield For Arduino Uno/Mega/Giga
1	×	(Recommended) Enclosure For Arduino Giga

Or you can buy the following sensor kits:

1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables.

Overview of Heating Element

Pinout

A heating element typically has two pins:

Connect the positive (+) pin (red) to the 12V DC power supply.
Connect the negative (-) pin (black) to the ground (GND) of the DC power supply.

How to Control Heating Element

When a 12V heating element is connected to a 12V power source, it produces heat. To control the heating element with an Arduino, we use a relay. The Arduino sends signals to the relay, which then controls the heating element. If you need more information on how a relay works, its pin configuration, or how to set it up, check out the Arduino MicroPython Relay tutorial.

Wiring Diagram

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

Arduino MicroPython Code

This code switches the heating element ON for five seconds and then turns it OFF for five also, doing this continuously.

""" This Arduino MicroPython script was developed by newbiely.com This Arduino MicroPython script is made available for public use without any restriction For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-micropython/arduino-micropython-controls-heating-element """ from machine import Pin import time RELAY_PIN = 'D5' # The Arduino Giga WiFi pin D5 connected to the Heating Element via relay pin # Initialize the relay pin as an output relay = Pin(RELAY_PIN, Pin.OUT) # Infinite loop while True: relay.value(1) # Turn on Heating Element for 5 seconds time.sleep(5) relay.value(0) # Turn off Heating Element for 5 seconds time.sleep(5)

Detailed Instructions

Here’s instructions on how to run the above MicroPython code on Arduino with Thonny IDE:

Make sure Thonny IDE is installed on your computer.
Make sure MicroPython firmware is installed on your Arduino board.
If you are new to Arduino with MicroPython, see the Getting Started with Arduino and MicroPython.
Connect the Arduino board to the heating element according to the provided diagram.
Connect the Arduino board to your computer with a USB cable.
Open Thonny IDE and go to Tools Options.
Under the Interpreter tab, select MicroPython (generic) from the dropdown menu.
Select the COM port corresponding to your Arduino board (e.g., COM33 on Windows or /dev/ttyACM0 on Linux).
Copy the provided Arduino MicroPython code and paste it into Thonny's editor.
Save the MicroPython code to your Arduino by:

Clicking the Save button or pressing Ctrl+S.
In the save dialog, choose MicroPython device and name the file main.py.

Click the green Run button (or press F5) to execute the code.
Check the temperature of the heating element.

Be careful, as handling this incorrectly can cause burns or even start a fire at home. Your safety is very important. If you are unsure, don’t attempt to do it yourself—seek help from someone experienced. We are not responsible for your safety.

Code Explanation

The explanation can be found in the comments section above this Arduino MicroPython code.

Video Tutorial

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