Arduino Nano ESP32 - Ultrasonic Sensor - LCD

This tutorial instructs you how to use Arduino Nano ESP32 to measure distance and display it on LCD using Ultrasonic sensor.

Hardware Preparation

1×Arduino Nano ESP32
1×USB Cable Type-C
1×LCD I2C
1×Ultrasonic Sensor
1×Breadboard
1×Jumper Wires
1×(Optional) DC Power Jack
1×(Recommended) Screw Terminal Expansion Board for Arduino Nano
1×(Recommended) Breakout Expansion Board for Arduino Nano

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 Ultrasonic Sensor and LCD

We have specific tutorials about Ultrasonic sensor and LCD. Each tutorial contains detailed information and step-by-step instructions about hardware pinout, working principle, wiring connection to ESP32, Arduino Nano ESP32 code... Learn more about them at the following links:

Wiring Diagram

The wiring diagram between Arduino Nano ESP32 and Ultrasonic Sensor LCD

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

Arduino Nano ESP32 Code

/* * This Arduino Nano ESP32 code was developed by newbiely.com * * This Arduino Nano ESP32 code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-nano-esp32/arduino-nano-esp32-ultrasonic-sensor-lcd */ #include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h> LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2); // I2C address 0x27 (from DIYables LCD), 16 column and 2 rows #define TRIG_PIN D5 // The Arduino Nano ESP32 pin connected to Ultrasonic Sensor's TRIG pin #define ECHO_PIN D4 // The Arduino Nano ESP32 pin connected to Ultrasonic Sensor's ECHO pin float duration_us, distance_cm; void setup() { lcd.init(); // initialize the lcd lcd.backlight(); // open the backlight pinMode(TRIG_PIN, OUTPUT); // config trigger pin to output mode pinMode(ECHO_PIN, INPUT); // config echo pin to input mode } void loop() { // generate 10-microsecond pulse to TRIG pin digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, HIGH); delayMicroseconds(10); digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW); // measure duration of pulse from ECHO pin duration_us = pulseIn(ECHO_PIN, HIGH); // calculate the distance distance_cm = 0.017 * duration_us; lcd.clear(); lcd.setCursor(0, 0); // start to print at the first row lcd.print("Distance: "); lcd.print(distance_cm); delay(500); }

※ NOTE THAT:

The LCD I2C address can be different from each manufacturer. In the code, we used address of 0x27 that is specified by DIYables manufacturer

Detailed Instructions

To get started with Arduino Nano ESP32, follow these steps:

  • If you are new to Arduino Nano ESP32, refer to the tutorial on how to set up the environment for Arduino Nano ESP32 in the Arduino IDE.
  • Wire the components according to the provided diagram.
  • Connect the Arduino Nano ESP32 board to your computer using a USB cable.
  • Launch the Arduino IDE on your computer.
  • Select the Arduino Nano ESP32 board and its corresponding COM port.* Click to the Libraries icon on the left bar of the Arduino IDE.
  • Type “LiquidCrystal I2C” on the search box, then look for the LiquidCrystal_I2C library by Frank de Brabander
  • Click Install button to install LiquidCrystal_I2C library.
Arduino Nano ESP32 LiquidCrystal I2C library
  • Copy the above code and paste it to Arduino IDE.
  • Compile and upload code to Arduino Nano ESP32 board by clicking Upload button on Arduino IDE
  • Put the sensor on hot and cold water, or grasp the sensor by your hand
  • See the result in LCD

If LCD displays nothing, see Troubleshooting on LCD I2C

Line-by-line Code Explanation

The above Arduino Nano ESP32 code contains line-by-line explanation. Please read the comments in the code!

Video Tutorial

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