"Experiments" with the MQ-3 Alcohol Sensor

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Introduction

The MQ-3 Alcohol Sensor is one of a series of easy to use gas sensors that can be easily connected to an Arduino.  This sensor can be used to measure the blood alcohol content in a person by measuring the amount of alcohol is on their breath.

After work one Friday afternoon I set up the following circuit and test software.  The setup was a lot easier than I thought.

Hardware

• Arduino UNO

• MQ-3 Alcohol Sensor

• Gas Sensor Breakout Board

  • 1 x 10 kilo ohm resistor

The arduino test code

unsigned int val = 0;

unsigned char PIN = 0;

void setup() {

    Serial.begin(9600);

    pinMode(PIN,INPUT);

    }

void loop() {

    val = analogRead(PIN);

    Serial.println(val);

    delay(500);

    }

The "Experiment"

• 1. Take test measurement before drinking

  2. Drink 1 shot of alcohol

  3. Wait 10 minutes without drinking

  4. Record test measurement

  5. Repeat steps 2-4