Example Code for Arduino-Blue Green Algae and Temperature Monitoring
This project demonstrates how to connect the RS485 Blue Green Algae Sensor to an Arduino development board, read real-time blue green algae concentration and temperature data using the ModBus-RTU protocol, and set up a real-time monitoring environment. Users will learn RS485 communication basics, ModBus-RTU protocol application, and how to process sensor data for accurate readings.
Hardware Preparation
- DFRduino UNO R3 (or similar) x 1
- Gravity: Active Isolated RS485 to UART Signal Adapter Module x 1
- RS485 Water Quality Blue Green Algae Sensor x 1
Software Preparation
Wiring Diagram
If the power of the RS485 device is small and the required current is less than 12V-160mA, the RS485 to UART signal conversion module does not require a 12V external power supply, making wiring more convenient.
Other Preparation Work
- Confirm the sensor's default device address (0x01) and baud rate (4800bit/s) match the settings in the sample code
- Ensure RS485 A/B lines are connected correctly (A to A, B to B) between the adapter module and the sensor
- Remove the black rubber protective cover from the sensor before measurement
- The sensor is factory-calibrated and ready to use; no initial calibration is required
Sample Code
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
SoftwareSerial mySerial(2, 3); //TX,RX
uint8_t Com[8] = { 0x01, 0x03, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x03, 0x05, 0xCb };
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
mySerial.begin(4800);
}
void loop() {
Cyanobacteria_TEM();
delay(1000);
}
void Cyanobacteria_TEM(void) {
float tem;
uint32_t val = 0;
uint8_t Data[12] = { 0 };
uint8_t ch = 0;
bool flag = 1;
long timeStart = millis();
long timeStart1 = 0;
while (flag) {
if ((millis() - timeStart1) > 100) {
while (mySerial.available() > 0) {
mySerial.read();
}
mySerial.write(Com, 8);
timeStart1 = millis();
}
if ((millis() - timeStart) > 1000) {
Serial.println("Time out");
return -1;
}
if (readN(&ch, 1) == 1) {
if (ch == 0x01) {
Data[0] = ch;
if (readN(&ch, 1) == 1) {
if (ch == 0x03) {
Data[1] = ch;
if (readN(&ch, 1) == 1) {
if (ch == 0x06) {
Data[2] = ch;
if (readN(&Data[3], 8) == 8) {
if (CRC16_2(Data, 9) == (Data[9] * 256 + Data[10])) {
val = Data[3];
val = (val << 8) | Data[4];
val = (val << 8) | Data[5];
val = (val << 8) | Data[6];
float *chi = (float *)&val;
Serial.print("Cyanobacteria = ");
Serial.print(*chi);
Serial.print(" cells/ml ");
tem = (Data[7] * 256 + Data[8]) / 10.0;
Serial.print(" Temperature = ");
Serial.print(tem, 1);
Serial.println("°C ");
flag = 0;
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
}
uint8_t readN(uint8_t *buf, size_t len) {
size_t offset = 0, left = len;
int16_t Tineout = 500;
uint8_t *buffer = buf;
long curr = millis();
while (left) {
if (mySerial.available()) {
buffer[offset] = mySerial.read();
offset++;
left--;
}
if (millis() - curr > Tineout) {
break;
}
}
return offset;
}
unsigned int CRC16_2(unsigned char *buf, int len) {
unsigned int crc = 0xFFFF;
for (int pos = 0; pos < len; pos++) {
crc ^= (unsigned int)buf[pos];
for (int i = 8; i != 0; i--) {
if ((crc & 0x0001) != 0) {
crc >>= 1;
crc ^= 0xA001;
} else {
crc >>= 1;
}
}
}
crc = ((crc & 0x00ff) << 8) | ((crc & 0xff00) >> 8);
return crc;
}
Result
The serial monitor displays the Blue Green Algae value, temperature data collected by the sensor.

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