The Keyes KY-037 breakout board is an ingenious sound detector module with a built-in pre-amplifier that elegantly amplifies audio signals for seamless integration with Arduino. It features both "analog output" and "digital output" functionalities, allowing for diverse applications, and the microphone's sensitivity can be easily adjusted using a precision threshold potentiometer. With endless possibilities, you can create clap-activated switches, pet monitoring systems, or captivating sound-based projects that showcase the beauty of technology and creativity. Embrace the power of sound and imagination with the Keyes KY-037 sound detector module.

 

Package Includes:

• 1 x Microphone Sound Detection Sensor KY-037 Big Mic Red

 

Features:

• Sound Detection: The module is designed to detect sound and audio signals in its surroundings.
• Built-in Pre-Amplifier: It comes with a pre-amplifier circuitry that boosts the audio signals, preparing them for processing.
• Arduino Compatibility: The amplified audio signals are brought to a level that is perfectly compatible with Arduino boards, facilitating easy integration and communication.
• Analog Output: The module provides analog output, allowing you to obtain continuous voltage signals proportional to the detected sound level.
• Digital Output: It also offers digital output, producing a high or low signal based on the presence or absence of sound above a set threshold.
• Threshold Potentiometer: The module includes a threshold potentiometer that lets you adjust the microphone's sensitivity. This way, you can fine-tune the detection level to suit your project requirements.
• Versatile Applications: The module's analog and digital outputs enable its use in a wide range of applications, such as clap-activated switches, sound-activated alarms, voice-activated systems, and more.
• Easy to Use: The breakout board is designed for user-friendliness, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced electronics enthusiasts.
• Low Power Consumption: It operates with low power consumption, making it suitable for projects where energy efficiency is essential.
• Compact Size: The module comes in a compact form factor, making it easy to integrate into various projects and setups.
• High Sensitivity: The sound detector has a high sensitivity, allowing it to detect even subtle audio signals effectively.
• Durable Build: The module is built to withstand regular usage, ensuring longevity and reliability in your projects.
• Open Source Support: As a widely used module, you can find plenty of community resources, tutorials, and sample codes for various Arduino projects.

 

Description:

The Keyes KY-037 Sound Detector Module is an exceptional and versatile electronic component designed to enable advanced sound detection capabilities in your Arduino projects. Equipped with a built-in pre-amplifier, this module ensures optimal signal amplification, perfectly compatible with Arduino boards, facilitating seamless integration and reliable communication. With both analog and digital outputs, the KY-037 offers a range of options for diverse applications. The module's analog output delivers continuous voltage signals proportional to the detected sound level, while the digital output provides a simple high or low signal based on the presence or absence of sound above a set threshold. One of its standout features is the threshold potentiometer, allowing easy adjustment of the microphone's sensitivity. This precision tuning empowers you to customize the module's responsiveness to precisely match the demands of your specific project, making it adaptable for various sound-based applications. From creating clap-activated switches and voice-activated systems to building sound-triggered alarms and monitoring solutions, the Keyes KY-037 opens up a world of possibilities for innovative projects that harness the power of sound.

 

Principle of Work:

The Keyes KY-037 Sound Detector Module operates by converting sound waves into electrical signals through a small circuit board containing a microphone with a frequency range of 50Hz to 10kHz. When sound waves from the environment strike the diaphragm of the microphone, it vibrates in response to the sound, causing a change in capacitance. As the diaphragm moves closer or farther from the plates within the microphone, the capacitance between these plates changes accordingly. The Keyes KY-037 module utilizes an LM393 op-amp to process and amplify the analog audio signals from the microphone. The module has four pins:

1. Analog Output (A0).
2. Ground (G): This is the ground connection, used to complete the electrical circuit.
3. Voltage Control (+).
4. Digital Output (D0).

To adjust the sensitivity of the microphone, the module features a blue potentiometer (pot) that controls the threshold value. By turning the top screw of the potentiometer, you can increase or decrease the sensitivity of the microphone. When turned clockwise, the threshold is lowered, and the microphone becomes more sensitive to sound. Conversely, turning the potentiometer counterclockwise raises the threshold, making the microphone less sensitive.To set the threshold level accurately, you can perform a simple calibration process. Place your finger near the microphone and make clicking sounds. Adjust the potentiometer until the Status LED on the module blinks in response to your clicks. This ensures that the module is calibrated to the desired sensitivity level for your specific application. With this functionality, the Keyes KY-037 Sound Detector Module can be effortlessly integrated with microcontrollers (MCUs) like Arduino to enable various sound-based projects. The amplified analog output (A0) can be read using an analog input pin on the MCU, while the digital output (D0) can be connected to a digital input pin to trigger events or actions based on sound thresholds. By interfacing the module with an MCU, you can unleash its potential for creating clap-activated switches, voice-activated systems, sound-based alarms, and more, making it an indispensable tool for sound-driven innovations.

 

Pinout of the Module:

 

 The sound sensor has four output pins that link to a microcontroller:

• Analog Output (A0): The module offers an amplified analog audio output through pin A0. This output provides voltage levels that accurately represent the volume or intensity of the detected sound. As the sound signal varies, the voltage on this pin fluctuates accordingly.
• Ground (G): The ground connection (G) serves as the reference point for completing the electrical circuit. It ensures a stable reference potential for the module's operations.
• Voltage Control (+): Pin marked as Voltage Control (+) is where the voltage supply connects to the module, providing the necessary power for its functioning.
• Digital Output (D0): The digital output pin (D0) generates a digital signal based on the sound's intensity relative to a predefined threshold value. When the audio signal falls below the threshold, the digital output is set to LOW, and when it rises above the threshold, the output switches to HIGH.
• Threshold Adjustment: The module incorporates a potentiometer that allows precise threshold setting for the digital output pin. This potentiometer enables you to fine-tune the sensitivity of the module, making it respond optimally to the desired sound level.
• Status LEDs: The module features two LEDs. One indicates the operational status of the module, while the other reflects the condition of the digital output pin. These LEDs offer visual cues for easy monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Resistors: Six resistors are strategically integrated into the module's design. These resistors serve multiple purposes: protecting the LEDs from overvoltage, ensuring the LEDs' longevity, and acting as voltage dividers in the circuit.
• LM393 Dual Comparator: The heart of the module's processing capabilities lies in the LM393 dual comparator. This IC efficiently compares the signal from the microphone with the threshold value determined by the potentiometer. It then controls the LED that represents the status of the digital output pin accordingly.
• Microphone: At the core of the module is the microphone, responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals. This component is pivotal in capturing sound and initiating the entire detection process.

 

Applications:

1. Clap-Activated Devices: The module can be used to create clap-activated switches for lights, appliances, or other devices. A double clap, for example, could turn on the lights, while another clap could turn them off.
2. Voice-Activated Systems: By integrating the module with a microcontroller like Arduino, you can develop voice-activated systems that respond to specific commands or trigger actions based on voice inputs.
3. Sound-Based Alarms: The module can be used in sound-activated alarm systems, such as burglar alarms or intrusion detection systems, where specific sound patterns trigger alerts or notifications.
4. Home Automation: In home automation projects, the module can be used to detect specific sounds, allowing users to control various devices or functions with audio cues.
5. Pet Monitoring: The module's sensitivity to sound makes it useful for creating pet monitoring systems. It can trigger alerts or notifications when the module detects specific pet noises or disturbances.
6. Sound Analysis and Visualization: Researchers and hobbyists can use the module to analyze and visualize sound patterns, such as in audio spectrum analyzers or sound level meters.
7. Interactive Art Installations: Artists and designers can incorporate the module into interactive art installations that respond to ambient sounds or audience participation.
8. Wildlife Monitoring: In wildlife research or conservation projects, the module can be used to monitor animal sounds or detect specific animal calls in natural environments.
9. Sound-Driven Robotics: The module can serve as a sound sensor in robotics projects, enabling robots to respond to audio cues or recognize specific sounds in their surroundings.
10. Educational Demonstrations: The module can be used in educational settings to demonstrate principles of sound detection, electronics, and microcontroller interfacing.
11. Home Security Systems: When integrated into home security setups, the module can be part of sound-based security systems that detect and respond to unusual or suspicious sounds.
12. Music and Audio Projects: The module can be utilized in music and audio-related projects to trigger certain effects or actions based on specific sound patterns.

 

Circuit:

The Keyes KY-037 Sound Detector Module can be easily connected to an Arduino board to detect and work with sound signals. Here's how you can do it:

1. Analog Pin to A0: Connect the Analog pin of the sound detector module to the A0 pin on the Arduino board. This connection allows the module to send information about the loudness or volume of the detected sound to the Arduino.
2. Digital Output to Pin 2: Connect the Digital Output pin (d0) of the module to pin 2 on the Arduino board. This connection enables the module to send a simple ON or OFF signal to the Arduino, depending on whether it detects a sound above a certain loudness threshold.
3. LED Indicator: To visually see when sound is detected, we'll add an LED to the circuit. Connect the longer leg (anode) of the LED to pin 10 on the Arduino board through a 220-ohm resistor. The resistor helps protect the LED from too much current, making it safe and long-lasting.

Now, when you use the Keyes KY-037 Sound Detector Module with your Arduino, the LED will light up when a loud sound is detected, and you can also use the Arduino to measure and respond to the loudness of the sound.

 

Library:

This Module doesn't need a library to work.

 

Code:

The next code reads the state of the microphonePin (digital pin 1) connected to a sound detector module. If the state is HIGH (meaning a sound is detected), it turns on the LED connected to ledPin (digital pin 10) for 1 second using the delay() function. Otherwise, if the state is LOW (meaning no sound is detected), it turns off the LED. The code continuously loops, checking the state of the microphonePin and controlling the LED accordingly based on sound detection:

int ledPin = 10;
int microphonePin = 1;
int state = 0;

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(microphonePin, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
  state = digitalRead(microphonePin);

  if (state == HIGH) {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
    delay(1000);
  }

  else {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  }
}

In this code, we have set up the necessary variables to work with a sound detector module. The microphonePin and ledPin are declared to hold the respective digital pin numbers for the microphone and the LED. Additionally, we have state variable to store the HIGH or LOW values read from the microphone's digital pin.

In the setup() section, we configure the ledPin as an OUTPUT and the microphonePin as an INPUT. This ensures that we can control the LED and read the sound detector module effectively.

Moving on to the loop() section, we start by reading the digital state from the microphonePin using the digitalRead() function. The value is then stored in the state variable, which now represents the presence (HIGH) or absence (LOW) of sound detected by the microphone.

Next, there's an if-else statement that checks the state variable. If the microphonePin state is HIGH (meaning sound is detected), the code executes the following:

• It sets the ledPin to HIGH using digitalWrite(). This action turns on the LED, indicating the detection of sound.
• It then pauses the program for one second using the delay(1000) function to keep the LED on for a short duration.
• After the delay, the code proceeds to the next iteration of the loop.

On the other hand, if the microphonePin state is LOW (meaning no sound is detected), the code executes the else part of the statement:

• It sets the ledPin to LOW using digitalWrite(). This action turns off the LED as there is no sound detected.

The loop continuously runs, checking the state of the microphonePin and controlling the LED accordingly based on sound detection.

 

Technical Details:

• Comparator Circuit: LM393
• Power supply voltage: +5V
• Mounting screw hole size: 3mm
• Circuit Board Dimensions: 35mm x 15mm x 14mm (L x W x H, excluding connector and microphone)
• Color: Red.

 

Resources:

 Tutorial 1

 

Comparisons:

• The KY-038 and KY-037 are two remarkable microphone sound sensors with nearly identical specifications, making them highly versatile for a range of projects. While both modules share similar specifications and electrical components, the KY-037 distinguishes itself by featuring a built-in microphone with notably higher sensitivity, although this sensitivity is not explicitly indicated in its specifications. Nonetheless, due to their comparable features, both sound sensor modules can be used interchangeably, providing great flexibility in application.
• These sound sensors are particularly well-suited for clap-activated projects, where you can achieve impressive results without even utilizing an Arduino. By directly connecting a relay to either the KY-038 or KY-037, you can effortlessly trigger actions based on sound detection.
• Both the KY-038 and KY-037 boast both analog and digital outputs, setting them apart from other models available on the website, which may offer only digital output and limited functionalities. The onboard Schmitt circuit in these modules allows for convenient threshold adjustment using a potentiometer, empowering you to fine-tune their responsiveness to sound levels.
• It is essential to note that the versatility of these modules extends beyond basic sound amplification. Unlike some models restricted to digital output use, the KY-038 and KY-037, along with the "Microphone Sound Detector with Amplifier Module MAX9814," enable you to harness analog input capabilities. This exceptional feature unlocks a broader range of creative applications and sound-based projects.
• For those seeking a diverse selection of sound-related modules, a simple search using keywords like "sound mic" on the website will reveal a wealth of options, including the KY-038 and KY-037, along with many others. With these impressive microphone sound sensors at your disposal, you can delve into a realm of innovative projects limited only by your imagination.