What is Arduino?

“Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It’s intended for anyone making interactive projects.”

For more info check out Arduino – Home

Arduino API – When working with a BITalino device you can also send the signal via the Arduino API using the Arduino API GitHub code. However, this will not be covered in this article because the Arduino API was not developed by PLUX.

Before you start

Before you start it is important to take several things in mind. First it is important to think about how you want to power your Arduino and how you want to send the signal data to your computer.

Powering your Arduino

We recommend to power your Arduino by battery to prevent any safety sitaution that could occur. For this purpose, we recommend connecting 2 x 3v7 batteries in series and connecting them to the Arduino “Vin” and “GND” pins. 

Data transfer from Arduino to your computer

by Bluetooth/Wi-fi

Here are some examples to follow if connecting an Arduino to a PC by Bluetooth/Wi-fi:

Add WiFi to Arduino UNO – Arduino Project Hub

Arduino Bluetooth Basic Tutorial – Arduino Project Hub

by Cable

If connecting an Arduino to a PC by cable, we recommend using a galvanic separator / USB insulator to isolate the device from the electronic connection of the PC. This way you will be able to remove noise and inaccurate measurements due to power noise of the computer.

Electromyography (EMG) Sensor with Arduino

When working with BITalino sensors (such as ECG, EMG, EEG, or EDA) with UC-E6 connectors, it is possible to simply connect the sensors using an Arduino Sensor Cable.

Which Materials do I need?

– 1 x BITalino EMG Sensor (UC-E6) 

– 1 x Electrode cable (2 – Lead )

– 1 x Arduino Sensor Cable

– 1 x Arduino (UNO)

How do I connect the sensor to Arduino?

Connect the BITalino EMG sensor to the 2-Lead Electrode Cable where it says “EMG”. Connect the other sensor terminal to the Arduino with an Arduino Sensor Cable by plugging the red cable into the “3.3V” Arduino pin, the black cable into the “GND” Arduino pin, and the purple cable into the “A0” Arduino pin.

How can I read the sensor signal?

The follwoing code snipped will help you to read the RAW EMG data in Arduino.CC

For help see the Arduino Website: analogRead() & Analog Input Pins

int analogPin = A0;             // BITalino EMG sensor connected to analog 
pin 0
                                // outside leads to ground and +3.3V
int val = 0;                    // variabe to store the value read
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);         // setup serial
}
void loop() {
  val = analogRead(analogPin);  // read the input pin
                                // RAW EMG signal
  Serial.println(val);          // debug value
  delay(50);               // to see the signal when using the “serial plotter”

The next step is to transfer the EMG signal into its units (mV) by using the Transfer Function:

Transfer Functions: Converting digital sensor data into physical units

Electrocardiography (ECG) Sensor with Arduino

Which Materials do I need?

– 1 x BITalino ECG Sensor (UC-E6) 

– 1 x Electrode cable (3 – Lead )

– 1 x Arduino Sensor Cable

– 1 x Arduino (UNO)

How do I connect the sensor to Arduino?

Connect the BITalino ECG sensor to the 3-Lead Electrode Cable where it says “ECG”. Connect the other sensor terminal to the Arduino with an Arduino Sensor Cable by plugging the red cable into the “3.3V” Arduino pin, the black cable into the “GND” Arduino pin, and the purple cable into the “A0” Arduino pin.

How can I read the sensor signal?

The follwoing code snipped will help you to read the RAW ECG data in Arduino.CC

For help see the Arduino Website: analogRead() & Analog Input Pins

int analogPin = A0;             // BITalino EMG sensor connected to analog 
pin 0
                                // outside leads to ground and +3.3V
int val = 0;                    // variabe to store the value read
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);         // setup serial
}
void loop() {
  val = analogRead(analogPin);  // read the input pin
                                // RAW ECG signal
  Serial.println(val);          // debug value
  delay(50);               // to see the signal when using the “serial plotter”

The next step is to transfer the ECG signal into its units (mV) by using the Transfer Function:

Transfer Functions: Converting digital sensor data into physical units

Piezo-Electric Respiration (PZT) Sensor with Arduino

When working with sensors that are compatible to both BITalino and biosignalsplux such as the Piezo-Electric Respiration (PZT) Sensor it is not possible to work with the Arduino Sensor Cable. In this specific case, you need to work with the BITalino prototyping board and additional mateirals such as two resistors.

Which Materials do I need?

– 1 x BITalino / biosignalsplux Sensor (PZT)

– 1 x BITalino Prototyping (PRT) Board

– 2 x Resistor (120kΩ each)

– 1 x Arduino (UNO)

How do I connect the sensor to Arduino?

When using the PZT sensor, connect a PRT board between the Arduino and the sensor. The PRT board has to be configured with a voltage divider (we advise 2 x 120KΩ resistors). Connect the upper terminals of the resistors to the “3.3V” and “GND” pins of the Arduino and the “DVCC” and “GND” pins of the PRT board, respectively. Weld the other resistors terminals and connect them to the PRT “REF” pin. Finally, connect the PRT “IN” pin to the “A0” terminal of the Arduino.

How can I read the sensor signal?

The follwoing code snipped will help you to read the RAW PZT data in Arduino.CC

For help see the Arduino Website: analogRead() & Analog Input Pins

int analogPin = A0;             // BITalino EMG sensor connected to analog 
pin 0
                                // outside leads to ground and +3.3V
int val = 0;                    // variabe to store the value read
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);         // setup serial
}
void loop() {
  val = analogRead(analogPin);  // read the input pin
                                // RAW PZT signal
  Serial.println(val);          // debug value
  delay(50);               // to see the signal when using the “serial plotter”

The next step is to transfer the PZT signal into its unit (mV) by using the Transfer Function:

Transfer Functions: Converting digital sensor data into physical units