How to build a colorimeter

• Download the Arduino software

  Click here

  If you haven't installed Arduino software before, check this website on "Getting Started with Arduino on Windows" and follow the instructions.

• Adafruit TSL2561 library for Arduino

  Download the Adafruit_Sensor.zip file and extract the Adafruit library files. Place this TSL2561 library folder inside your Arduino /libraries folder.

  Link to Github

  Some soldering is required. For instructions on how to wire the photosensor, see https://learn.adafruit.com/tsl2561/wiring.

• Arduino program for TSL2561 (Colorimeter)

  TSL2561_PLX_DAQ.pdf (with data output into an Excel spreadsheet)

  TSL2561_Maplin_LCDShield.pdf (with data output onto an liquid-crystal display)

  Zip file with all codes for colorimeter with and without LCD display

• Arduino program for TSL235R (Fluorimeter)

  FluorimeterTSL235R.pdf

• Excel spreadsheet

  Download and install the PLX-DAQ add-on tool for Microsoft Excel. It allows you to read the Adafruit light sensor data straight into an Excel file. It allows you to use the Excel file Lego2PC.xls which contains a macro that can control the LEGO colorimeter and record and plot data in real time.

  For more details, see: http://robottini.altervista.org/arduino-and-real-time-charts-in-excel.

• Example experiments

  Experiments.pdf

  FluorimeterExperiments.pdf

• LEGO parts stl files for 3D printing

  LED_holder.stl

  Lens_holder.stl

  Plastic_cuvette_holder.stl

  Quartz_cuvette_holder.stl

  Detector_holder.stl