April 10, 2025 On April 5, 2025

Guide to 5-Channel Flame Sensor Module

Posted by

Ekostra Electronics

Show column

5-Channel Flame Sensor Module

Multi-directional Flame Detection for Arduino and Robotics Projects

Introduction

The 5-Channel Flame Sensor Module is an infrared detection system capable of identifying flame sources from multiple directions. With five independent IR receivers arranged in a 180° arc, it provides directional flame detection for fire prevention systems, robotics, and safety applications.

Key Features

🔥 Multi-directional

Five independent detection channels covering 180°

📶 Analog Output

Provides intensity readings for precise flame location

⚡ Adjustable Sensitivity

Potentiometers for each channel’s detection threshold

🔧 Easy Integration

Works with 3.3V or 5V systems including Arduino

Technical Specifications

Detection Angle	180° (5× 36° sectors)
Detection Range	0.8m-1.5m (depends on flame size)
Output Type	5× Analog + 1× Digital
Operating Voltage	3.3V – 5V DC
Current Consumption	<20mA per channel
Response Time	<100ms

Pin Configuration

Pin	Label	Description	Arduino Connection
1	VCC	Power (3.3V-5V)	5V
2	GND	Ground	GND
3	A1	Channel 1 Analog	A0
4	A2	Channel 2 Analog	A1
5	A3	Channel 3 Analog	A2
6	A4	Channel 4 Analog	A3
7	A5	Channel 5 Analog	A4
8	D0	Digital Output	D2

Note: Each channel has its own sensitivity adjustment potentiometer

Wiring with Arduino

// Basic Connections:
// VCC → 5V
// GND → GND
// A1-A5 → A0-A4 (analog inputs)
// D0 → D2 (digital input - optional)

// For best results, place sensor 30-50cm above surface

Important: Avoid direct sunlight as it may cause false positives

Basic Detection Example

// 5-Channel Flame Sensor Basic Example
const int channels = 5;
const int pins[channels] = {A0, A1, A2, A3, A4};

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  for(int i=0; i<channels; i++) {
    pinMode(pins[i], INPUT);
  }
}

void loop() {
  for(int i=0; i<channels; i++) {
    int value = analogRead(pins[i]);
    Serial.print("Channel ");
    Serial.print(i+1);
    Serial.print(": ");
    Serial.print(value);
    Serial.print("\t");
  }
  Serial.println();
  delay(200);
}

Directional Flame Detection

// Determine flame direction from 5 sensors
int getFlameDirection() {
  int values[5];
  int maxVal = 0;
  int direction = 0; // 0 = no flame
  
  // Read all channels
  for(int i=0; i<5; i++) { values[i] = analogRead(A0 + i); if(values[i] > maxVal && values[i] > 500) { // 500 = threshold
      maxVal = values[i];
      direction = i + 1; // Channels 1-5
    }
  }
  return direction;
}

void loop() {
  int flameDir = getFlameDirection();
  if(flameDir > 0) {
    Serial.print("Flame detected from direction: ");
    Serial.println(flameDir);
  }
  delay(100);
}

Advanced Features

Threshold Calibration

// Auto-calibration for changing light conditions
int baselines[5];

void calibrateSensors() {
  for(int i=0; i<5; i++) {
    baselines[i] = analogRead(A0 + i);
    // Add 10% safety margin
    baselines[i] += baselines[i] * 0.1; 
  }
}

Flame Intensity

// Calculate relative flame intensity
float getFlameIntensity() {
  int total = 0;
  for(int i=0; i<5; i++) {
    total += analogRead(A0 + i);
  }
  return total / 5.0; // Average intensity
}

Digital Output

// Using the digital output pin
void setup() {
  pinMode(2, INPUT); // D0 connected to D2
}

void loop() {
  if(digitalRead(2) {
    Serial.println("Flame detected!");
  }
}

Robotic Response

// Simple robot fire-fighting logic
void respondToFlame(int direction) {
  switch(direction) {
    case 1: turnLeft(45); break;
    case 2: turnLeft(15); break;
    case 3: moveForward(); break;
    case 4: turnRight(15); break;
    case 5: turnRight(45); break;
  }
  activateWaterPump();
}