Inspiration The project was inspired by the critical need for accessible and affordable fire detection systems, especially in areas with limited access to advanced safety technology. I wanted to design a compact, cost-effective, and smart fire alarm that could help prevent disasters by providing early warnings.

🚨 What it does The fire alarm system uses a temperature sensor to detect unusual heat levels. When a threshold is crossed, it activates a buzzer and LEDs to alert nearby individuals. Thanks to the Raspberry Pi Pico W's Wi-Fi capability, it can also send remote notifications to alert users even when they’re away.

🛠️ How we built it We used:

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Temperature sensor (e.g., TMP36 or DHT11)

LEDs and Buzzer

Breadboard and jumper wires

The system was programmed in MicroPython using the Thonny IDE. When the sensor detects a high temperature (indicating potential fire), it triggers the buzzer and LEDs. The Pico W also connects to Wi-Fi to send notifications through services

Challenges we ran into Setting up the Wi-Fi communication on the Pico W took some trial and error.

Finding the right temperature threshold to avoid false alarms.

Making the notification system reliable and timely under different network conditions.

Accomplishments that we're proud of Successfully built a working fire alarm system using minimal components.

Integrated Wi-Fi-based alerts to extend its usefulness beyond physical presence.

Kept the project budget-friendly and suitable for small homes or classrooms.

What we learned How to use MicroPython with sensors and output devices on Raspberry Pi Pico W.

Working with IoT concepts like Wi-Fi alerts and cloud-based triggers.

Calibrating temperature sensors and optimizing for accuracy.

What's next for the fire alarm system Add smoke detection for more comprehensive fire monitoring.

Create a mobile dashboard to monitor multiple devices.

Design a PCB and case for a more permanent, installable version.

Incorporate battery backup for uninterrupted operation during power outages.

Built With

  • micropython
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