Earthquake Detector Project with Arduino Nano

Compact Earthquake Detector Project using Arduino Nano and vibration sensor, ideal for students and science fair exhibitions.

Aug 28, 2025 - 23:23
Aug 28, 2025 - 23:41
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Earthquake Detector Project with Arduino Nano
Earthquake Detector Project with Arduino Nano and vibration sensor for science exhibitions and student learning.

Earthquake Vibration Detector Project with Arduino Nano

The Earthquake Vibration Detector Project is an innovative and compact science project designed for students, hobbyists, and technology enthusiasts. Using the reliable SW-420 vibration sensor and Arduino Nano, this project can detect tremors and provide instant alerts through a 5V buzzer. Perfect for educational purposes, science fairs, and demonstrations, this project allows learners to understand the basics of earthquake detection, sensors, and microcontroller programming. Developed with a lightweight PVC board and powered by a rechargeable TP4056 Type-C module, the project is portable and ready-to-use. You can find this complete project kit at Bigyan Project.

Product Overview / Introduction

This Earthquake Alert System is specifically created to help students explore the field of disaster management and early warning technologies. The compact design ensures portability and easy assembly, making it suitable for classroom demonstrations or science exhibitions. By integrating the SW-420 vibration sensor with Arduino Nano, the system detects ground vibrations and immediately activates a buzzer alert. The project demonstrates practical applications of electronics, programming, and sensor technologies in real-world scenarios.

Product Specifications

Component Specification
Controller Arduino Nano
Vibration Sensor SW-420 Module
Alert System 5V Buzzer
Power Supply TP4056 Type-C Rechargeable Module
Frame 5mm PVC Project Board
Connectivity Thin internal cables
Assembly Support Hot glue for stable fixing
Project Type Ready-to-use educational kit

Features

  • Compact and portable design suitable for students
  • Detects vibration and tremors in real-time
  • Immediate alert through 5V buzzer
  • Powered by rechargeable TP4056 Type-C module
  • Easy assembly with PVC board and thin cables
  • Educational and practical learning experience
  • Ideal for science fairs, classroom demonstrations, and DIY projects
  • Developed and available at Bigyan Project for ready-to-use kits

Applications / Use Cases

  • School and college science exhibitions
  • Earthquake awareness demonstrations
  • Disaster management education for students
  • Arduino and sensor-based DIY projects
  • STEM learning and practical electronics education
  • Early warning system simulations

User Guide / How to Use

  • Connect the SW-420 vibration sensor to the Arduino Nano following the provided circuit diagram.
  • Connect the 5V buzzer to the Arduino Nano digital output pins.
  • Power the project using the TP4056 Type-C rechargeable module.
  • Mount the components on the 5mm PVC board and secure using hot glue.
  • Upload the Arduino sketch to the Nano board to start vibration detection.
  • Test the system by simulating minor vibrations and observing buzzer alerts.
  • Ensure cables are connected securely for consistent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: What type of sensor is used in this project?
    A: The project uses the SW-420 vibration sensor to detect tremors.
  • Q: Which microcontroller is compatible with this system?
    A: Arduino Nano is used as the main controller for processing sensor data.
  • Q: Is the project portable?
    A: Yes, the compact design with a PVC board and rechargeable battery makes it portable.
  • Q: Can this project be used for real earthquake detection?
    A: It is designed for educational purposes and demonstrations, not professional earthquake monitoring.
  • Q: Where can I get this complete kit?
    A: You can purchase the ready-to-use project kit at Bigyan Project.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Ensuring proper calibration of the vibration sensor for accurate detection
  • Securing all components firmly on the PVC board to avoid loose connections
  • Monitoring battery charging and ensuring sufficient power supply
  • Understanding Arduino programming for beginners
  • Simulating real tremors safely for demonstration purposes

Compatibility

  • Arduino Nano and compatible microcontroller boards
  • SW-420 vibration sensor module
  • 5V buzzer or compatible alert systems
  • TP4056 Type-C rechargeable battery module
  • Standard thin wiring for internal connections
  • General DIY electronics learning kits and educational modules

Future Enhancement Options

  • Integrate LCD or LED display for visual alerts
  • Add Wi-Fi or GSM module for remote earthquake notifications
  • Develop smartphone app interface for alerts
  • Combine multiple vibration sensors for higher detection accuracy
  • Upgrade power system for longer battery life
  • Add data logging for educational research purposes

Benefits

  • Provides hands-on learning experience in electronics and programming
  • Enhances understanding of earthquake detection and early warning systems
  • Encourages STEM education and project-based learning
  • Compact and portable, suitable for classrooms and exhibitions
  • Ready-to-use kit reduces setup time for students and teachers
  • Available at Bigyan Project for convenient purchase and guidance
  • Demonstrates practical applications of Arduino and sensors

Earthquake Vibration Detector Project Developed by Students

A group of students in Bangladesh has developed a compact Earthquake Vibration Detector using Arduino Nano and SW-420 vibration sensors. The project detects tremors and triggers a buzzer alert instantly, offering an educational tool for science exhibitions and earthquake awareness programs. This innovation demonstrates practical learning and early warning simulation in a classroom setting.

Background Context

Bangladesh is located in a seismically active region, making earthquake preparedness an important educational topic. Traditional earthquake education is often limited to theory, leaving students with little practical understanding. This project bridges that gap by allowing students to explore sensor technology, Arduino programming, and disaster alert systems in a hands-on manner, fostering both STEM skills and disaster awareness.

Project Details

The Earthquake Alert System uses an Arduino Nano as the main controller and an SW-420 vibration sensor to detect tremors. When a vibration is sensed, a 5V buzzer immediately sounds an alert. The project is built on a 5mm PVC board and uses thin wiring and hot glue for secure assembly. According to one of the students, “This project gave us a clear understanding of how sensors and microcontrollers can simulate real-world earthquake alerts.” The ready-to-use kit is available at Bigyan Project, making it easy for other students to replicate and learn.

Research / Innovation Angle

What makes this project unique is its focus on real-time tremor detection in a portable and low-cost format. Unlike conventional classroom experiments, this project integrates practical electronics with disaster management concepts. The system’s design allows it to be easily upgraded with additional sensors or communication modules for remote alerts. Data from repeated vibration tests were recorded to calibrate the SW-420 sensor for improved accuracy, demonstrating an experimental approach in student-led innovation.

Impact and Applications

This project can be applied in educational settings to demonstrate early warning systems, earthquake safety awareness, and sensor-based detection methods. It benefits students by providing hands-on STEM learning and promotes innovation in disaster preparedness. In the future, similar projects could be scaled for community awareness programs, smart classroom labs, or integration with IoT-based monitoring systems.

Quotes & Voices

  • Student: “Working on this Earthquake Detector taught us how microcontrollers and sensors can solve real-world problems in an educational setting.”
  • Teacher/Mentor: “This project not only strengthens technical skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards disaster preparedness.”
  • Industry Expert: “Innovations like these are essential in teaching students the practical applications of electronics and IoT in safety systems.”

Conclusion

The Earthquake Vibration Detector Project exemplifies how student-led innovation can make STEM education practical and meaningful. By combining Arduino programming, sensor technology, and disaster awareness, this project prepares young innovators for future challenges. Future improvements could include remote alert integration, data logging, and multi-sensor networks, inspiring more students to develop real-world solutions for community safety.

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Shantonu-Acharjee Hi, I'm Shantonu Acharjee — an electronics student, Python developer, and PCB designer. I’m the founder of Bigyan Project, where I lead the creation of innovative robotics and tech solutions for students, educators, and hobbyists since 2018.