User Controls
- Joystick Module
- Rotary Encoder Module
- Button Module
- Membrane Switch Module
- Metal Touch Module
- Tap Module
Engineering · Lesson 03
Sensor Modules Kit
A sensor kit turns a microcontroller from a simple board into a device that can react to light, sound, motion, heat, touch, distance, and time. This lesson organizes a common beginner sensor modules kit into useful categories, highlights the most important safety notes, and helps students decide which module to try first.
← Back to EngineeringSensor Module Gallery
Use these photos as quick visual anchors while students sort the kit by what each board senses.
Kit Overview
This style of sensor kit is popular because it gives beginners a large variety of modules at a relatively low cost. It works well as an introduction to physical computing because each board usually exposes a simple set of pins for power, ground, and signal.
Compatibility Note
The kit is commonly used with Arduino-style boards and is also compatible with STM32 hardware in principle, but STM32 wiring and software support may require separate tutorials and examples.
Power Warning
The Elegoo power supply module expects 6.5V to 9V DC through a 5.5 mm × 2.1 mm plug. Do not exceed that range, or you risk damaging the board and other chips connected to it.
What is included
The kit provides sensor and interface modules only. You still need jumper wires and a controller board to actually use them.
Best use case
Quick labs where students compare many sensing methods without soldering separate circuits from raw parts.
What to learn first
Always identify whether a module is an input sensor, an output device, or an interface board before wiring it.
How To Think About Sensor Modules
Not every board in a sensor kit is actually a sensor. Some are inputs that measure the world, some are outputs that create light or sound, and some are support modules that handle display, power, or communication.
| Type | What It Does | Examples From This Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental / Physical Input | Measures light, motion, sound, temperature, humidity, water, or magnetic effects | Photo-resistor, PIR, flame, hall, sound, DS18B20, DHT-style temperature-humidity, water level |
| User Input | Lets a person control the circuit directly | Joystick, button, rotary encoder, membrane switch, metal touch, tap, tilt switch |
| Output / Alert | Creates sound, light, switching, or signaling | RGB LED, SMD RGB, two-tone LED, 7-color flash, laser emitter, buzzers, relay |
| Timing / Interface / Support | Helps the system keep time, communicate, or power other modules | RTC module, IR receiver/emitter, LCD1602, power supply, GY-521 motion board |
Component Listing, Organized By Function
The original kit inventory is much easier to use once it is grouped into categories.
Environmental and Motion Sensors
- Ultrasonic Sensor Module
- HC-SR501 PIR Sensor Module
- Flame Sensor Module
- Linear Hall Module
- Digital Temperature Module
- 18B20 Temp Module
- Temperature and Humidity Module
- Photo-resistor Module
- GY-521 Module
- Avoidance Module
- Tracking Module
- Magnetic Spring Module
- Water Level Sensor
- Photo-interrupter Module
Sound, Light, and Alert Outputs
- RGB LED Module
- SMD RGB Module
- Two-tone Color Module
- 7 Color Flash Module
- Active Buzzer Module
- Passive Buzzer Module
Detection, IR, and Switching
- Relay Module
- IR Receiver Module
- IR Emission Module
- Laser Emit Module
- Shake Module
- Tilt Switch Module
- Big Sound Module and Small Sound Module
Time, Display, and Power
- DS-1307 RTC Module
- LCD1602 Module with pin header
- Power Supply Module
Most Useful Beginner Modules To Start With
If you only want a few strong first experiments, these modules give the best learning payoff with minimal setup.
| Module | Why It Is Useful | Good First Project |
|---|---|---|
| Photo-resistor Module | Easy way to learn analog input and voltage division | Automatic night light |
| Ultrasonic Sensor Module | Teaches timing, distance measurement, and object detection | Parking sensor or distance alarm |
| HC-SR501 PIR Sensor | Simple motion sensing with very visible real-world uses | Motion-triggered lamp or buzzer |
| Temperature and Humidity Module | Introduces environmental monitoring and data logging | Mini weather station |
| Joystick Module | Fast path into two-axis analog control plus a pushbutton | Menu navigation or game controller input |
| LCD1602 Module | Makes sensor data visible without a computer screen | Display distance, temperature, or menu states |
Starter Project Ideas
These pairings help students see how different modules can work together.
Motion Alarm
Use the PIR sensor with an active buzzer and RGB LED to create a simple room monitor.
Light Meter
Use the photo-resistor and LCD1602 to display changing light values in real time.
Digital Thermometer
Pair the DS18B20 or temperature module with the LCD display for a live readout.
Distance Warning System
Combine the ultrasonic module with LEDs or a passive buzzer that changes pitch as an object gets closer.
Door Open Detector
Use the magnetic spring module to sense when a magnet moves away from the frame.
Remote-Control Demo
Use the IR receiver and emitter modules to explore line-of-sight communication.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Forgetting the controller board
This kit does not run by itself. Every module needs a microcontroller and jumper wires.
Mixing analog and digital expectations
Some modules output a changing analog value, while others simply report HIGH or LOW.
Overpowering the supply board
Stay within the specified 6.5V to 9V DC range for the dedicated power module.
Assuming every board is a sensor
Relay, LCD, and buzzers are useful modules, but they are outputs or interface boards rather than sensors.
Skipping pin labels
Check each module for power, ground, digital, analog, or special communication pins before wiring.
Expecting STM32 instructions in-kit
The kit may physically work with STM32 boards, but classroom examples are often written for Arduino first.
Quick Check
1. What extra hardware do you need to actually use this sensor modules kit?
2. Which module is best known for distance measurement?
3. What is the safe input voltage range for the Elegoo power supply module listed in this lesson?
4. Which item in the kit is not mainly a sensor?