This week consisted of trying to understand and operate the Co2 / o2 sensors. Both of the sensors show a reading on the Arduino serial output, however the readings are inaccurate when compared to the normal concentration of these two gases in any given room.
Much research was conducted this week on these sensors. It was found that they both need a 48 hour initial soak period in order to obtain accurate readings.
After 48 hours I retested the sensors and still no luck. I began to think the test code was programmed with incorrect algorithms, but as i studied the data sheet, the code in fact was using the correct algorithms that uses a change in voltage across the sensor to relate to a change in gas concentration. As one breathes on either sensor, the serial output records a change in voltage. However, the corresponding gas concentration with the change in voltage is highly unlikely. Data from the o2 sensor shows a 6% concentration of oxygen within the room. This is extremely incorrect as at any given point, a typical room has roughly 20-22% oxygen concentration.
Unfortunately, this unsuspected roadblock with these sensors put me a week behind schedule. For the time allotted, i believe it is important to begin focusing on another major part of the project.
Start of week six I will begin to focus my attention to the Ocean Optics Spectrometer.