#647 USB Humidifier Module
Testing a cheap USB/5V powered humidifier module the produces prodigious volumes of mist!
Here’s a quick demo..
Notes
I’ve been seeing these cheap humidifier/atomiser modules for some time - for example this USB powered device from an aliexpress seller. Of course i needed to get one to see if they are any good - oh, yes, they are amazing!
Module Details
The module I purchased came with:
- the controller board with micro USB power connector
- the piezo transducer element on a plugged wire connector
- a 10cm length of the absorbent micro-mesh needed to suck the water through for atomisation
The board has all the smarts in a 6-pin microprocessor of some sort (I haven’t identified it - no markings), with supporting circuits for
- push-button input
- LED indicator
- output control FET driver
I haven’t measured these to verify, but product details indicate:
- 300mA at 5V
- 110kHz piezo frequency
Module Operation
When connected to power, the module is in the “off” state. The push-botton cycles between three modes:
- off (LED off)
- continuously on (LED on)
- intermittent; cycles between on and off every few minutes (LED blinking)
Demonstration
I was honestly shocked at the volume of vapour the module produces when I first turned it on.
Essential for operation is to use the absorbent micro-mesh to conduct water from source to the atomiser. In this demo I just used a small piece to let the atomiser such water from a sponge in my soldering iron stand.
Just placing the atomiser directly on the sponge does not work.
Here’s a quick demo..
Next Steps
This is a great module for building a DIY humidifier. I think that’ll be in my near future.
The fact that it is 5V means that a DIY humidifier can be made in a way that is isolated from any mains or dangerous voltages.
Since the module control is via a pushbutton input, it is also trivial to provide alternative control input for example by IR remote or some other microcontroller-controlled logic.