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Smart Coconut Beetle Detection System

Smart Coconut Beetle Detection System

Madhuka Malshan / July 7, 2025

Introduction

The Smart Coconut Beetle Detection System is a robotics project designed to help farmers detect rhinoceros beetle activity inside coconut trees. The system uses an Arduino Nano and a vibration sensor to identify beetle sound patterns and alert the user through LED indicators. This provides an affordable and eco-friendly way to prevent early crop damage.

Features

  • Real-time Vibration Detection – Captures beetle activity using an LM386 vibration/sound sensor.
  • Alert System with LEDs
    • Blue → System ON
    • Yellow → Suspected activity
    • Red → Confirmed detection
  • Signal Analysis – Detects sound frequencies within the beetle activity range (700–1400 Hz).
  • Reset Button – Quickly clears alerts and restarts monitoring.
  • Low-Cost & Eco-Friendly – Designed to be affordable for farmers.

Technologies Used

  • Microcontroller: Arduino Nano
  • Sensors: LM386 vibration/audio sensor
  • Programming: Arduino C/C++
  • Power: Rechargeable battery (solar option supported)
  • Hardware: Breadboard, LEDs, resistors, weather-safe casing

Project Structure

The system is built using these main modules:

  • Sensor Module – Collects vibration signals.
  • Signal Processing Module – Filters noise and checks frequency patterns.
  • Alert Module – Controls LED indicators based on detection levels.
  • Reset Module – Handles manual reset input.

Installation / Setup

This is a hardware-based project. Below is a basic setup guide:

Requirements

  • Arduino Nano
  • LM386 vibration sensor
  • 3 LEDs (Blue, Yellow, Red) + resistors
  • Jumper wires
  • Push button (Reset)
  • Battery pack

Steps

  1. Connect the vibration sensor to the Arduino analog input.
  2. Wire LEDs to digital pins for alert indicators.
  3. Add the reset button to a digital interrupt pin.
  4. Upload the Arduino code using the Arduino IDE.
  5. Mount the device in a weather-safe enclosure.

Usage

Once the device is powered on:

  1. Blue LED indicates the system is running.
  2. The sensor continuously monitors tree vibrations.
  3. If beetle-like patterns are detected → Yellow LED.
  4. Repeated detections trigger the Red LED (confirmed alert).
  5. Press the reset button to clear alerts and restart monitoring.

Testing

  • Tested with simulated beetle sound patterns.
  • Tuned sensitivity to reduce false positives.
  • Ran multiple duration tests for stability.
  • Verified alert sequence under controlled vibration inputs.

Future Enhancements

  • Add Wi-Fi/GSM for mobile alerts.
  • Build a mobile app dashboard for real-time monitoring.
  • Use Machine Learning for sound classification.
  • Create a multi-sensor version for larger plantations.