A DIY Earthquake Alert System built with the ESP8266 NodeMCU ESP12E and an MPU6050 6-axis accelerometer + gyroscope module.
The system continuously monitors vibrations, filters noise, and activates both an audible and visual alarm (buzzer + LED) when shaking is detected.
Watch the live demo here:
Video Demonstration
This project is a DIY Earthquake Alert System created for learning, experimentation, and hobby use. It is not a certified earthquake detection or early warning system and should not be relied upon for safety-critical applications. Professional, industrial, and government systems are far more advanced and undergo rigorous testing.
Use this project as a hands-on learning tool to explore sensors, IoT, and electronics, not as a substitute for real-world disaster prevention systems.
The author is not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss caused by using this project. Always handle electronics safely.
- ESP8266 development board NodeMCU ESP12E
- MPU6050 accelerometer + gyroscope sensor
- Passive buzzer
- Jumper wires
- breadboard
| NodeMCU Pin | Function / Signal | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 3V3 | Power VCC | MPU6050 VCC |
| GND | Ground | MPU6050 GND |
| D1 (GPIO5) | I²C SCL | MPU6050 SCL |
| D2 (GPIO4) | I²C SDA | MPU6050 SDA |
| D5 (GPIO14) | Buzzer + | Passive Buzzer (+) |
| GND | Buzzer − | Passive Buzzer (−) |
| D4 (GPIO2) | Onboard LED | LED indicator |
I also created this solar powered setup so the system no longer relies on main power, allowing it to operate independently and remain active even during power outages for continuous earthquake monitoring.
-
The HW-085 Boost Converter Module allows you to adjust the output voltage using solder pads labeled A and B on the front side of the PCB.
-
Use a soldering iron to bridge (connect) or remove (disconnect) the pads set it to 5V
| A | B | Output Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 5V |
| 0 | 1 | 8V |
| 1 | 0 | 9V |
| 1 | 1 | 12V |
Note:
0= Pad disconnected1= Pad connected
- Download and install the latest Arduino IDE.
- Open Arduino IDE
- Go to File → Preferences
- In Additional Board Manager URLs, add:
http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
- Go to Tools → Board → Board Manager, search for ESP8266, and install.
In Arduino IDE, go to Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries... and install:
- Wire (usually pre-installed)
- MPU6050 by Electronic Cats / Jeff Rowberg (I²Cdevlib)
- Go to Tools → Board, select your ESP8266 NodeMCU ESP12E 1.0.
- Select the correct COM Port under Tools → Port.
- Open the provided
.inocode file in Arduino IDE. - Click the Upload button (right arrow icon).
- Wait until the code compiles and uploads successfully.
- Once uploaded, open the Serial Monitor at 115200 baud.
- The system will calibrate automatically, then start monitoring vibrations.
- Shake the sensor slightly to trigger the buzzer + LED.
You can adjust these parameters based on your desired behavior for the system (e.g., sensitivity, alert duration, or stability).
#define BUZZER_PIN 14 // D5 = GPIO14
#define LED_PIN 2 // D4 = GPIO2
#define THRESHOLD 450 // Higher = less sensitive
#define CONFIRM_COUNT 2 // Require consecutive strong shakes
#define FILTER_SIZE 15 // Moving average filter size
#define SAMPLE_COUNT 100 // Baseline calibration samples
#define STABLE_COUNT 10 // Quake ends after 10 stable readings
#define ALERT_DURATION 4000 // Total alert duration (ms)
#define PULSE_INTERVAL 40 // Pulse on/off interval (ms)
#define NOISE_FLOOR 60 // Ignore tiny raw vibrations
#define RETRY_INTERVAL 5000 // Retry reconnect every 5s
#define COOLDOWN_TIME 1000 // Cooldown after alert (ms)
#define RESET_TIMEOUT 60000 // 60s no valid data = auto reset
#define DAILY_RESET 86400000UL // 24h auto reset (ms)
#define MIN_DURATION 1200 // Anti-knock feature- Created with passion ❤ by Roy Cuadra
- Updated Date: 10-18-2025
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
Thank you for checking out this project! You are welcome to fork, improve, or use it for learning purposes.