01 - TK12 NTC Thermistor

# Overview **Unlock the secrets of temperature with the Lonely Binary TinkerBlock TK12 NTC Thermistor!** This essential module allows your microcontroller projects to accurately sense and react to changes in temperature, opening up a world of possibilities for smart automation, environmental monitoring, and interactive systems. The TK12 features an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor, meaning its electrical resistance changes predictably with temperature. As the environment gets warmer, the resistance of the TK12 decreases, and your microcontroller can easily read this change as an **analog signal**. This direct analog output provides a smooth, continuous stream of data, allowing for precise temperature measurement and control. Designed with the familiar TinkerBlock simplicity, the TK12 offers a straightforward connection with its GND, VCC, and Analog Signal pins. It's perfectly compatible with popular platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, making it easy to integrate into your next innovation. From creating a smart thermostat for your home to building a temperature-controlled fan, the TK12 is your reliable partner for temperature-aware projects. ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0331/9994/7908/files/Pasted_image_20250730160925.png?v=1753855780) # Pinout | Pin | Function | | ------ | ------------- | | GND | Ground | | VCC | VCC | | NC | Not Connected | | Signal | Analog | # Dimensions ![](images/Pasted%20image%2020250718163936.png) # Components # NTC NTC stands for **Negative Temperature Coefficient**. An NTC thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance **decreases as its temperature increases**. Conversely, its resistance increases as the temperature decreases. # Sample Code This Arduino code is designed to read the raw analog value from an NTC thermistor connected to analog pin A3. It initializes serial communication to display these readings. In the main loop, it continuously reads the analog input from the thermistor, prints this raw value to the Serial Monitor, and then pauses briefly before taking the next reading. This allows you to observe how the thermistor's resistance (represented by the analog value) changes with temperature. ``` cpp // Define the analog pin connected to the TK12 NTC Thermistor's Signal pin. // Using a descriptive constant makes the code more readable and maintainable. const int thermistorPin = A3; void setup() { // Initialize the serial communication at a baud rate of 9600. // This allows the Arduino to send data (thermistor readings) back to your computer's Serial Monitor. Serial.begin(9600); // Configure the specified analog pin as an INPUT. // Although analog pins are implicitly inputs, explicitly setting pinMode is good practice. pinMode(thermistorPin, INPUT); } void loop() { // Read the raw analog value from the thermistor pin. // The analogRead() function converts the analog voltage (0-5V) into a digital value (0-1023). // For an NTC thermistor, a warmer environment will result in a lower resistance, // and thus a higher analog value if wired in a standard voltage divider where the thermistor // is on the low side (connected to GND). int analogValue = analogRead(thermistorPin); // Print the raw analog value to the Serial Monitor. // This allows you to observe the changes in the sensor reading in real-time. Serial.print("Raw Analog Value: "); Serial.println(analogValue); // Introduce a small delay to prevent the Serial Monitor from being overwhelmed with data // and to make the readings more readable. Adjust this value as needed. delay(500); // Read value every 0.5 seconds } ``` # Product Link For product support, manuals, tutorials, and sample code, please visit our product page to access comprehensive resources. [https://lonelybinary.com/products/tk12](https://lonelybinary.com/products/tk12) # Support If you encounter any issues, please go to [https://lonelybinary.com ](https://lonelybinary.com ) and click the Support button located in the bottom right corner. Our team is ready to assist you. [![Technical Support](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0331/9994/7908/files/Pasted_image_20250527102623_4e41083f-a1d3-412d-a78f-9cb11ecf69e5.png?v=1754008493)](https://lonelybinary.com) # Thank You Thank you for choosing TinkerBlock to fuel your passion for STEM! Whether you’re a student diving into coding, an educator shaping future innovators, a hobbyist bringing your vision to life, or a business seeking cutting-edge solutions, TinkerBlock empowers you to create, learn, and innovate. **For school orders, wholesale inquiries, or custom business solutions, please contact us to discuss your specific needs.** [office@lonelybinar.com](office@lonelybinary.com) > **Unleash Your Creativity with TinkerBlock – Where Coding Meets the Real World!**