Open SQUID Magnetometer Kit with Arduino Mega + Sensor
Open SQUID Magnetometer Kit with Arduino Mega — Measure Picotesla Magnetic Fluctuations
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Detect magnetic field variations as small as a few hundred picotesla — orders of magnitude smaller than the Earth's field — without liquid helium or cryogenic cooling. This kit uses a fluxgate sensor and advanced signal processing to replicate the core capability of a SQUID magnetometer, making ultra-sensitive magnetometry accessible for geophysical surveys, materials research, and experimental physics.
What You'll Build
You’ll assemble a complete, open-source digital magnetometer. The finished instrument displays real-time magnetic field readings on a 2.4-inch TFT, logs time-stamped data to microSD, and interfaces with a PC for further analysis. The core sensor, an HMC1001 fluxgate, is driven and read out through a low-noise analog front-end built from precision op-amps and a stable voltage reference. A lock-in detection scheme using the AD9833 signal generator extracts picotesla-level signals, while the ADS1115 16-bit ADC digitizes the result with ultra-low noise. All analog circuitry is housed in a mu-metal enclosure to suppress environmental interference.
What You'll Learn
- Design and build a low-noise analog front-end for sub-microvolt signals using LM358 op-amps and stable references
- Implement phase-sensitive detection with a DDS signal generator to recover tiny signals buried in noise
- Calibrate a fluxgate magnetometer and interpret its transfer function with an Arduino Mega
- Develop embedded software for real-time TFT display, RTC time-stamping, and SD card data logging
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| ADS1115 ADC | 1 |
| LM329 Reference | 1 |
| LM358 Op-Amp | 6 |
| AD9833 Signal Gen | 1 |
| Fluxgate Sensor HMC1001 | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| 2.4in TFT ILI9341 | 1 |
| 100kΩ Resistors | 10 |
| 100nF Caps | 15 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 5 |
| Mu-Metal Enclosure | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is designed for advanced makers, research scholars, and professionals. Engineering students at IITs, NITs, and BITS Pilani will find it invaluable for final-year projects in instrumentation or applied physics. Smart India Hackathon teams working on geophysical or material characterization challenges can rapidly prototype a high-sensitivity sensor. Physics postgraduates and faculty can demonstrate SQUID principles without cryogenics, and tinkering labs seeking a real scientific instrument for outreach will appreciate its open-source design.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to launch the AI companion that knows every connection and calibration step. You can also reach out via WhatsApp; we’ll help within hours.
Can this kit detect the Earth’s magnetic field variations?
Yes, it is sensitive enough to monitor diurnal variations and even magnetic storms. With proper shielding and calibration, you can record fluctuations on the order of tens of picotesla.
Is the mu-metal enclosure essential for operation?
Without it, ambient 50 Hz noise and nearby metal objects will dominate the signal. The included enclosure shields the sensor and analog front-end, ensuring stable, repeatable measurements.
How does this compare to a real SQUID magnetometer in a research lab?
You achieve similar sensitivity in the 0.1–100 Hz range without needing liquid helium or a shielded room. While ultimate sensitivity is lower, this kit brings picotesla-level magnetometry to a benchtop at a fraction of the cost and complexity.
Superconducting loop equivalent using flux gate sensor. ADS1115 measures picotesla magnetic fluctuations.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Mega 2560
- ADS1115 ADC
- LM329 Reference
- LM358 Op-Amp x6
- AD9833 Signal Gen
- Fluxgate Sensor HMC1001
- DS3231 RTC
- MicroSD Module
- 2.4in TFT ILI9341
- 100kΩ Resistors x10
- 100nF Caps x15
- PCB Prototype Board x5
- Mu-Metal Enclosure
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items