No Pulse Detected Error in ESP32 Heart Rate Monitor with MAX30102

I am designing a heart rate monitor system using an ESP32 microcontroller, tested on a breadboard setup, to simulate the functioning of a pacemaker. The system continuously monitors heart rate using a pulse sensor (MAX30102 module) and triggers an alert if the heart rate falls below or rises above specific thresholds (e.g., < 50 bpm or > 120 bpm). However, I keep getting the error: "No pulse detected. Check sensor placement." What could be causing this issue? Here’s my code:
#include <Wire.h>
#include "MAX30105.h"
#include "heartRate.h"

MAX30105 particleSensor;
const int alertPin = 15; // Pin for LED alert
const int minHeartRate = 50;
const int maxHeartRate = 120;

void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
pinMode(alertPin, OUTPUT);
if (!particleSensor.begin(Wire, I2C_SPEED_FAST)) {
Serial.println("MAX30102 not detected. Check wiring.");
while (true); // Freeze in case of error
}

particleSensor.setup(); // Configure sensor settings
particleSensor.setPulseAmplitudeRed(0x0A);
}

void loop() {
long irValue = particleSensor.getIR();
if (irValue > 50000) { // If a valid pulse is detected
int heartRate = averageHeartRate(); // Calculate heart rate
Serial.print("Heart Rate: ");
Serial.println(heartRate);

// Check for abnormal heart rate
if (heartRate < minHeartRate || heartRate > maxHeartRate) {
digitalWrite(alertPin, HIGH); // Trigger alert
Serial.println("Alert! Abnormal heart rate detected.");
} else {
digitalWrite(alertPin, LOW); // No alert
}
} else {
Serial.println("No valid pulse detected. Check sensor placement.");
}

delay(1000); // Delay for 1 second between readings
}

int averageHeartRate() {
return random(40, 130); // Simulated heart rate for testing
}
#include <Wire.h>
#include "MAX30105.h"
#include "heartRate.h"

MAX30105 particleSensor;
const int alertPin = 15; // Pin for LED alert
const int minHeartRate = 50;
const int maxHeartRate = 120;

void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
pinMode(alertPin, OUTPUT);
if (!particleSensor.begin(Wire, I2C_SPEED_FAST)) {
Serial.println("MAX30102 not detected. Check wiring.");
while (true); // Freeze in case of error
}

particleSensor.setup(); // Configure sensor settings
particleSensor.setPulseAmplitudeRed(0x0A);
}

void loop() {
long irValue = particleSensor.getIR();
if (irValue > 50000) { // If a valid pulse is detected
int heartRate = averageHeartRate(); // Calculate heart rate
Serial.print("Heart Rate: ");
Serial.println(heartRate);

// Check for abnormal heart rate
if (heartRate < minHeartRate || heartRate > maxHeartRate) {
digitalWrite(alertPin, HIGH); // Trigger alert
Serial.println("Alert! Abnormal heart rate detected.");
} else {
digitalWrite(alertPin, LOW); // No alert
}
} else {
Serial.println("No valid pulse detected. Check sensor placement.");
}

delay(1000); // Delay for 1 second between readings
}

int averageHeartRate() {
return random(40, 130); // Simulated heart rate for testing
}
18 Replies
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
You need to go back to your irValue and see what value it is, then determine why it is the level its at. This is one of those problems where you have to take a few steps back
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
Thanks for the advice, would do this
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
So really what that error says is that your irValye is not reaching 50000, do you know what value it is reaching?
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
Your right just printed my irValue to the screen it's 45000
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
aha so why would it be that fix that part first.
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
Should I lower the threshold from 50000, to 45000 to see if it detects it
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
wait so why did you choose that threshold, im assuming that figure came froma reference manual or something of the sort?
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
In effect this would test your system yes but would it achieve what you want?
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
50000 was used in one of the references I used to research b4 beginning the project and I have tried moving the sensors to different surfaces containing blood but still not getting a response so I want to be sure my sensor is actually working
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
If I verify the sensors is working then I can check or ask based on the knowledge the issue is not from my sensor
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
ah I see, your sensor should have some sort of self test mode to determine if its working
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
check your manual for this information
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
Okay once I am sure the fault isn't from the sensor I would report back so we can further debug, thanks 👍
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
Hello @ZacckOsiemo after going through some series of test from the manual turns out my MAX30102 module was a little faulty and doesn't draw enough current, i adjusted the current flow through my esp32 on my breadboard but the sensor still doesn't get enough current
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
wait maybe my electronics is a bit off, how are you adjusting current?
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
I switched over to a power supply that can deliver more current
ZacckOsiemo
ZacckOsiemo3mo ago
that makes sense
Renuel Roberts
Renuel Roberts3mo ago
Still Testing it thuo, would give an update soon
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