1. Introduction

FizziQ Connect is an educational and scientific tool designed to be used in conjunction with the FizziQ application. It is used to collect and analyze data from various external sensors to study and understand different scientific and environmental phenomena.

FizziQ Connect is based on the M5 Stack microcontroller, which is small, portable, autonomous, and allows connecting a wide range of sensors at affordable costs.

2. Box Contents and Specifications

2.1 Box Contents

• 1 x M5 Core 2 AWS Microcontroller with FizziQ Connect software
• 1 x USB charging cable

2.2 Technical Specifications

2.3 Safety Warnings

3. Getting Started

1. Charge FizziQ Connect using the USB cable connected to a computer or charger for at least 30 minutes. A battery level indicator is displayed in the device's receive mode.
2. Choose a sensor and connect it with a Grove cable provided in the corresponding port. There is a keyed connector to prevent incorrect connection.
3. Turn on FizziQ Connect by pressing the On/Off button for a few seconds. To turn off, press and hold this button for six seconds.
4. At startup, FizziQ Connect will search for and display the connected sensors. The type of connected sensor will appear on the screen.
5. Once the search is complete, the sensor values will be displayed on the screen, along with the battery level.

3.1 Connecting a New Sensor

To connect a new sensor:

1. Disconnect the existing sensor
2. Connect the new sensor
3. Press the "Sensor Search" button at the bottom of the screen

4. Main Navigation

When turning on the FizziQ Connect device, after analyzing the sensors and system, the main screen displays the measured values from the sensors in real-time.

At the bottom of the screen, three main options are available:

4.1 Graphical Data Display

By pressing GRAPH, you access the real-time display of measurements.

• If the capture interval is less than 250 ms, the data is grouped in a 100-point window, updated every 250 ms
• If the interval is greater than 250 ms, the data is progressively updated at the capture rate

The first graphical screen displays all measurements on a single graph. You can navigate sensor by sensor using the < and > buttons.

5. Data Recording

Recording can be done in two ways:

5.1 From the FizziQ Application

1. Connect the device to the application
2. The external sensors then appear as internal sensors
3. Data can be recorded directly in the application

5.2 Directly on the Device

1. Press REC to start a local recording
2. All data from all sensors is recorded
3. You can then select the data to transfer to FizziQ or export to SD card

5.3 Recording Settings

5.4 Using Recorded Data

Once recording is complete, you can:

• Export to FizziQ (if connected via Bluetooth BLE)
• Display the data graphically on the device
• Export to SD card in CSV format
• Delete the data from memory

6. Menu Navigation

The menus provide access to various FizziQ Connect features.

6.1 Main Menu

6.2 Sensors Submenu

• Add/remove an analog sensor
• Add IMU data (absolute acceleration and Z-axis rotation)
• Add Sound Level (M5 Stack microphone, 50 ms interval)
• Instrument calibration (pH, temperature, etc.)

6.3 Other Settings Submenu

• Brightness: save battery
• Auto-sleep: power saving mode after 30 seconds (note: Bluetooth connection will be lost)
• Auto-CSV: CSV file automatically created on SD card
• Graph smoothing: quadratic adjustment of data
• Update: firmware update via WiFi

6.4 Menu Navigation

7. Sensor Types

FizziQ Connect recognizes three types of sensors:

7.1 I2C Sensors

• Use two wires: SDA (data) and SCL (clock)
• Allow connecting multiple sensors on the same bus
• Automatically recognized by FizziQ Connect at initialization
• Red port (port A)

7.2 Analog Sensors

• Convert a physical measurement into a proportional electrical signal
• Must be configured manually in the menu
• Maximum voltage: 3.3 V
• Black port (port B)

7.3 1-Wire Sensors

• Require only one data line
• Recognized sensor: DS18B20 temperature probe
• Red port (port A)

8. Broadcast Modes

FizziQ Connect uses three data transmission modes via Bluetooth:

8.1 Connect Mode (Point to Point)

• Standard Bluetooth connection between one device and one apparatus
• Ideal for individual or group practical work
• Broadcast frequency: up to 10 Hz

8.2 Connect Plus Mode (Version 2.2.0+)

• Compresses data before sending
• Broadcast of 8 sensors simultaneously at 20 Hz
• Requires FizziQ version 5.0.5 or higher

8.3 Radio Mode

• Broadcast to an unlimited number of devices simultaneously
• Ideal for classroom demonstrations
• Broadcast frequency: 2 Hz
• Not available on FizziQ Web

9. Bluetooth connection: FizziQ app and FizziQ Web

FizziQ Connect streams its measurements over Bluetooth Low Energy in two ways: to the FizziQ app on a smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android), or to FizziQ Web on a computer. In both cases, no prior pairing in the device's settings is needed: everything happens in FizziQ.

9.1 With the FizziQ app (smartphone or tablet)

1. Open the FizziQ application and press "External sensors"
2. The list of FizziQ Connect devices will appear automatically (Connect or Radio mode depending on configuration)
3. Select the FizziQ Connect device whose name is displayed (e.g., "FizziQ Connect VERS5") and press "Connect"
4. A message confirms that FizziQ and FizziQ Connect are connected
5. Sensor data is now visible in the FizziQ instrument list, alongside the smartphone's sensors

9.2 With FizziQ Web (computer, Bluetooth)

1. Switch on FizziQ Connect, with a sensor plugged in
2. Open FizziQ Web in Chrome or Edge
3. Click External sensors in the sidebar, then Bluetooth
4. Select your box in the list and click Pair
5. The detected sensors appear automatically, with their values in real time; record with REC and find the measurements in the experiment notebook

For an even more stable link on a computer, especially for long acquisitions, prefer the USB cable connection described in the next section.

9.3 Exporting Recorded Data

FizziQ Connect can be a standalone tool for recording data over a long period.

1. Connect FizziQ Connect to FizziQ
2. Go to Menu > Recording > Export
3. The data will be transmitted in bulk and automatically saved in the experiment notebook

10. Connecting FizziQ Connect with a USB cable

In addition to Bluetooth, FizziQ Connect can be linked with a USB cable to a computer running FizziQ Web. The wired link is recommended in class: no pairing, no battery, and a stable transmission even for long acquisitions.

10.1 What you need

• A computer with Chrome or Edge (Firefox and Safari do not support the USB connection);
• A USB data cable (some cables only carry charge);
• A FizziQ Connect box switched on, with a sensor plugged in;
• On Windows only, if needed: the driver described below.

10.2 The USB driver (once per computer)

FizziQ Connect uses the Silicon Labs CP2104 USB-serial chip. Depending on the system:

To check on Windows: with the box plugged in, open Device Manager → "Ports (COM & LPT)" → a "Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMx)" line must appear. If the box shows up under "Other devices" with an exclamation mark, the driver is missing.

10.3 Connecting

1. Plug the box into the computer; its screen must display values.
2. Close any program that may already be using the serial port (Arduino serial monitor, another FizziQ tab): a port can only be opened by one program at a time.
3. In FizziQ Web, open External sensors in the sidebar, then choose USB connection and click Connect.
4. In the browser window, select the box's port ("CP2104 USB to UART Bridge Controller") and confirm.
5. The detected sensors appear within a few seconds, with their values in real time. You can then display the curves, record with REC and find the measurements in the experiment notebook.

On subsequent uses, FizziQ Web reconnects automatically to the box as soon as it is plugged in. To disconnect: Disconnect button, or simply unplug the cable.

10.4 If it does not work

• No port in the list: try another cable (a data cable) and another USB port; check the driver (see above).
• The connection fails or hangs: another program is using the port — close it; unplug the cable, wait 2 seconds, plug it back in.
• Connected but no sensor: check that a sensor is plugged into the box and that its firmware version is 3.2.3 or later (shown at start-up; update: Menu → MAJ on the box). The Messages button on the External sensors screen shows what the box is actually sending.
• FizziQ Web's transmission speed is set to 115200 by default (changeable in Settings → Connections); only change it if instructed to.

11. Battery Life

The battery life of FizziQ Connect depends on its use, connected sensors, acquisition frequency, and power-saving options.

11.1 Extending Battery Life

• Use Auto-off mode (sleep after 60 or 120 seconds)
• Reduce screen brightness
• Connect an external battery via USB-C

11.2 Battery too low

When FizziQ Connect runs on battery (not plugged in) and the charge becomes too low, the device stops and displays a message asking you to recharge the battery.

Even with a discharged battery, the device remains usable: plug it into a USB charging port and it works normally while charging, even if the battery is completely flat.

12. List of Compatible I2C Sensors

I2C sensors must be connected to the Red port (port A) of the device.

13. List of Analog Sensors

Analog sensors must be connected to the Black port (port B) and configured manually via Menu > Add a sensor.

To program a sensor, specify: name, unit, value at 0V, and value at 3.3V.

14. 1-Wire Sensor

1-Wire sensors must be connected to the Red port (port A).

DS18B20 Temperature Probe

The DS18B20 is a programmable digital temperature sensor:

• Temperature range: -55°C to +125°C
• Accuracy: ±0.5°C (in the range -10°C to +85°C)
• Manufacturer: Maxim Integrated

15. Connecting Multiple Sensors

It is possible to connect multiple sensors simultaneously using two methods:

15.1 Multi-Port Hub (M5 Stack Unit Hub)

• Simple way to connect multiple I2C sensors
• Also allows connecting multiple DS18B20 probes
• Does not allow mixing I2C sensors and DS18B20 probes

15.2 I2C Multiplexer (M5 Stack PaHub)

• More flexible: each channel is separate
• Allows connecting I2C sensors and temperature probes
• Requires FizziQ 5.0.5+ and FizziQ Connect 2.2.0+

15.3 Voltmeter/Ammeter Sensor

A specific kit-style device is available for connecting Voltmeter and Ammeter sensors to an electrical circuit with banana plugs.

• DC and AC current analysis
• For AC current: interval set to 2 ms (50 Hz frequency analysis)
• GRAPH button to view the real-time graph

16. Troubleshooting

17. Maintenance and Care

• FizziQ Connect and sensors can be damaged by splashes
• Normal operating temperature: 0-40°C
• Clean with a soft, dry cloth (no chemicals)
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Charge regularly to prevent complete battery discharge, always supervised

18. Regulatory Information

FizziQ Connect is an educational device designed for teaching and scientific experimentation. It is not intended for industrial, medical, or safety-critical use.

18.1 Certifications

This product is based on the M5Stack Core 2 AWS module, CE certified:

• RED Directive 2014/53/EU (radio)
• Directive 2014/30/EU (electromagnetic compatibility)
• Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS)

18.2 Limitation of Liability

FizziQLabs declines all responsibility for damages resulting from non-compliant use, connection of non-certified sensors, or modification of hardware or software.

18.3 Contact

FizziQLabs
5 rue de Mouchy, 78000 Versailles, France
info@fizziqlab.org
www.fizziq.org

This guide was last updated on December 15, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FizziQ Connect?

FizziQ Connect is a standalone device that allows you to connect external sensors to the FizziQ application via Bluetooth. It extends measurement capabilities beyond the sensors built into smartphones.

Does FizziQ Connect work without the FizziQ application?

Yes, FizziQ Connect can operate autonomously and display measurements on its built-in screen. However, connecting to the FizziQ application is recommended for recording and analyzing data.

What types of sensors are compatible?

FizziQ Connect supports three types of sensors: I2C (digital), analog (0-3.3V), and 1-Wire (such as DS18B20 temperature probes). Grove and M5Stack sensors are compatible.

How do I connect FizziQ Connect to my smartphone?

Turn on the device, open FizziQ on your smartphone, go to Instruments → FizziQ Connect, and select your device from the list of available Bluetooth devices.

How many sensors can I connect simultaneously?

FizziQ Connect has multiple ports: 1 I2C port (with chaining capability via multi-port hub), 2 analog ports, and 1 1-Wire port. The exact number depends on the type of sensors used.

What is the battery life?

FizziQ Connect has a 500 mAh battery providing approximately 2-3 hours of continuous use. A full charge takes about 2 hours via USB-C.

What is broadcast mode?

Broadcast mode allows multiple smartphones to simultaneously receive data from a single FizziQ Connect. Ideal for classroom demonstrations where all students can see measurements in real-time.

Are sensors included with FizziQ Connect?

No, sensors are sold separately. Check the list of compatible sensors at fizziq.org or in this guide.

Is FizziQ Connect water-resistant?

No, FizziQ Connect is not waterproof. Avoid splashes and excessive humidity.

How do I update the firmware?

Firmware updates are performed automatically when connecting to the FizziQ application if a new version is available.