Build Your Own Audible Parrot Hydrometer — Enhance Your Copper Moonshine Still Setup

Welcome to American Copper Works, home of the best copper moonshine stills for sale online.
Today, we’re diving into one of our most exciting innovations — the Audible Talking Proof & Tralle Hydrometer, also known as the “Talking Parrot.”

This device allows you to hear your proof readings out loud instead of squinting at the tiny scale on your hydrometer. It’s a fantastic tool for home distillers, hobbyists, and copper still enthusiasts who want to modernize their setup while keeping the classic shine of real American copper.

Why Add a Talking Parrot Hydrometer to Your Copper Moonshine Still

If you’ve ever run your still late into the night, you know it’s easy to lose track of tiny proof markings through steam or dim light.
Our audible parrot hydrometer solves that problem by announcing your proof in real time using a built-in Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, Arduino microprocessor, and voice playback system.

This tool isn’t just a novelty — it’s a functional upgrade to any distilling rig, and a perfect complement to our handcrafted copper moonshine stills.

Breaking Down the Components

Your Talking Parrot consists of four major parts:

1. The Parrot Body – The classic copper or stainless collection chamber that holds your proofing hydrometer.

2. The Parrot Head – The cap that houses the ToF sensor, wiring, and electronics.

3. The Electronics – Arduino, amplifier, speaker, and microSD reader that power the talking function.

4. The Programming – The brain that turns distance readings into audible proof levels.

Step 1: Assembling the Parrot Head

This is the easiest part of the build (besides wiring). You’ll need:

• A 1.5-inch PVC pipe (145 mm long)

• A 1.5-inch end cap

• A short sink-drain sleeve for snug fitting

• Sandpaper or a sanding drum for fine-tuning the fit

Start by inserting the drain sleeve into the PVC pipe — this gives a snug, centered fit around the parrot’s top. Use your drill or Dremel to lightly sand the inside edge until the fit is perfect. The goal is to ensure your cap sits flush and stable on top of your copper parrot.

💡 Pro tip: Keep your sandpaper clean with a rubber eraser (Harbor Freight sells great ones). A clean abrasive cuts better and lasts longer.

Step 2: Preparing the Cap and Wire Slot

Next, you’ll modify the PVC cap that sits on top of your parrot.
Drill or Dremel a small slot along the edge for your sensor wires to run cleanly down the side. You don’t want them crossing the beam path or blocking your hydrometer.

Smooth any rough edges with a razor or fine file so the wires slide freely.

Step 3: Mounting the ToF Sensor

The Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor is what makes your parrot “see.” It measures the distance from the sensor to the top of your hydrometer using a laser pulse — and the Arduino converts that distance into proof.

Here’s how to mount it:

• Align the flat side of the sensor against the inside of your cap.

• Use 3 x 4-40 screws with springs and lock nuts so you can fine-tune the angle and height.

• Drill three evenly spaced holes around the cap to form a triangle. Tap threads into each hole using a 4-40 tap.

• Secure the sensor with the bolts, adding small springs behind each screw for adjustable tension.

⚙️ Tip: Cover the solder joints with electrical tape to prevent short circuits from metal screws.

Once the ToF sensor is mounted, gently route the wires through the slot and down the pipe.

Step 4: Wiring and Final Fit

At this point, you should have:

• The sensor installed in the cap,

• The wires routed cleanly down the side,

• And your cap fitting snugly on the PVC sleeve over the copper parrot.

This modular design makes it easy to remove the head for cleaning, maintenance, or software updates.

Step 5: Powering and Programming

You can power your audible parrot hydrometer with:

• A standard 9V battery (7+ hours runtime), or

• A USB cable directly into your Arduino.

The Arduino is programmed to:

• Read distance data from the ToF sensor,

• Convert that data into a proof value using a non-linear formula,

• Fetch the matching audio files from your microSD card (e.g., “160 proof”),

• Play the sound through the LM386 amplifier and small speaker.

Step 6: Calibrate and Test

Once assembled, drop your hydrometer into your copper parrot and run a test.
You’ll hear it announce your proof level in real time — even as the spirit changes during your run.

🎧 For best accuracy, calibrate your sensor readings at several known proof points (100, 140, 160, 180) and adjust your Arduino code accordingly.

Upgrade Your Distilling Experience

This audible hydrometer system is a fun, functional add-on to your American-made copper moonshine still.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned distiller, you’ll appreciate how it combines modern electronics with traditional craftsmanship.

If you’re looking to buy a copper moonshine still online, visit AmericanCopperWorks.com — where every still is handmade, leak-tested, and built to last a lifetime.

Why Choose American Copper Works?

• 100% Handcrafted Copper Moonshine Stills

• Made in the USA

• Fast Shipping Nationwide

• Custom Sizes and Kits Available

• Lifetime Craftsmanship Guarantee

Explore our full line of products including:

• Copper pot stills

• Reflux stills

• Thumpers and worms

• Proofing parrots

• and now — the Audible Talking Parrot Hydrometer!

Happy Distilling — and remember:
Great shine starts with real copper and a bit of innovation.