How to Wire the Talking Parrot Hydrometer for Your Copper Moonshine Still

Welcome back to American Copper Works, where tradition meets technology in every handmade copper moonshine still we build.
If you’ve been following our latest series, you know we’re taking a step-by-step journey through the creation of our Audible Talking Proof & Tralle Hydrometer—also called the Talking Parrot.

This innovative device connects to your copper parrot and reads your proof out loud using an Arduino microcontroller, Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, and a simple speaker amplifier system. It’s designed to make home distilling easier, safer, and more accurate.

The Goal: Bring Your Copper Still to Life with Sound

The “talking parrot” is an optional add-on for your copper moonshine still setup. It automatically measures your alcohol proof and speaks it back to you in real time. This is especially helpful during long distilling sessions when lighting is low or when you want continuous, hands-free monitoring.

Whether you’re running one of our 5-gallon copper still kits or a 30-gallon professional setup, this simple wiring project can modernize your entire proofing system.

Core Electronic Components

To get started, you’ll need:

• Arduino Uno (microcontroller)

• VL53L1X Time-of-Flight sensor

• Micro SD card reader

• LM386 amplifier

• 8-ohm speaker

• 9V battery or USB cable for power

• Jumper wires (male-to-female ends)

These components connect together to create one seamless proof-reading circuit. Let’s go wire-by-wire.

Step 1: Connecting the Time-of-Flight Sensor to the Arduino

The ToF sensor is your electronic “eye.” It measures the distance from the sensor to the top of your hydrometer inside your parrot.

Here’s how to wire it:

• SDA (data line) → Arduino A4 (SDA)

• SCL (clock line) → Arduino A5 (SCL)

• 3.3V (power) → Arduino 3.3V

• GND (ground) → Arduino GND

You can either solder the wires or use female jumper connectors for a clean plug-and-play setup. Once powered, your sensor will activate automatically when the Arduino is on.

Step 2: Wiring the Micro SD Card Reader

The SD card reader stores your audio files—the voice that announces your proof. Connect it as follows:

• GND → Arduino GND

• VCC (5V) → Arduino 5V

• MISO → Pin 12

• MOSI → Pin 11

• SCK → Pin 13

• CS (Channel Select) → Pin 4

This connection allows your Arduino to retrieve audio files (like “160 proof”) when it detects a change in proof level.

Step 3: Adding the LM386 Audio Amplifier

Now let’s make it talk.
Your LM386 amplifier takes the digital signal from the Arduino and amplifies it into sound through a small speaker.

• 5V Power → splice into the same 5V line feeding your SD card reader.

• Signal Input (IN) → Arduino Pin 10

• GND → Arduino GND

🔊 Volume Control Tip: The small potentiometer on the LM386 board adjusts your volume. Turn it clockwise for louder announcements.

Step 4: Connecting the Speaker

Your speaker connects directly to the LM386 output terminals:

• One wire goes to positive (+)

• The other goes to negative (–)

If you’d like to add a mute switch, connect it inline on the positive speaker wire. This lets you silence the talking parrot without turning off the entire system.

Step 5: Powering the Circuit

There are two simple ways to power your Arduino:

1. 9V battery — portable, lasts about 7 hours continuously.

2. USB cable — plug directly into your computer or power adapter for continuous operation.

You’ll also find a reset button on your Arduino. Press it anytime to restart your proof-reading program without disconnecting power.

Step 6: Extending Your Arduino (Optional)

You can attach small screw-terminal adapters to the Arduino’s sides. These make wiring cleaner and add extra 5V and GND ports for future accessories or sensors. They’re plug-and-play and align with your Arduino’s existing pin layout.

Step 7: Final Assembly and Testing

At this point, your connections should look like this:

• ToF sensor → Arduino

• SD card reader → Arduino

• Amplifier → Arduino

• Speaker → Amplifier

• Power → Arduino

Once everything is wired, load your Arduino sketch (program) through the USB port. Insert the microSD card with your WAV audio files. When powered on, the Arduino reads the distance, converts it into proof, and plays the corresponding audio clip.

You’ll hear your copper still literally speak your proof level aloud — for example, “one-six-zero proof.”

Bringing Copper Craftsmanship into the Digital Age

This project blends classic copper still craftsmanship with modern Arduino innovation. It’s just one of the many ways we’re advancing the art of home distilling while keeping it authentic, American, and handmade.

If you’re looking to buy a copper moonshine still online, visit AmericanCopperWorks.com — where every still, thumper, and worm is crafted from pure copper and built to last for generations.

Happy Distilling!
Stay tuned for our next tutorial where we’ll show you how to program the talking parrot’s audio files and fine-tune your proof readings for ultimate accuracy.