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You can build a small, portable step counter with an ATtiny85, an MPU6050 motion sensor, an OLED display, two buttons, five 10 kΩ resistors, and a 3 V coin cell. The MPU6050 provides acceleration readings; the ATtiny85 applies a simple threshold-based counting rule and sends the running total to the display. This is a hobby project, not a clinically validated pedometer, and the tutorial does not report measured counting accuracy or battery life.
How the step counter works
The MPU6050 measures acceleration along its X, Y, and Z axes. The firmware combines those readings into an acceleration magnitude, compares the current magnitude with the preceding value, and adds a step when the change exceeds a selected threshold. The OLED displays the accumulated count.
The tutorial provides different example thresholds for walking and running. Those values are implementation settings, not evidence that either mode achieves a particular accuracy. The source also warns that vibration can produce extra counts, so treat the result as an approximate hobby-project count rather than a dependable measurement.
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Parts and project files
- ATtiny85 microcontroller
- MPU6050 motion-sensor module
- OLED display module
- Two buttons
- Five SMD 10 kΩ resistors
- 3 V coin cell for portable operation
The cited project includes firmware, PCB design, and assembly material. A custom PCB is optional: the tutorial discusses PCBWay as one fabrication service and notes that another service can be used. The project description does not report a measured runtime for the coin cell.
#1 Best Overall
- SIMPLE & EASY TO USE: 3D Pedometer for Steps Only. No Bluetooth, no app or smartphone connections required. Only one reset button, To reset the counter, just only need to press and hold the RESET button for 3-5 seconds to get the step to "0"
- ACCURATE COUNTING: Pedometer has advanced 3D Tri-Axis Sensor technology, so it is much more accurate than most pedometers. Simple functions and design makes it user friendly for men, women, kids, seniors
- EASY TO READ: With large LCD multi-function display, you can clearly and easily read the numbers at a glance. Makes it the perfect fitness monitor for Everyone
- EASY TO CARRY: Pedometer is only 26.5g. It is easy to put it in pocket or bag. It contains a removable clip and a lanyard. Can be clip on the belt, pants, shoes. Hanging on neck
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Included a CR2032 battery can last up to one year. Pedometer auto sleeps when you are not moving and auto wakes and counts steps when you start moving again
Wire the ATtiny85, MPU6050, and OLED
The sensor and display share the ATtiny85’s I2C signal lines. In the tutorial’s pin assignment, PB2 is SCL and PB0 is SDA; the two buttons use PB3 and PB4.
| Connection | ATtiny85 pin |
|---|---|
| I2C clock (SCL), shared by MPU6050 and OLED | PB2 |
| I2C data (SDA), shared by MPU6050 and OLED | PB0 |
| Button 1 | PB3 |
| Button 2 | PB4 |
Follow the cited project’s schematic and PCB or assembly material for the complete circuit, including power and resistor placement. The pin assignments above identify the signal connections; they are not a substitute for the full wiring diagram.
Rank #2
- Simple and Easy To Use: 3D pedometer for Steps Only. It's the simplest pedometer and can count up to 99999, no app no bluetooth no phone, just only need to hold press RESET button on the top for 5 seconds to get the step to zero and starting walk.
- Track Your Steps Accurately: The step tracker uses the latest 3D Tri-Axis Sensor Technology to track your daily activity in any location with superb accuracy, will not count any movement that is less than 10 consecutive steps. To ensure accuracy, the pedometer is best used for continuous and consistent walking.
- Extra Large Display: With full screen display you can clearly and easily read the numbers at a glance, so you can view your progress of your fitness goal easily when you're moving.
- Long Battery Life: The step counter contains a CR2032 battery and can be last up to 6-12 months. Auto sleeps when you are not moving after 2 minutes, auto wakes to counts steps when you start moving again.
- Portable and Lightweight: The pedometers is just 27g, compact size and lightweight. It contains a removable clip and a lanyard, that can be clipped to pockets, waist and belt, hung around the neck or placed in a pocket or bag.
Adapt the firmware with the ATtiny85’s limits in mind
Microchip lists the ATtiny85 as in production, with 8 KB of ISP flash, 512 bytes of SRAM, 512 bytes of EEPROM, and six general-purpose I/O lines. These modest resources can constrain display libraries, buffering, sensor handling, and any added features. Keep the implementation lean if you modify the firmware, and verify that the selected display and I2C support fit the device.
What to expect from the result
- Portable form: The project is designed around a 3 V coin cell, but no battery-life measurement is published.
- Step detection: It uses changes in combined acceleration magnitude and a threshold, rather than a validated gait-analysis method.
- Possible false counts: Vibration can trigger extra counts; the tutorial does not provide an accuracy rate or reference-based test results.
- Room to improve: Any threshold adjustment should be evaluated against manually counted steps under the intended walking or running conditions. The tutorial’s example settings alone do not establish performance.
Sources
Cited ATtiny85 and MPU6050 portable step-counter project; Microchip ATtiny85 product specifications.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Accurate Step Tracking:The black Pedometer employs a professional 3D Tri-Axis sensor to track your steps accurately; Built-in 10-step error prevention helps minimize steps calculation error
- Simple & Non-Bluetooth Design: Avoid complicated settings or unnecessary features with our step tracker
- Innovative Carabiner Design: Featuring a creative carabiner design, this step counter easily hooks to your belt loop, pocket, or bag; No lanyard or clip needed, and its simplicity ensures easy usability
- Easy to Reset: Our black pedometer is designed for effortless operation; Hold the CLEAR button on the back for 3-5 seconds, and your step count returns to 0, ready for your next walking adventure
- Long battery life: The battery can be used for up to one year; The black pedometer automatically sleeps when you are not moving, and wakes up and counts steps when you start moving again; Save battery life
Rank #4
- 🚶🏼 ✅ ACCURATELY TRACK YOUR ACTIVITY BY REALALT ✅ - The 3DTriSport Walking 3D Pedometer by Realalt uses the latest 3D Tri-Axis Sensor Technology to Track your Daily Activity with Superb Accuracy. It records your Steps (Walking & running), Distance (km & miles), Calories Burned & Exercise Time. It also stores up to 30 Days of your Daily Records, Helping you keep Track of your progress & stay motivated to achieve your Fitness Goals.
- 🚶🏼 ✅ REALALT PEDOMETER EASY TO SET UP & USE ✅ - Looking for a Simple Pedometer to Set Up? The 3DTriSport Pedometer by Realalt is the Perfect Choice! Easy to follow User Manual or count the helpful Setup & Operation Videos to guide you through. No Bluetooth, Downloads or smartphone Connections are required. Perfect for all ages (Adults, Seniors & Children).
- 🚶🏼 ✅ SMART ACCURATE ✅ - The Realalt 3D TriSport Pedometer uses the latest 3D Tri-Axis Sensor Technology to Accurately Record your Activity in any position - Clip it to your Waist, wear it around your Neck with the included Lanyard or place it in your Pocket or Bag.
- 🚶🏼 ✅ LONG BATTERY LIFE BY REALALT ✅ - The Realalt 3D TriSport Pedometer is designed with a long-lasting battery that can run for up to 12 months, eliminating the need for frequent charging. Enjoy uninterrupted tracking of your daily activity with minimal maintenance by Realalt. All the Product Setup & troubleshooting videos are added on the Realalt Store.
- 🚶🏼 ✅ EXCELLENT SUPPORT ✅ - The Realalt 3D TriSport Pedometer support is Friendly & Hassle Free. If you need Setup Support or have any questions, we are here to Help You! Your Realalt Step Counter comes with an 18 Month Warranty. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Rank #3
- Accuracy: The step tracker has advanced 3D Tri-Axis Sensor technology, that provides superior accuracy in any position, To eliminate accidental movement as a step, this pedometer will start counting after ten steps have been detected
- Simplicity: Designed for ease of use, our 3D black pedometer focuses solely on counting steps. With just one button(press and hold for 5 seconds to reset). there's NO SETUP, NO Bluetooth, NO App, or smartphone connections are required. It's user-friendly for men, women, kids, and seniors
- USB Charging: Our black pedometer comes with a USB plug, No need to change batteries frequently, Simply plug it into any USB adapter or even your computer for hassle-free charging. With one full charge, it can last up to 3 months
- Portability: This 3D black pedometer is small and compact with a detachable clip and lanyard. You can easily clip it to your collar, shoes, waist, or even put it inside your pocket, purse, or wear it around your neck.It also features a backlight that turns on for three seconds when you press the reset button
- Smart & Energy Saving: The black pedometer automatically enters sleep mode when you're not moving. Once the pedometer senses movement, it will wake up and start counting steps when you move 10 steps in a row, from 10, 11, 12 .etc
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