You can build a portable hobby step counter with an ATtiny85, an MPU6050 accelerometer module, an OLED, two buttons, five 10 kΩ resistors, and a 3 V coin cell. The MPU6050 provides motion readings; the ATtiny85 applies a simple threshold-based counting rule and sends the total to the display. The project is a DIY demonstration, not a clinically validated or accuracy-tested pedometer.
How the step counter works
The MPU6050 reports acceleration on its X, Y, and Z axes. The firmware combines those readings into an acceleration magnitude, compares the current magnitude with the preceding one, and adds a step when the change passes a configured threshold. The OLED displays the running total.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The project gives separate example threshold values for walking and running. Those are firmware settings, not evidence that either mode counts accurately: the tutorial does not report a measured accuracy rate or validation against a reference counter. It also warns that vibration can produce extra counts.
Parts and design materials
- ATtiny85 microcontroller
- MPU6050 module
- OLED display module
- Two buttons
- Five SMD 10 kΩ resistors
- 3 V coin cell for the portable build
The project provides firmware, PCB design, and assembly material. Making a PCB is optional; the tutorial discusses PCBWay as one fabrication option and notes that another service can be used. Follow the project’s board files and assembly instructions for component placement and wiring details.
#1 Best Overall
- No APP & Phone Required Fitness Tracker Watch: This Fitness Tracker watch doesn't require any App or smartphone connections! It's as simple to use as a regular watch but smarter. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy fitness tracker without the hassle of smartphone setups.
- Heart Rate and Sleep Monitoring: The Fitness Tracker monitors your heart rate automatically all day, and you can select manual mode through the App. The fitness Watch also monitors your sleep at night, providing a detailed analysis of your sleep quality (deep sleep, light sleep, awake time). It is a health advisor for women men in daily life.
- Multi Sport Modes with Activity Tracking: The fitness tracker features 9 sport modes like running, walking and more. Additionally, the activity tracker records daily steps, calories burned, walking distance and active time throughout the day. You can also set a daily steps goals through the App to track your progress.
- Smart Notification Reminder: You can get SMS messages, and SNS notifications directly on your wrist including Facebook, Twitter, Gmail ect. You won't miss any important calls and message and stay updated. Please note: the smart watch can not make calls or text.
- Long Battery Life and IP68 Waterproof: This smart watch only requires 2 hours of charging and can be used for 5-7 days continuously, IP68 waterproof rating can withstand daily sweat, washing hands and rainy day, allowing you to fully enjoy your workouts.
Wire the ATtiny85, sensor, display, and buttons
The MPU6050 and OLED share the ATtiny85’s I2C signal lines. In the described design, connect PB2 to SCL and PB0 to SDA. The two buttons use PB3 and PB4.
| ATtiny85 pin | Project connection |
|---|---|
| PB2 | I2C SCL for the MPU6050 and OLED |
| PB0 | I2C SDA for the MPU6050 and OLED |
| PB3 | Button |
| PB4 | Button |
Check the pin labels and power requirements for the specific modules you use against the project’s circuit and assembly material before connecting them. The source identifies a 3 V coin cell as the portable power source but does not report battery runtime.
Rank #2
- Simple pedometer watch: Works without an app, a phone, or charging; tracks steps, estimated calories, and distance while showing the time, date, and weekday for straightforward daily activity tracking
- 10-second step validation: To reduce false counts from casual arm movement, walks shorter than 10 continuous seconds are not displayed; once movement continues beyond 10 seconds, the earlier steps are added automatically
- Useful everyday functions: Includes 12-hour or 24-hour time, date, weekday, alarm, hourly chime, stopwatch, countdown timer, and a 5-second EL backlight; distance can be displayed in miles or kilometers
- Long battery life and durable design: A preinstalled CR2032 battery provides up to 12 months of use; the polished metal case, 30-meter water resistance, and adjustable stainless steel mesh band support comfortable everyday wear
- Fit and step-count notes: Fits wrists from 4.33 to 7.67 inches, or 110 to 195 millimeters; readings may vary when pushing a cart, riding in a vehicle, using a cane, or moving the arms without a normal walking rhythm
Adapt firmware within the ATtiny85’s limits
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 are tight limits for a design that handles an I2C sensor, an OLED, buttons, and counting logic. Keep added libraries and buffers lean, and account for available pins when changing the wiring.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The project’s counting approach is intentionally simple: tune the threshold used to detect a change in acceleration magnitude. A threshold that works for one person’s movement or mounting position may not work for another. The tutorial’s walking and running examples should therefore be treated as starting parameters, not calibrated modes or performance guarantees.
Rank #3
- 【𝐍𝐨 𝐀𝐏𝐏 & 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡】This pedometer watch doesn't require any App or smartphone connections! It's as simple to use as a regular watch but smarter. Perfect for seniors anyone looking for an easy fitness tracker without the hassle of smartphone setups.
- 【𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧】This smartwatch features has a large LCD color display, allowing all settings and operations to be easily completed via the responsive touch screen. Its convenient operation is especially friendly for both elderly!
- 【𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐎𝐱𝐲𝐠𝐞𝐧】Our smart watch monitors your heart rate in real time, and you can use the watch to manually detect your Blood Oxygen. Stay healthy with our smartwatch!
- 【𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚】This fitness tracker accurately monitors and records your steps, calories, distance, and activity time, providing you with a clearer understanding of each exercise's data!
- 【𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲】This smart watch trackers your relevant sleep data after you fall asleep, assisting you in cultivating a healthier lifestyle.
What to expect from the result
The build demonstrates a compact sensor-to-display system and can show a step total on its OLED. It does not establish a dependable count for everyday tracking: no measured accuracy data, reference comparison, or battery-life result is reported. Vibration can cause false counts, so treat the displayed total as an experimental estimate rather than a health or fitness measurement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
