Category Archives: sensors

Simple vibration sensor

Posted on March 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is on my list to do. A simple circuit where the “vibration will move the wired spring to touch the resistor. Thus closing the circuit (triggering an event). Pretty simple build and easier to do than using other sensors. … Continue reading →

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Heck look, folks still using the Wink

Posted on January 11, 2016 by robertwilkie

I was worried they died off. Anyways, looks like someone has started on opensource project to replace existing Wink Firmware with something more open. This is nice cause Wink has several different antennas on it so it could support many … Continue reading →

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Use a small CD Motor for Rotary Input

Posted on November 12, 2015 by robertwilkie

As the author points out, light based encoders work but they are not cheap (think $20 each). So an alternative is to take an cheap small DC motor an voltage divider and the analog input on an arduino to determine … Continue reading →

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Tutorial on the NRF24L01 2.4 Ghz transmitter

Posted on July 14, 2015 by robertwilkie

I wanted to bookmark this write-up cause these boards are cheap, and a good way to add wireless comm’s to an arduino project. BUT…not alot of good info out there about them. http://www.instructables.com/id/Wireless-Remote-Using-24-Ghz-NRF24L01-Simple-Tutor/

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Make a PIR Sensor Board

Posted on May 27, 2015 by robertwilkie

So did you pick up some PIR sensors at RadioShack when it was going down? If so, here is a nice circuit design to use them with an arduino. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-Simple-Motion-Sensor-Board-PIR/

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simple low water level…I wonder if I could modify this for a pool

Posted on February 19, 2015 by robertwilkie

Nice simple design where once the float goes down low enough, it trips a sensor indicating low water level in a coffee machine…I wonder if I could adapt this for a pool… http://www.itcamefromtheworkshop.com/2013/04/low-water-indicator-for-my-rancilio.html

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RPi + Etekcity remote power outlets = Wireless controlled outlets

Posted on February 17, 2015 by robertwilkie

I was thinking of doing this myself. But they guy beat me too it. He uses a Raspberry Pi to controll the Etekcity remotes (run over 433 MHz RF) and an transmitter/reciever module to controll them. He figured out the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheap, RaspberryPi, sensors | 1 Comment

Poor mans IR receiver

Posted on February 10, 2015 by robertwilkie

I like this idea, the author basically takes a cheap IR LED, some resistors, and one of the A/D lines on the arduino to read IR traffic. This could be a good way to re-use old IR remotes from TV’s … Continue reading →

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Instructions on err…building an adult toy

Posted on January 15, 2015 by robertwilkie

I knew it would happen sooner or later. Someone would write up and publish designs for sex toys on instructables. That aside, its an interesting write up combining 3D printing with internal motors an an arduino controller. http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Mod-v01-Vibrating-Sensing-Open-Hardware-Per/

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Making a simple contact switch with a clothespin and wire

Posted on December 9, 2014 by robertwilkie

Nice simple idea for a switch, could make a good kill switch too with a piece of paper between the pins. Pull the paper out and switch is on. http://www.instructables.com/id/simple-normally-closed-switch/