Moonlighting Lamp
Oct 23, 2022 | Author: Nic La | Tags: project code microcontroller
Moonlighting Lamp is a glorified nightlight that changes brightness based on proximity. Most nightlights use a motion sensor to detect someone's presence and abruptly turn on. The Moonlighting Lamp uses a proximity sensor to detect someone's presence and calmly illuminates as they approach. The light is only as bright as you need it.
Step 1: Materials + Tools
Materials:
- (x1) Ikea Vate Lamp
- (x1) Arduino Uno
- (x1) 9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter - UL listed
- (x1) Maxbotix Ultrasonic Rangefinder - LV-EZ0 - LV-EZ0
- (x1) 7-pin female header
- (x1) light dependent resistor (LDR) salvaged from a lawn light
- (x4) LED COOL WHITE CLEAR P4 T/H
- (x4) 220Ohm resistor
- (x1) 10kOhm resistor
- (x1) breadboard
- (x1) small recycled plastic container to mount contents inside lamp
- (x10) feet of wire
- (x1) solder
- (x1) Arduino IDE
- (x1) A-B USB cable
- (x1) wire cutters
- (x1) soldering iron
Step 2: Assemble the Circuit
Start by preparing the ultrasonic rangefinder. Solder the 7-pin female header pins to the through-holes. We'll only be using three of the pins: GND, +5, AN. Wire the rangefinder, leaving enough slack for the sensor to sit on top of the lamp shade. Continue populating the breadboard according to the below pictorial and schematic diagrams.
Step 3: Program the Arduino
Copy and paste the Arduino program from GitHub into your Arduino IDE. Run Verify and Upload. If you don't see a lot happening, try covering the LDR sensor. The program is configured to only power the rangefinder in low-light conditions. This value can be tweaked under // enable distance sensor only if day
.
Step 4: Assemble the Lamp
Place the lamp shade over your circuit and thread the rangefinder through thee top. If necessary, use the plastic container to house and center your circuit.
Step 5: Enjoy
Plug in your Arduino and enjoy...at night.
