It’s during times like these that inspire innovation. I even made something for the cause!
In that spirit, the “Fighting Germs” contest is here to not only reward that innovation ─ but also give to other charities for those attempting the same thing! It’s fun, it’s beneficial.
They say the best time to plant a tree is thirty years ago. The next best time is today.
The V2 Hand Wash Timer is a fun configuration!
It’s been a long pandemic.
I’ve washed my hands countless times. I did the tedious one-one thousand, two-one thousand thing. It’s been a long pandemic.
My last countdown timer did the job, but it was a very small effect. So, I brought back out my 8x8 LED Matrix to give it a bright update. It’s very bright! Super-bright!
Instead of images to wipe away, I made the setup change color as the time counted down, and the LEDs were eaten up in a spiral just like the last version.
How the system works:
Once again, when powered, the Micro:bit waits for the user input.
When pressed, the LED matrix panel will light up, and an animation effect will begive to erase the LEDs in a spiral pattern, while it also changed color. Then the system will be ready for another input.
Again, I don’t have a very sensitive button for this project. In my project, I ended up using a button I salvaged from a demolished factory. In my original plans would have been a contact switch with a travel almost nonexistent. However, my salvaged button travels about 2.54 cm (an inch). I give it a gusto press, and the sequence starts.
I added another function, a cancel button. Pressing “B” on the Micro:bit itself will cancel the sequence. Also, pressing “A” will also trigger the sequence, in case you want to do that.
First, let’s gather all the necessary components you’ll need to build this project.
1x Kitronik Inventor’s Kit (This is mainly for the breakout adapter and project wires.)
Project Wires Female - Male
I am thinking a foot pedal push button might be a good option for simplifying this project. You can then put any soap bottle on the button and use it. The one I selected here is watertight. Might work out.
Video demonstration of the project:
STEP 1
Load the code onto the Micro:bit.
I am providing the hex file you need to drag and drop onto the Micro:bit, and the python code as two separate files. For the below process, just use the hex file.
Plug the MicroUSB cable into the Micro:bit, and plug the other end of the cable to a PC or MAC.
At this point, you are going to copy over the code to the Micro:bit. I am providing the program (code) in this post that needs to be copied over. When the Micro:bit plugs into a computer, it shows up as a USB flash drive. All you have to do is copy the file over to the Micro:bit, like it’s a USB Flash Drive, and the Micro:bit will reset, and the program is active.
You can remove the Micro:bit from the computer at this point. The program will start running, and without the rest of the circuit, it will not function.
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A little bit about the code:
Ok, so this was a little bit inelegant. Brute force, mapping out the LEDs for the animation sequence, but it works. 
STEP 2
The schematic is the simplest I could make for a first version. Wire it up like the drawing.
STEP 3
Place the soap on the button!
STEP 4
When you turn the system on, it’ll start up immediately.
Dispense soap, and the sequence will start.
Step 5 optional
Press “B” to stop the sequence at any time.
Conclusion:
Fight the virus, don’t skimp on the handwashing. This just might help curb the tedium in V two-point OH!
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