Walking in the Dark - Voice Activated Flashlight

RE: Walking in the Dark - Voice Activated Flashlight

fmilburn — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 02:38:31 GMT

Hi John,

I am glad it turned out to be good value. Is it comfortable to wear? I may have to order one. That is funny that the breaking ice can activate the switch.

RE: Walking in the Dark - Voice Activated Flashlight

jw0752 — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 15:56:51 GMT

PROTOTYPE II

For my second prototype I decided to go very basic. Using a simple $3.99 flashlight from Harbor Freight I modified it and used only the low power LED output.

[View:/resized-image/__size/620x465/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-4664cfee-965e-46e8-aa29-542974d4c8e6/0257.contentimage_5F00_205341.jpg:620:465][View:/resized-image/__size/620x465/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-4664cfee-965e-46e8-aa29-542974d4c8e6/6114.contentimage_5F00_205342.jpg:620:465]

By removing the high power LED section I found there was room to install the Voice Activated Switch (VAS) module into the body of the flashlight. This flashlight runs on 3 AAA batteries which are also in the body of the unit. The power for the circuit is controlled by the original switch on the flashlight. A red indicator LED on the VAS lets me know that there is power and the unit is ready to turn on and off the flashlight beam when a loud noise is detected. When the circuit is in idle it draws 5 mA and when it turns on the flashlight beam it draws 60 mA. I will keep track of the amount of time I am able to use the unit before batteries have to be replaced. Last night I walked with the unit on my arm and it functioned very well. While I can't light up the night with the small beam of light that is produced it is sufficient for walking and also for signalling my presence to approaching vehicles.

[View:/resized-image/__size/620x465/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-4664cfee-965e-46e8-aa29-542974d4c8e6/6518.contentimage_5F00_205343.jpg:620:465]

Here is a short video of how the unit works.

[View:https://players.brightcove.net/1362235890001/NkxiVJdjx_default/index.html?videoId=6112024274001:740:466]

I am currently waiting for the head mounted flashlight that [mention:cff82ed12b714001a1ba5205f2cb553c:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] recommended to arrive and this will give me an opportunity to try out a third variation of the Voice Activated Flashlight. If and when I have something to demonstrate I will post it to this thread.

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement and ideas.

John

RE: Walking in the Dark - Voice Activated Flashlight

shabaz — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 23:49:32 GMT

Hi John,

This is the coolest thing I've seen for weeks! Really awesome project and demonstration. But, I can understand your family worrying.. what looks cool to us may not to others : (

Regarding modules from China, I tried out a voice recorder module recently, that worked really well. It requires an electret mic element, and a speaker (not piezo) - I used some old laptop speaker,

and a couple of push-buttons, for recording and playback. It was a fun toy, you can imagine the nonsense that gets recorded by kids when they mess around with it : )

RE: Walking in the Dark - Voice Activated Flashlight

clem57 — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 20:45:56 GMT

Hey [mention:f80b53cee57c44bc9d7c577d07d7c791:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] , you look like a Borg with that attachment. Nice idea, keep up the good work.

Clem

RE: Walking in the Dark - Voice Activated Flashlight

DAB — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 20:03:16 GMT

Great idea John.

I could see this idea as being very useful to people with disabilities.

Well done.

DAB

RE: Walking in the Dark - Voice Activated Flashlight

genebren — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 17:23:16 GMT

Hi John,

Awesome project! I like the amount of features that you were able to strap onto your arm. I am not sure that I understood how you went from a clapper circuit to being able to detect and respond to commands like "on", "off' and "dim". Did you make use of the dual zone temperature readings by inserting a probe in your boot (measuring the important foot temperature)?

Stay safe and warm and be smart about your late night walks.

Gene

RE: Walking in the Dark - Voice Activated Flashlight

fmilburn — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 03:51:37 GMT

Hi John,

I like it :-) An idea for consideration: What if you used a head lamp so that your hands are free but without the unsightly gun silhouette? For example, this light on eBay uses two 18650 batteries, costs only $10 and has bright and dim settings. You could then keep voice activation and other functions on an arm strap if desired.

Frank