I need help with a project.

Question

Hello, I am new to programing and miniature computers. My idea is to have either one or two sensors places on posts across from each other. These would be about 6 feet apart. I would want them to activate a speaker when they are interrupted. I do not know if I am in the right place or not, but I would be very grateful if I had some guidance. I do not know which components or computer would work best for this. I also don't know how to program it, maybe there is a tutorial similar to this idea I can follow? I have a small sketch attached. Thank You. 
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beacon_dave · Answer

Perhaps take a look at this tutorial series: Jeremy Blum Arduino Tutorials Also perhaps take a look at the videos from his book which follow along closely with the above tutorials: https://www.exploringarduino.com/content/ There is a breakbeam sensor tutorial on Adafruit: https://learn.adafruit.com/ir-breakbeam-sensors/arduino

colporteur · Answer

G'Day,

Dave has provided some great resources if........ The "if" works for me because I have the level of knowledge to understand what Dave is offering. I find your approach inefficient. Without some background my responses may be of little value. Help me help you. Can you share some details that will help improve responses.

What is your educational back ground?

What is your computer/electronics/programming experience?

What purpose is behind your build?

What access do you have to resources (i.e. knowledge sources)?

What access do you have to materials?

What is you budget?

Is your project limited to Ardunio technology?

If yes what Ardunio?

Sean

beacon_dave · Answer

You may find false triggering is a problem with the IR beam approach. A human is likely to set the alarm off as well as the dog which could become annoying. You may find that you require additional higher level sensors to be able to differentiate between human and dog movement:

low level only = dog, sound alarm

low-level + high level = human, silence alarm

Another sensor which may worth be looking at is the thermopile array Grid-EYE as reviewed by shabaz here:

Building a Thermal Imaging System with the Raspberry Pi 3, Sense HAT and Panasonic Grid-EYE

Panasonic Grid-EYE RoadTest - Review

ccarson4144 · Answer

Hello, I am open to any help I can get.

I am a senior in high school.

I can make my way around a computer okay. I have not programmed or used electronics, I am very new.

The purpose is to know when my dog has entered into my kitchen through the archway, which is about 6 feet apart. If the dog does enter I would like an alarm to go off or a beep.

My resources are the internet, there are no teachers at school who can help me, and I do not have any friends who can help me either.

I guess I just have my laptop, I do not know which board/computer would be the best, or what sensors could work.

My budget does not really have a cap, but I would like to stay simple, no overkill.

It is not limited to arduino, if is was I wouldn't know what arduino.

I am open to all suggestions. Thank You for your help.

Chad

beacon_dave · Answer

You can get break-beam sensors which use a passive retro-reflective reflector on the far wall to bounce an IR beam back to the emitter/sensor.

They are used in fire safety systems / garage doors to prevent shutters being dropped onto people or to alert if there are obstacles in the way. They should be easy to mount, available to work with the distances you are looking at and the retro-reflective reflector should simplify alignment.

e14phil · Answer

Hey I love this, there are lots of Examples of Laser Trip beams. https://www.electronicsweekly.com/blogs/gadget-master/arduino/build-laser-trip-wire-alarm-arduino-2016-08/ Once you learn a bit of basic arduino programming, and choose an INPUT, which could be Laser, PIR, Movement sensor then you get to decide what your OUTPUT is... Will it be an LED, an Alarm, a text message, or a bucket of cold water on a pulley system.

ralphjy · Answer

Hi Chad,

Not sure if you are looking for the simplest solution or wanted to implement something with a microcontroller. Your requirements are pretty straightforward and you could implement a solution with just a PIR (passive infrared sensor), a transistor and a buzzer. You'd also need a 5V supply.

Here is a link to a PIR: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012ZZ4LPM/ref=psdc_7459508011_t1_B0177V3A6U. The schematic for the DC load shows how to add the transistor to drive the buzzer. Just point the PIR into the room past the archway to detect that the dog was present.

Probably want to add a switch if it is not convenient to unplug the 5V.

beacon_dave · Answer

Another possible approach if anyone wants to go to the other extreme Neural Network Knows When Cat Wants To Go Outside https://hackaday.com/2018/12/21/neural-network-knows-when-cat-wants-to-go-outside/

ccarson4144 · Answer

Thank you, that is a great idea, but I would like to keep it as simple as I can. I also failed to mention this would only be active while I or my family is working outside, so I am not worried about false triggers caused by a human. I want a system like this so I can know whether she needs to go outside. (The door is right pass the archway) The grid eye looks cool!

I need help with a project.

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