Garage distance sensor V2

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My initial prototype started back here:

and is now at the point where I am designing version 2.

The biggest change for  version 2 will be the replacement of the 5 individual LEDs and the board they live on with a Keyestudio 40 RGB LED WS2812 Pixel Matrix Shield for Arduino:

The main reasons for this are:

– less soldering is required

– the LEDs are brighter

– there will be a 5 x 8 matrix of LEDS allowing more options

– the shield plugs directly into the controller board

So the circuit diagram will now look like:

The code will, at least initially remain functionally the same but may get enhanced once I have it working.

I have ordered an additional distance sensor and QWIIC LED 4 Digit display but the LED shield is ready to go as you can see in this video:

Video link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49V33TKXt3c

The test code shown in video is here:

https://github.com/directorcia/Azure/blob/master/Iot/Arduino%20Uno%20R3/Garage%20distance/pixel-matrix-test.cpp

I think this LED shield will be a big improvement for the project, so stay tuned for more updates soon.

Garage sensor–Version 1 summary

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Video link = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBYtc1O-l94

I’ve rounded off version 1 of the Garage sensor and am about to start work on version 2. There is a short video summary of what he sensor does in the video above.

I’m not happy with the daughter board that runs the 5 LEDs. It is cumbersome, challenging and time consuming to build. I plan to replace this with something pre-built. I’ll also opt for a cheaper Arduino board. The process will also require me to rework the 3D printed board all the components are mounted on.

Stay tuned for Version 2 coming soon!