Arduino control of spotlight via Zigbee

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello everyone! I am trying to make a spotlight to put on the roof rack of my truck and control where it points by moving a joystick inside the cabin.

I envision using a home-made joystick and push button controls in the cabin for on/off and directional control using the joystick. Inside the cabin would be nothing more than a Nano to convert the joystick movement into a PWM signal and some digital pins for on/off control….

On the roof would be another Nano to recreate the PWM signal to control the servo(s) and some circuitry to turn the LEDs on/off. I envision using RATE servos to move the light itself, such that joystick movement will give increasing amounts of light movement (rate of movement) with increasing deflection.

Questions:

  1. Should I use some kind of RF shield (such as Zigbee) to communicate between the Nano in the cabin and the Nano on the roof? Or should I communicate between the two via a serial connection? I have some big dreams ahead including mounting a camera on the roof and broadcasting the video back into the cabin, but for now I just want to get the light working.

Well I guess I only have one question at the moment ….

Any constructive criticism is appreciated!!

Don

2

Electromagnetic waves don't go through metal ➜ Can't you have wires going to the roof ? how will you power the spotlight?

3

I have that settled already as I will bring 12 volts up to the roof rack with dedicated wiring from the battery…

There will be sufficient RF that will make it from the cabin onto the roof, I would wager.

4

In some countries such light arrangement is illegal.

5

Hack a PTZ camera, disconnect original pan/tilt servo signal wires and use them for your servos. Use original (visible light) LED circuit to switch your spotlight. And get the camera feed as bonus... :wink:

6

Thank you so much for reminding me of all of the rules I should follow!!!

I appreciate it SO very much!!!

7

not sure if you are being sarcastic there .

Modifying a vehicle with unauthorized equipment can be considered illegal depending on local laws regarding vehicle modifications, safety regulations, and roadworthiness.

Be aware that in certain countries, not only can helping someone build something that is unauthorized lead to legal consequences for them, but it can also make you legally liable as a co-conspirator or accessory to the offense. Documenting the process or offering assistance, even with good intentions, can be viewed as contributing to an illegal activity, putting you at risk of prosecution as well.

So helpers here need to strike a balance in providing assistance and making sure they don't break any law...