On my new project i want to create an LED strip for my kitchen drawers than lights up when the drawer opens.
For this project, i got 2 boards:
Arduino Mega and Arduino Pro Mini atmega328.
The problem is that i got no power outlet so i'll be using batteries (Duracell 12v for the strip and a regular 9v battery to power up the arduino mega or a 5v battery to power up the Pro Mini)
Because i'm running short on power, i'll have to use components that uses only a few % of my battery at the time. I think the arduino will consume more power that the LED strips, 'cause they only light up for a few "seconds" (as long as the drawer is open) so i've tested the 12v battery for the LED strip and it lasted about 72 hours.
For the arduino, my problem is that i got plenty ultrasonic sensors so i would like to use them unless there is a better way.
Unfortunately, the ultrasonic sensor is reading the distance from the back of the drawer to the front every 1 second, until someone opens it. SO, it uses a lot of power for this readings.
Here is my questing:
which arduino controller is better for this project, and is the ultrasonic sensor a method? Or is there another way to to this, even without the arduino, something like those IKEA DRAWER LIGHT STRIP with an infrared sensor (which i don't know how to use)
Thats the thing! But how? I cant run a ultrasonic sensor without microcontrollers. I've seen those sensors that are activated with a magnet but I've never used them. Any suggestions?
Nick_Pyner:
A magnet and a reed switch - serious 1950s technology. If you use an Arduino for this, you will deserve all the derision you will surely get.
Even simpler would be a switch that closes when the drawer is opened. That's 1930s technology.
LarryD:
But does the fridge light go out when the door is closed?
I can assure you it does as, when I was about 6 my parents got their first fridge, I was allowed inside it (before it got cold) to see for myself that the light went out! I guess that I've always been a skeptic. 8)
I can assure you it does as, when I was about 6 my parents got their first fridge, I was allowed inside it (before it got cold) to see for myself that the light went out! I guess that I've always been a skeptic.
I can assure you it does as, when I was about 6 my parents got their first fridge, I was allowed inside it (before it got cold) to see for myself that the light went out! I guess that I've always been a skeptic.
That's why the doors don't latch any more.
Yes, but my mother was there and let me out after about 5 seconds.
