Hi All
Very new to Arduino and programming so please go easy, and say if this is a little too advanced to start with. Although producing something meaningful is always a good driver.
I've been toying with the idea of setting up a garage door sensor due to finding the door open quite frequently when it should be closed. I've been trying to figure out the least invasive way of doing this and want a fairly simple Red and Green indicator system.
Based on the attached image I'd like to attach an Arduino to the back of the internal door which we pass in our hall frequently.
Then drill through the door to display LEDs.
I want to find out the status of the door using a range finder but I note the one I have (HC-SR04) and most of the sonic type only go to about 400mm.
Is this a feasible project to take on or would you suggest another approach. The Arduino could be powered by battery or AC.
Even if you can find a ranger for 6m, you have to make sure you NEVER put anything in between or you will see that, and that the door is really open, not only just open, as unless you use something like LiDAR (and that doesn't come cheap) you won't be able to measure that accurately.
More sensible is a microswitch on the door, which gets closed when the door is really shut. Add a few more parts and you can switch between two LEDs, one red one green. No Arduino needed.
I agree with wvmarle, but in case this is just the basis of you project and want to go further...
There are a number of options for garage door open status sensor:
magnetic switches - you can use the ones designed for windows and doors
microswitch - we used to call them cherry switches - the ones with a little arm and sometimes rollers
ultrasonic - but placed facing the door near bottom so it sense no door condition
photointerrupter - you would put a little tab on the door and place sensor so it's blocked when shut
There are a few ideas... some may be more appropriate for your needs than others. If you eventually want to use this to transmit an alarm to your phone or do other automation you may want the Arduino.
Magnetic ones may be best - easy and cheap to find waterproofed ones, no risk of dirt getting in the way, nothing mechanical (well, the reed contact could be considered mechanical).
My buddy made a similar device for his mother's garage door. She is elderly and some times forgets to close the garage door when she comes home from her errands.
He used an ultrasonic sensor and a WiFi module. It is attached to the ceiling of the garage pointing down. When the garage door is open it is a foot or so away from the ultrasonic sensor. When closed, the sensor has nothing within several feet.
When the door is left open for too long, it sends him an email. He then calls his mom and reminds her to close the garage door.
I think he powers the unit from a USB plug in the outlet for the garage door opener.
