Hello. This is my first post and my first project.
I am looking for some guidance/advice to see if this is even possible and if so, how to get started. I did some research but I can't find something like this that's been done before but I may not have been able to find it due to ignorance on these topics.
I'd like to use an Arduino to add an LCD display and realistic sounds to a toy microwave, making use of the existing key pad. The keypad appears to be attached to one side of the circuit board. It currently runs off of 3 Double A batteries. I am having trouble understanding the board, and I don't know how to interface to reuse the buttons even if I did.
If possible, I assume I'd control the motor, led, and speaker from the arduino, but I'm not sure
Is this possible? Am I in over my head? If possible, can someone tell me how/where to start?
Double Yellow = Speaker
Double Blue = Kill switch when opening door
White+Orange = LED light
Green+Orange = Motor for plate
Red+Black = Battery Power
Looking at the simplicity of the existing board & connections, I’m guessing all the existing buttons are in parallel, and simply generate a common beep sound.
To get some realistic functionality, you’ll probably need to find or make a replacement button pad. (typically a matrix) to fit the existing bezel.
Then you’ll need simple drivers for the speaker, motor and LEDs.
Not too difficult as a learning project, but it won’t be finished too soon if you’re learning on the way.
@catcitymayor does the current keypad have different functions on every button? Or is it indeed just a toy, and all the buttons just do the same one thing?
If you have real buttons that do different things, the fastest, easiest, simplest and safest approach is to get a relay module or modules and place the contacts of one relay across the contacts of each switch.
The signal to control the relay from the an Arduino is the same as lighting an LED. And would be like pressing the hijacked button.
There are solutions that are more elegant and take less volume and may be quieter. Depends on what you know, what you want to learn and so forth.
In the meantime, write code using LEDs on those output pins to be used as the switch signals… you can develop the code independent of how you ultimately choose to get the button “pushed”.
Certainly are. It's called a 74HC4066 (four buttons) - or similar, depending on the actual wiring of the buttons.
Three AA cells is very convenient as the same supply can be used for a Pro Mini. In fact, you may not need any other IC, just connect the Pro Mini directly to the buttons.
We would need much more detailed photos of the assembly, properly taken in daylight, not a dark room.
