IR Beams

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Development
1

Hi, first post here, so apologies if it's in the wrong place or anything!

I'm pretty new to arduino but I'd like to use it for a project at uni, it seems pretty simple (feel free to prove me wrong ;D )

Basically I would like an arduino hooked up to 5 or 6 IR beams, so when they are broken it sends a signal to some software playing on a computer.

If someone could give me pointers about where to start I'd appreciate it! :slight_smile:

2

would a product like this be possible to hook up?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=220033

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=27513

Thanks again....

3

Both kits should work, but must be modified.

Because you have to modify the kits, I guess it would be better to build it on your own (and save money):
I would get (at least) 5 IR LEDs like the SFH415
and (at least) 5 IR receiver modules like the TSOP1136

Then generate 36kHz on the output pins (where you connect the IR LEDs) and connect the TSOP1136s to 5 input pins. Look into the datasheet to get an idea how to connect everything. It might be a good idea to use external pull-ups.

So you will need 10 pins for 5 IR sensors. Why must it be IR? What is the idea behind your project?

4

Well, perhaps it doesn't have to be IR, it was just my intiial idea behind it. Basically it's an empty room to start with and when these beams or whatever are tripped sound and light plays from a computer.

5

Sounds like big distances... maybe start with the MK120 IR Beam Break Detector. Remove the status LED and connect an Arduino input pin instead.

I am not sure if the circuit uses modulated IR light. So if the room is not dark you will have problems. And you must check if the sensor is disturbed by light that your computer switches.

6

Thanks, I'll look into it.