Hello! I wanted to try asking this forum for some advice on my first project. I believe this is the right location for this kind of post. If it's not, I apologize.
I have a project for work that I think might benefit from a very specific sort of device that I don't believe I can buy. I looked into trying to build it and started reading up on Arduino. I have very little experience building anything electronic, besides assembling my computer, and even less programming experience. I'm well aware of how difficult all this will be to learn, but I'm willing to put the time in. I kind of feel like this project is a chance to play around with some things I've been curious about for a long time. I'm getting pretty excited!
So here's are features I need for this project:
- A stop watch style timer. I can start, pause, and restart the timer. Not just reset it.
- An easily visible blue light, probably LED, that is on whenever the timer is running. Shuts off when paused.
- Remote operation from at least 10-15 feet. Preferably more.
- Considerable durability.
These are some possible other features I might like to add later in future iterations:
- The ability to produce a sound when the light turns on, either from ringing a bell or out of a speaker. Perhaps another sound for when the light turns off.
- Multiple displays for the timer. One for the "controller" and perhaps a larger one for other people in the room to see.
- Ability to save time data for "sessions" to my phone for tracking.
- Multiple controllers.
- An "alarm" sound when someone picks it up or moves it.
- Longer remote range.
- Ability to detect when sound in room reaches a certain volume. Perhaps turning on a red light and/or using the above mentioned alarm sound. Maybe also automatically stopping timer and blue light.
8 ) An alternate countdown timer. Preferably one that can run concurrently with the stop watch and controlled separate. - Speakers I can use to play audio from my phone.
What I was thinking originally was perhaps trying to get some of my more programming-savvy friends to help me make an Android phone timer app that communicates via Bluetooth to an Arduino 101. I'd have the Arduino hooked up to a blue LED strip that's set up to light whenever the timer is running. Maybe even have a speaker there for sound, if I decide I want it.
But I've been thinking that the app would likely be much more work than necessary or practical if I can't get the assistance I'm hoping for from my friends, given my complete beginner status at present. Also, I'm a bit concerned about having my phone out as much as I might need to to use this thing optimally. I work with some occasionally very destructive children, so I'd prefer to keep my phone safe in my pocket. Furthermore, I'm a bit concerned about co workers not being able to use the device if I'm not around, as it might be dependent on my phone being present.
Now I'm wondering if maybe it would be better to go with cheap IR remote controls. I saw some tutorials of how to set those up with Arduino on YouTube. That might be more practical. I guess I'd just try to find a way to have the Arduino operate and coordinate a timer, the light, and a speaker. Maybe still have a phone app that I can just use for a display for the time and tracking time data from the Arduino. I'd still have it connected with Bluetooth. I wonder if I could set up an NFC tag on the remote, so I can just hold it up to my phone to get it to save the data from the Arduino.
I'm thinking I might have the device in a tough, impact resistant, casing of some sort that I'd mount high on the wall. Durability is definitely a huge concern for the final build, but I think I might be better off just worrying about how to make this thing work, then worry about how to keep it safe once I have an idea of what I should actually be trying to build.
I really am not quite sure how to go about this thing. I've been watching videos on YouTube and looking at Arduino tutorials all over the web for ideas. I even downloaded an electrical engineering textbook to try to learn more about how this all works. I'm confident I'll be okay, eventually, but right now I mostly just need some advice on how to get started and maybe a few nudges in the right direction for this project.
Thanks for any assistance!