Hi! I'm a literal newbie when it comes to Arduino. It's my first time and I'm only using it for a school project. I currently using a PIR motion sensor. My project plans to turn on a heater lamp for kittens using a sensor, however, my problem is that it turns off right after motion is stopped, kittens don't usually move that much, especially when sleeping.
What sensor should I use that senses presence or body heat? Something that could turn my heater on even without movements from the kitten, just their presence? Thank you very much!
Your heater lamp will make everything warm, so that a body heat sensor will be unable to tell if kittens are present or not.
If you lamp switches off, the kittens will not want to sleep there because it is not warm. The kittens will try to find a warm place. They will not understand that if they remain, the heater will turn on.
The truth. @nuggexts What you're describing is pretty much impossible. Kittens can't be programmed like Arduinos, they won't do exactly what you'd expect every time. You could, however, have the heat lamp on a lower heat (if it has that setting) to entice the kittens, then with a weight sensor (in their bed) turn the lamp on high. This could potentially save power.
hate to burst your bubble, but cats can hear ultrasound. It will scare them, or at least annoy them. (Imagine a super high pitched ringing all around you whilst you try to sleep)
P.S. I know, my cat scares whenever I turn on my ultrasound emitter
I recommend trying to use an ultrasonic sensor. if your cats really are scared of ultrasound then use an alternative of the ultrasonic sensor or if its only for a school project then don't use cats at all! (I don't think your teacher will be happy with your cat running aound the class... )
I'm trying both a heating lamp and a blanket and then I will decide which one is better. It is also my first time hearing the load cell + HX711 aka scale which is why my first resort was sensors. I researched it and it looks perfect for the project. I will first try using an ultrasonic sensor since it seems much easier to work into. I will consider your suggestion if the ultrasonic sensor doesn't work. Thank you very much!
Oh, I see. The weight sensor seems perfect for the project. However, it seems like it is complicated compared to my level of knowledge in coding. I will try to look more into it and decide which one to use. I'm also not sure if a cat is needed for the project demonstration, if not, I will resort to the easiest way haha! The weight sensor is the safest for cats, in my opinion. Thank you also for your insight!
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