Arduino controlled Silly String shooter

Step 5 Example Code

This code is pretty stupid, but it will give you an idea of how to start.

** I used the SoftwareServo.h library only because the standard servo.h library and the VirtualWire.h library don't get along. If you want to use the standard servo library, it works just fine, but you'll have to whip up your own code (it shouldn't be too hard).

Download the sketch anyway, and take a look.

The other sketches on here, SillStringShooter2.pde and Hackolantern_Tweet.pde, is the actual code I used for my pumpkin. Enjoy!

Comments

[siliconghost]

What did you use for the IR motion sensor?  That's the once piece I wanted to see but there is no mention of it.  Please add a little more detail!

[erickingston]

I used the Sharp IR proximity sensor from adafruit.com
http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=164

I plan on upgrading to the long range version from sparkfun.com
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8958

[Personman]

 With this PIR sensor at about 1/3 the cost you have an adjustable range of up to about 16-1/2ft.  I'm sure you could rig something up get around the 60 deg beam angle.  I'm giving it a try anyway :) If I'm wrong I'll find another use for it. 

Zilog
Digi-Key part #269-4710-nd

Apparently I now have to pay to post a link or I would have,  and FYI thats ridiculous.  I could see paying for some features but to post a link?

[erickingston]

Hey personman,

That's a nice find - I like the price. Take a peek at my post below, and you'll see a link on how to narrow a PIR's detection angle. I picked one up at Radioshack for $10, so I figure the price is about the same as the one you mention after you add shipping.

The part I like about using proximity sensors, is that you can adjust the trigger distance. It's nice, because I can limit the range, letting it only shoot when an object is at a specified distance. So, in this case, we could say only activate when an object is at least 3 feet away, but not more than 8 feet away. Just a little extra control.

[siliconghost]

Excellent! Thank you! I didn't even know that one existed (and it is very reasonable).

- John

[erickingston]

There is one other option, and it's even less expensive. You can use a PIR motion sensor (check your local Radioshack) pointed through a short piece of tubing to make it unidirectional, such as Jonathan did in this instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/S3QN9YEFRD805LC/

Whatcha building anyway?
Eric

[adamw ROX OUT LOUD]

i just thought of something - you could widen the hole in the nozzle of the can with a drill to get a shotgun effect.  you know, hit more people.