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Laser Trip Wire Security System with Combination Lock and Epic Siren!

Laser Trip Wire Security System with Combination Lock and Epic Siren!
Hi Everyone!  Welcome To My Instructable!
My laser trip-wire security system employs a programmable combination lock that acts to arm and disarm the system, as well as indicate to the microprocessor if someone has entered in a faulty code (Tampering).  There is also a really awesome and LOUD Siren with strobing indicator LEDs.  The laser trip-wire is bounced across several carefully aligned mirrors and back to the laser detection circuit.  The costs to create this project are pretty low. The only real cost is in the siren ($19) , the LS7222 ($6), and the keypad ($5).

Aligning the mirrors was the most difficult part, as I had to purchase sticky tack to stick them to the wall, and to be able to adjust the mirrors in different directions.  The sticky tack kept moving over time, which made it extremely difficult. However, patience persevered, and I was able to get a nice video demonstration. I was able to purchase the Mirrors and the sticky tack at the local dollar store!

If there was more time, I would have added an extremely sensitive laser detection circuit, and a battery backup but instead I've added these schematics and instructions into the EXTRAS section so that you can use them in your future projects.  I've posted three videos relating to this project::
1) A demonstration of my design with the mirror set-up that I have in my hallway.
2) A breakdown video of the electronics involved for those of you who don't want to have to read through the electronic block sections of this instructable.
3) A second up-close demonstration of the system with an explanation of the program algorithm.


I have worked extremely hard to offer as much detail as humanly possible regarding each aspect of the electronic hardware.  I've included copies of thoroughly commented software, and a block diagram of the program algorithm.

For the better part, I don't expect anyone to fully re-create this project, but I have detailed so much information that the viewer will be able to use many blocks and schematics, or variations of them in their own projects.  Thanks for viewing.  As always, I appreciate your comments and perhaps your votes, if you find I deserve them =)

 
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Step 1Device Features + Demonstration

Device Features + Demonstration
Design Features:

1) A combination lock circuit that employs the versatile LS7222 combination lock IC.  The code can be re-programmed with ease using the matrix keypad.  The same code is used to arm and disarm the system.  If someone enters in an incorrect character, the tamper output pulses a warning to the microprocessor, and initiates the alarm sequence.

2) Two light sensing circuits.  One of them is aimed at the ceiling, and indicates to the microprocessor whether or not there is enough light in the room for the system to work.  After the ARM code in entered in, the system waits for the light to go out in the room before it enables the laser and starts scanning for a laser breach/tamper/or DISARM code to be entered into the keypad.  Check out the program algorithm block diagram in step#9 for more information.  The second light sensor is used to detect the laser beam.

3) The extremely loud EPIC siren with Strobing LEDs.  This siren is activated by the microprocessor via a driver circuit.  When the laser program is enabled, if someone breaks the beam that is being mirrored all over the doorway, the alarm is triggered.  As well, if someone enters in an incorrect character.... ALARM.  If the alarm goes off, the user must enter in the ARM/DISARM code to disable the program, and reset them system.

4) A 5mW red laser with a manual enable (Push button) and a software trigger/driver.  We use the manual enable to align the laser through a series of mirrors, and back to the laser detection light sensor circuit.  Once we've done that, we turn the laser off, and enable the system.  From there, the software will dictate when the laser is turned on or off.  See Step#6 (Laser electronic Block).

5) The microprocessor is a PIC18F1220 from Microchip Technologies.  It takes the signals from the light sensors and the combination locks, and outputs signals to the on-board piezo buzzer indicator, the siren, and acts to enable/disable the 5mW laser.

6) Please note that I've added in some fun extras in the EXTRAS section, such as how to employ a battery backup, and how to make an extremely sensitive laser detector.

Here is the first of three videos.  This video is the mirror demonstration.  See Step#2 for the video version of the electronic summary, and Step#9 for an up close demonstration with a program algorithm discussion.



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41 comments
1-40 of 41next »
Apr 11, 2012. 2:26 PMlegolas11007 says:
Hi, I just wanted to know where u bought the LS7222 for 6 dollars and the keypad. I can only find the chip for about 32 uk pounds which I find is way too much.
Mar 30, 2012. 12:29 PMzixx65 says:
Hey EngineeringShock,
I'm wondering if you can add more items to the security system like another matrix pad OR another laser... so when you have time give me a comment.
Thank you for your time!
Dakota S.
Jan 2, 2012. 5:43 AMwouternet says:
With any flashlight you can saturate the LDR sensor and just walk through the beam. The more powerful your flashlightis, the less you have to be near the LDR/circuit board. I did a quick and dirty laser detector setup like you did, but without the keypad.
With my Surefire I was able to stand 50ft away and still break the beam without setting the alarm off.
Jan 3, 2012. 3:21 AMwouternet says:
Excellent solution!
Dec 3, 2011. 4:01 AMkarthikhs says:
Is there an alternate for LS7222 & LS7220.
Oct 30, 2011. 5:41 PMnof-z says:
EPIC, but my mom would kill me if this went off at night...
Aug 19, 2011. 12:59 AMAndrew Rose says:
Your project / product is the closest thing I have found to solving a problem I'm experiencing here in Johnnasburg, that being unwanted and unwelcome people on my property. So, well done on the hard thinking, design and development. Sure there are loads of "beam type security products" out there on the shelves, but all pretty expensive and require installation teams that have to install and connect to existing alarm systems.
A project like this shows me that it is possible, with a little application, to create an inexpensive and relatively "low tech" solution.
Thanks for the sharing the ideas.
Jul 22, 2011. 1:09 AMshrike4 says:
Hello EngineeringShock,

Just wanted to say I love this project, I think it is awesome. In fact, I am trying to built your instructables just without the siren, and only using an piezo alarm. I just want to see if I can build it, and get it to work! I just hope if I run into any snags, that I could count on your expertise to help me along the way. Thank you for all the infomation you already have here. Hope to get it to work.

Thanks,
Shrike4
Jun 29, 2011. 11:06 PMchickman1995 says:
@engineering shock
Do you think you could send me a list or sell a DIY project for this i want it for my bedroom. i also have no experience on doing this so if you could make a video of you bulding one step by step or put it all in plain english in an instuctable i would greatly appreciate it..

Chandler
i will email you my email adress if you have an email i dont want to put it out in public
Jun 12, 2011. 7:50 AMwillow20 says:
could you set this system up with a LDR and Infra red light beam, as a laser would show up out side if it was foggy I think.
Jun 1, 2011. 9:23 AMtinker234 says:
wow
May 31, 2011. 3:54 AMsamtheking says:
hi pat,
this is (sam)

its a great project for me because im a student from India i want to make this project so can u please give some information about (he Program (PIC18F1220) ASM Code) and tell me how can i do this please and yes tell me what is the price of the device please .................................I'm not a engineer but i still want make this project so please give more information as u can and help me to make this u can send detail to (sonu007adak@gmail.com) or u can post here.........
Thank You .....
Jun 1, 2011. 3:33 AMsamtheking says:
Hi pat
thanks for your reply . i'm just want to know about this device where i can buy it and how its work and its really important for this project and there have not any way to complete this project ?
thanks for your timing
Sam
May 28, 2011. 2:05 AMJamez Britton says:
this is bloody epic!
May 13, 2011. 7:53 PMgogiva says:
one of a few excellent instructables, congratulations
May 8, 2011. 3:21 PMlukestanmore says:
WOW! great instructable! i've just had to make this account, just to comment on it, andim seriousley thinking of going pro, just to downloads and print all of the instructable!
I only have one question, do you have a diagram of the complete circuit on one picture? if so, could you please PM me, or email. Thanks!
May 13, 2011. 1:22 PMlukestanmore says:
Thanks, I will have a look at your sites, unfortunatley, when i tried to print the diagram to a readable size, it became incredibly blury, I dont supppose you have a higher resoloution one available? Thanks
May 8, 2011. 3:26 PMlukestanmore says:
Sorry, I forgot to add; do you also have a complete parts list with everything in one place :) Thanks
Apr 20, 2011. 12:18 PMLordsauron says:
Any one have a link for the sirene. i would love to get one of those.
Apr 20, 2011. 9:02 AMlladof-anderson says:
Spectacular. Going to try and build one myself. It may be a little more complex than it needed to be, but still an amazing idea. Much appreciated.
Apr 16, 2011. 2:25 AMimakethings says:
you can add smoke in the background to show the laser beam in the video..!..

well can you try this with infrared beam of light.. i guess that would be a more "SECURE "security system..?

nice instructable anyways!
Apr 13, 2011. 8:57 AMburdockwing says:
hi i want to learn how curcuit boards and such work how did you learn this knowledge was it a class or a book and could you tell what it was called.
Apr 12, 2011. 6:42 PMmr. bond says:
To complicted
Apr 13, 2011. 7:07 AMrulerofallthatisawesome says:
Mr Bond, I have some constructive feedback on your grammatical ignorance.
Let's start from the beginning: By "to" I'm sure you meant "too". Granted, both to and too are parts of English language, but with stark differences. To is used as a preposition, while too is used as an adverb. (Fail 1)
And by "complicted" I'm reasonably sure you meant "complicated"...as the spell check tried to tell you, but you so brazenly ignored. (Fail 2)
Lastly, if you're going to leave comments, you should start by being constructive...and, preferably, grammatically correct. Surely you can see how your extensive grammatical fail retracts from your otherwise deluded opinion of this awesome instructable.

If the reason for your atrocious grammar is that this instructable just blew your mind, you are forgiven, but for no other reason.
Apr 13, 2011. 3:35 AMwoody123 says:
there is a combination lock IC !!!!
oh my god, i wish i had known that for when i did my electronics a level coursework (which btw was a security system like this). instead i made a switch multiplexing grid whcih connected different resistors together for each switch pressed - 3 analogue outputs (one for each row of switches) feeding into a microcontroller with 3 adc's (picaxe 18x). this would have been so much simpler, and the picaxe was really temperemental as well :(
really good instructable - i like how much detail you went into

(and to all the people saying this is complicated you should have seen my coursework - it took up 17 breadboards, mainly due to the ram memory i made from flipflops)
Apr 13, 2011. 6:15 AMwoody123 says:
your welcome - its nice to see someone put so much effort into explaining things to other people. the extra detail really helps you to get a more in depth understanding on how the system works
Apr 13, 2011. 1:02 AMzodono says:
this is super cool... I was thinking though.. that u should modulate the laser beam with something pseudorandom, and expect to see it on the other end... so noone simply replaces your beam, or even redirects it..
Apr 12, 2011. 8:35 PMJoshuaZimmerman says:
Awesome! That is way super cool.

Though when i watched the video I may have laughed a bit at one point...

aboot.... he he he. You silly Canadians.
Apr 12, 2011. 5:52 PMdnicky2288 says:
Let me be the first to comment this: Very good work!

I myself, have am an expert with an interest in Micro-controllers.
Here's a little bit of my opinion: You are making this quite more advanced than what it needs to be.

But other than that, good work!!!! I will surely vote for you pal
1-40 of 41next »

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Author:EngineeringShock(engineeringshock.com + More!)
Hi there! My name is Patrick, and I am an electronics engineering technician who works full time as a lab tech, and part time as an electronics engineer/salesman. I own an ebay store, and two website...
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