Introduction: Arduino Escape Box Bomb Countdown Timer on a Budget

Using this guide you will learn how to upgrade the old fashion escape padlock box with a cool timer!

Opening the box will trigger the countdown timer!

Great for teachers who use escape boxes in teaching but also for DIY home made birthday escape rooms etc.


Made by:
Orel Elimelech, "Young Makers Israel" programs, owner of Interblog, a company that produces innovation events and game machines.
Shahar Regev - Citizenship and Skipper teacher, lives at sea.

Supplies

13$ for the whole materials:

  1. Female female jumper wires
  2. Arduino nano (all types should fit)
  3. Power/data cable
  4. Led dispkay module
  5. Microswitch
  6. Active buzzer
  7. Adapter (choose your type US / EU)
  8. solder+iron
  9. optional: quick connector

9. box - any box with a hinge will fit

Step 1: Solder 2 Jumper Wires to Microswitch (C+NC)

It's suggested to use hot-glue after soldering, for avoiding the wires to disconnect

Don't use to much of the glue.

Step 2: Connect All Parts Togehter

Tip -

There are 2 GND headers on the Arduino and you will need 3.

Also there are only 1 3.3v header on the Arduino and you will need 2.

You can solder them together or solve it without soldering by using quick connector.

Step 3: Edit & Upload Code

The basic code is set for 20 minutes timer, you can change it easily by editing the line-

#define first 2000

Attachments

Step 4: Installation

It is very important to verify that all wires and connections are well hidden.

Verify all part are well tighten to the box, you can use tape or hot-glue.

The microswitch has to be installed a bit low - only the top of it should pop out.

Verify that the USB cable can't be pulled out of the box. It's highly suggested to use hot glue to connect the cable to the box wall.

Step 5: Enjoy

Attachments