Introduction: Building a WiFi Controlled Nightlight Using Adosia STEM Kit for Kids
In this simple tutorial a seven year old will show you how easy it is to build and create a DIY nightlight made from a painted styrofoam pumpkin, some LED lights and Adosia's STEM kit for Kids.
Supplies
Step 1: The Pumpkin
We started the project with her MinnieMouse Halloween pumpkin. Alternatively, you can use anything that is hallow and that can be drilled or cut into. She got this pumpkin as a gift four years ago, but it was just collecting dust so she wanted to turn it into a nightlight and make it useful.
Step 2: Cutting the Top of the Pumpkin
The first thing she had to do was prep the pumpkin. We started by cutting the top off for the opening. We weren’t sure it was going to be hollow or not, so we lucked out it was hollow inside.
Step 3: Creating the Face
Next we had to create the face of the pumpkin, for the light to shine through. To make it easier, we drew the face on first to use as her guide. She carved the face as best as she could, very carefully and with some help from adults of course.
Step 4: Cutting a Hole in the Back
The final step in prepping the pumpkin is to to cut a hole in the back for the power cord. Once this is done, she is ready to assemble her STEM kit hardware.
Step 5: The Parts in the STEM Kit
Shown above are the electronic parts she used that came with the Adosia STEM kit. The parts we used were a base IoT control module, motion detector, connector wires, a power supply and a dual LED strip with adhesive back.
Step 6: Connecting the Motion Detector
Here we connect the motion detector connector cable to the motion detector and connect the other end to the Adosia control board's Digital IO #1 channel.
Step 7: Connecting the LED Lights
Next she connects the the LED light strip to the base control board Motor / Switch Channel #1.
Step 8: Connecting the Power Cord
Once everything is connected, she connects the base board to the power cord and puts everything into the pumpkin. She places the device so the motion sensor is facing the mouth opening of the pumpkin. Now with the help from her dad, it’s time to login to the Adosia platform and program her nightlight to come on only at night and for only a certain amount of time.
Step 9:
This is the Adosia platform, we use this platform to configure the nightlight and to connect it to WiFi. Here’s a detailed tutorial of the process.
Step 10: Testing the Nightlight
Once the board has been programmed, it's time to test it. At around 8 o'clock at night we tested the light and it works. The light was triggered by motion and turned on like it was suppose to.