Automatic Stair Lights
Project Description
The stairs at my parent's house are very dark and the only ceiling light is very high up because of the tall ceilings. My Mom had been buying battery powered motion lights that stuck to the sides of the walls. These cheap lights would only last about a month and would be needed to be replaced regularly. I suggested to build a motion sensing system to turn on a LED strip that would illuminate the stairs. It would be powered by an Arduino-Uno using two PIR motion sensors. Since the stairs make a "U" shape and have a landing in the middle, a single sensor would not have enough coverage to see both sides.
Fritzing software was used to test the code and wiring virtually.
Different sized PIR Sensor cases where designed and 3D printed.
The short case did not have enough space for the cables to fit
The Arduino case was 3D printed to protect it during installation and use.
Fully enclosed case that leaves the pins and ports accessible
Wired the breadboard to the Arduino for testing.
Powered up all the components for testing and debugging.
Planned out the wiring diagram for the Perfboard.
Soldered two debugging LEDs to view the status of the PIR sensors
Soldered the remaining components and wires and tested for any shorts
Wired the Perfboard to the Arduino to test functionality
Designed and 3D printed an enclosure for the Perfboard and mounted everything.
First PIR sensor mounted looking down the stairs.
Second PIR sensor mounted looking up the stairs.
Completed Automatic Stair Lights!