To use a thermal sensor to activate a small motor (9 to 12Volts DC ) when an object 2 feet away registers at temperatures between 85˚ and 100˚F.
I bought the parts recommended by The Robot Shop and I though I could figure out how to put it together, it didn't sound too complicated. I know next to nothing about robotics and don't know anyone who does. Now I see I don't know enough to even know where to start.
I am willing to pay someone to walk me through it, but don't know how to go about that either - any suggestions?
That’s not exactly what you want, but it will get you there.
After doing a few tutorials and taking the time to figure out why they work the way they do, you’ll be on your way to figuring out the rest.
Googling your temperature sensor and “Arduino” will lend some helpful information and (likely) code that others have used.
For the motor, you’ll need a seperate power source for the motor. You’ll want to learn about transistors and H-Bridges for that sort of thing, unless you have the Arduino Motor Shield.
There’s a lot to learn… and this is just the tip of the iceberg - I still haven’t finished my first robot. These are the basics you’ll need to learn to get this bad-boy up and running.
If all you want is on and off control of the fan a relay would work much easier. Basically you read the analog value from the sensor and pull one digitla pin high when it reaches a pre-determined volatge (voltage is varied by temperature usually with these sensors) connect the relay like a switch between the motor power source and the motor, when you take the pin high the fan turns on full, when the pin is pulled low the fan turns off.
The hbridge is really only required if you want speed control, which does not sound like an issue for this project.
I am always glad to help, you dont need to pay for it. If you would like more guidance with the Arduino feel free to message me at TheTrustedOne at Teksavvy dot com.
