Hello and welcome! This webpage is about a couple of old projects of mine. At the time I was newly experimenting in the use of photosensors and other tranducers. I believe the best way to learn is by doing projects. Once I think I have enough basic knowledge about a subject, I start making simple projects. Practical application of knowledge learned by reading accelerates actual learning.
The first project is a converted RC car that follows a laser diode light. I fitted two visible light sensors just under the front bumper of the RC. These will direct the front wheels to turn left or right at the same time moving the RC forward. See the first picture below.
The first project is a converted RC car that follows a laser diode light. I fitted two visible light sensors just under the front bumper of the RC. These will direct the front wheels to turn left or right at the same time moving the RC forward. See the first picture below.
The two sensors are clearly visible in the picture. You can see them just under the small DC motor. I used to put obstructions in front of the RC when playing with it and the metal protrusion attached to the motor shaft sort of clears the way for the RC. I had an idea to make another RC with the same feature and make them do battle. But I never did do it.
There is also a small switch visible to the right of the motor under the bumper. The switch toggles between normal RC operation and laser follower operation.
Another couple of pictures below are close up views of the sensor.
There is also a small switch visible to the right of the motor under the bumper. The switch toggles between normal RC operation and laser follower operation.
Another couple of pictures below are close up views of the sensor.
The second project is a softdrink can that jiggles and emits a sound when a light is shone on the photosensor. A couple of pictures are shown below.
In the close up view of the can top, the photosensor is seen between the black transducer disk on top and the off/on switch below.
Admittedly the projects shown above are not that technically complicated. A few simple building block circuits were used to finish the projects. But at the time it was already an accomplishment for me. The important thing is to gain the confidence to build projects and sharpen my circuit building skills like designing circuit blocks, soldering the component parts, proper electrical coupling of each circuit block with each other, etc.
Anyway, the simpler projects above really helped me acquire the confidence to tackle new projects in completely new areas of interest for me, which in essence is what this website is really all about.
Admittedly the projects shown above are not that technically complicated. A few simple building block circuits were used to finish the projects. But at the time it was already an accomplishment for me. The important thing is to gain the confidence to build projects and sharpen my circuit building skills like designing circuit blocks, soldering the component parts, proper electrical coupling of each circuit block with each other, etc.
Anyway, the simpler projects above really helped me acquire the confidence to tackle new projects in completely new areas of interest for me, which in essence is what this website is really all about.