Author Topic: Information requested: automatic flashlight/torch  (Read 865 times)

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Offline ConnecteurTopic starter

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Information requested: automatic flashlight/torch
« on: November 20, 2020, 04:20:16 pm »
Does anyone know of an automatic flashlight/torch that incorporates both a motion sensor and a light sensor?  It would turn on in dark conditions when it detects movement.  It would not turn on in a dark pocket, nor would it turn on sitting on a shelf, or in a dark drawer.

Seems like an excellent idea. I'd build one myself, but I'm not good at building micro-circuitry or programming microcontrollers.
 

Offline DmitryL

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Re: Information requested: automatic flashlight/torch
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2020, 04:54:11 pm »
What's wrong with off-the shelf simplest PIR modules ?  Search on ebay for "PIR module" and you'll find thouthands of them. Their schematics is pretty simple and well documented.

Yes, I made several MCU-controlled  PIR modules with light sensors and LED drivers, but I needed programmable LED fade In/Out rate (smooth On/OFF), programmable ambient light level, re-triggering when it is ON and motion is detected, and other bells and whistles.

BWT, it will be constantly turning ON in your pocket :) Because it is dark there and constant changes in IR ambient picture :)
« Last Edit: November 20, 2020, 04:55:51 pm by DmitryL »
 

Offline ConnecteurTopic starter

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Re: Information requested: automatic flashlight/torch
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2020, 05:55:11 pm »

BWT, it will be constantly turning ON in your pocket :) Because it is dark there and constant changes in IR ambient picture :)
Correct, so it would need a proximity sensor to detect being in a pocket.
 

Offline RenThraysk

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Re: Information requested: automatic flashlight/torch
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2020, 08:14:42 pm »
Not aware of one.
There are non contact controlled lights, those are mainly headlamps, so don't have to fumble with buttons whilst gloved.
There are emergency flashlights (IKEA has the Fryele) that are meant to be plugin into mains constantly to keep the battery topped off, and which light up if the power goes out.

If the problem is locating the flashlight in the dark, then there are flashlights with moonlight or firefly modes.
Zebralight is one manufacturer that makes lights that go down to around 0.05lm, which has so low draw that a single charge on a quality 18650 can power it for 4 months or something.
So never really need to turn it off at night.
 

Offline ConnecteurTopic starter

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Re: Information requested: automatic flashlight/torch
« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2020, 09:10:05 pm »
 It seems like a fun project.  A flashlight that would light up when you approached it and continued to stay on while you moved it.  A proximity sensor would prevent it going on when it's being transported in a bag or pocket.
 

Offline ebastler

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Re: Information requested: automatic flashlight/torch
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2020, 09:14:19 pm »
A proximity sensor would prevent it going on when it's being transported in a bag or pocket.

Or you could take it as far as adding a switch...  ;)
 


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