Week 7

A simple office reminder 

Since I always forget meetings or need reminders during breaks, I built a simple timer device to make my office life easier.

With the “Start” button, I set the timer, and when time ends, the buzzer rings as an alert. With the “Stop” button, I turn it off.

The idea is inspired by office alarms and time-management apps, but I wanted to create my own physical version that feels real and helps me grow in electronics. 

First: Simulating the Circuit

1- I opened Tinkercad in my browser.
2- Logged in using my email.
3- Started by creating a new circuit for testing
Component Selection

• Arduino UNO as the microcontroller.

• LCD (16x2, I2C module) to display the countdown and reminders.

• Buzzer (Passive, 5V) for the alarm.

• Two Push Buttons: one for "Start", one for "Stop".

• Breadboard + Jumper Wires for easy wiring.

Circuit Design & Pin Connections

• LCD connected with I2C module:

  • SDA → A4

  • SCL → A5

  • VCC → 5V

  • GND → GND

• Buzzer:

  • + → Pin 8

  • – → GND

• Start Button:

  • One side to Pin 2

  • Other side to GND

  • Internal Pullup activated in code.

• Stop Button:

  • One side to Pin 7

  • Other side to GND

  • Internal Pullup activated in code.

Coding

• Wrote Arduino sketch:

  • When pressing Start button → timer begins (ex: 10 sec for testing).

  • LCD shows “Timer Started” then the countdown.

  • When time = 0 → buzzer turns ON continuously.

  • When pressing Stop button → buzzer turns OFF, LCD shows “Add your tasks in the app”.

Testing & Adjustments

• First tested on Tinkercad to check wiring logic.

• Adjusted debounce delay for push buttons (to avoid false triggers).

• Increased timer length (minutes/hours) for real scenarios.

Final Setup

• All components placed on breadboard with Arduino UNO.

• Verified LCD brightness, buzzer volume, and button response.

• The system works as a physical productivity tool.

Practical Steps to Implement the Project in Real Life

In this project, I did not face any issues,
but to develop the project, you can connect it to a Bluetooth module,
so you can add your tasks for the day and set their times.

You can do this by:

1. Connecting the Bluetooth module to the Arduino.

2. Adding the Bluetooth code.

3. Using an app to control and add tasks.

You can use an app like “Arduino Bluetooth Controller” or any app that allows sending and receiving data between your phone and the Arduino.

VCC

5V

GND

GND

TX

Pin 12 (RX)

RX

Pin 11 (TX)

This week, I worked on designing a robotic arm for a smart sensor that detects fish.