RoadRunner 5 Explorer
RoadRunner 5 Explorer
The Explorer payload module has a headlamp and photoresistor light sensor. The lamp will turn on automatically when it detects a low ambient light level, but it can also be turned on manually by the user. An LED strip is used as the headlamp.
The Explorer payload module has a headlamp and photoresistor light sensor. The lamp will turn on automatically when it detects a low ambient light level, but it can also be turned on manually by the user. An LED strip is used as the headlamp.
This system is used in cars with automatic headlights. A light sensor will detect a low amount of light at nightfall or when inside a tunnel and will signal the car to turn on the headlights automatically.
This system is used in cars with automatic headlights. A light sensor will detect a low amount of light at nightfall or when inside a tunnel and will signal the car to turn on the headlights automatically.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Medium
Assembly Guide
Assembly Guide
Here are the parts needed for this module:
Here are the parts needed for this module:
- 3D printed headlight module
- Photoresistor
- 10K Ω resistor
- 5 volt LED strip (approximately 2 inches)
- 4 medium length jumper wires
Insert the photoresistor through the hole on top of the 3D printed platform.
Insert the photoresistor through the hole on top of the 3D printed platform.
Place the 10K Ω resistor into the slot on the bottom of the platform.
Place the 10K Ω resistor into the slot on the bottom of the platform.
The 10K Ω resistor will be soldered to one leg of the photoresistor. Trim the resistor down after soldering it.
The 10K Ω resistor will be soldered to one leg of the photoresistor. Trim the resistor down after soldering it.
The LED strip has positive and negative pads. Keep this in mind when soldering to them.
The LED strip has positive and negative pads. Keep this in mind when soldering to them.
Cut and strip two of the wires. These will be soldered to each of the copper pads on the LED strip. Keep the wires long enough to work with later.
Cut and strip two of the wires. These will be soldered to each of the copper pads on the LED strip. Keep the wires long enough to work with later.
To make soldering quicker and easier, tin the wires and copper pads. This will enable a quick joint to be made between the two pieces without additional solder.
To make soldering quicker and easier, tin the wires and copper pads. This will enable a quick joint to be made between the two pieces without additional solder.
Only solder to the positive pad for now.
Only solder to the positive pad for now.
Remove the adhesive backing on the LED strip and stick it to the front of the platform with the wire on the same side as the resistor.
Remove the adhesive backing on the LED strip and stick it to the front of the platform with the wire on the same side as the resistor.
Bend the leg of the resistor so that it is touching the negative pad of solder on the LED strip.
Bend the leg of the resistor so that it is touching the negative pad of solder on the LED strip.
Solder both a wire and the resistor to the negative pad at the same time.
Solder both a wire and the resistor to the negative pad at the same time.
Trim the legs of the photoresistor shorter, but keep some length to solder to.
Trim the legs of the photoresistor shorter, but keep some length to solder to.
Cut and solder a new jumper wire to each leg of the photoresistor
Cut and solder a new jumper wire to each leg of the photoresistor
Add a drop of hot glue to the newly soldered wires to keep them in place and electrically separated. The resistor can be glued as well to hold it down.
Add a drop of hot glue to the newly soldered wires to keep them in place and electrically separated. The resistor can be glued as well to hold it down.
Attach the module to the top of the RoadRunner 5. Use the wiring diagram in the next section to hook up the headlights and load the sketch onto the Arduino.
Attach the module to the top of the RoadRunner 5. Use the wiring diagram in the next section to hook up the headlights and load the sketch onto the Arduino.
Headlight Wiring Diagram and Arduino Code
Headlight Wiring Diagram and Arduino Code
