Week 5: Challenge Build Five: Photo Resistor

     This week I had the absolute pleasure of finding a circuit of my choice and building it. I found a Photo Resistor circuit project in my Starter Kit Guide. I also researched online and found some codes I could use. After typing in and verifying my sketch, I noticed the LED light would not illuminate, so I double-checked the code and realized that there was no LED light command listed for the code. I quickly went ahead and assigned the command for the designated pin 9. The same pin is set in the original schematic.

1. What the Project does:

    This project works like a dimmer light or night light. As you cover or block incoming light from the photo-resistor, the LED will dim. The LED will illuminate when you uncover the photo-resistor and expose it to light. 

2. The Sketch/Code:

Below are two images of my code and the serial monitor. Even though a serial monitor can be used for the collection of Data, I like to use it to test the code and see how it is running. 

3.  The Arduino and Breadboard Connection:

Photo of the ambient lighting 

Photo of the dim light when covering the Photo Resistor.

4. The Electronic Diagrams:

Above is a schematic drawing from my starter kit guide. I removed one of the additional sensors originally located below Pin A0  since I only used one in my project.

This diagram represents the connections to the microcontroller board and breadboard.

5. How The Photo Resistor LED Challenge Works:

 

6. My Thinking:

    I was excited about this challenge. I got the light sensor to work after modifying it a bit. I was confused and needed clarification after I typed in the original code, and the light would not turn on. I double-checked the sketch. That was when I realized there was an error with the original code. I added in the codes for Pin 9. to my amazement, the LED illuminated but did not dim, so I began moving/playing with the components (wires, photo-resistor, resistor, and LED around). I knew enough to position the wiring to complete the circuit. I changed things around twice and could get all the components configured, and the circuit worked as it should.

7. Final Reflection:

I thought it would be easier to configure and run the sketch for this project, but I needed to correct it. It was enjoyable, though. Things get easier each time I play with a different project. I return to those first assignments we completed and grab ideas from there to help me complete the current projects that I am working on. It's not getting easier, but I am becoming more confident and comfortable as I continue exploring. I definitely still need to work on my vocabulary.

8. Real-World Extensions:

As I mentioned in my video, some real-life extensions could be a nightlight, dimmer headlights, and motion sensors. This would be an excellent idea for a light-up porch light or floodlight.