Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
During the current Coronavirus pandemic we're all being encouraged to reduce the number of shared surfaces that we touch in order to reduce the risk of virus transmission. So, this is the first video in a new series in which I'll be considering various methods that can be used to replace a traditional Arduino button input with a touch-free interface instead, requiring no physical contact. This is just one possible consideration of how you can make an escape room (or any other public-facing Arduino interface) more "Covid-secure".
In this first part I'll be looking at an FC-51 "Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor" component, which can be easily purchased online for only a dollar or so. It's a cheap, readily-available module that's easy to wire and code on an Arduino, ESP32, or other Microprocessor, using only a single digital input pin, and it's capable of simulating when a button is pressed, held, or released.
You can buy this sensor from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/3KGdtHNjdu
Timings
---
00:00:00-00:01:03 Introduction
00:01:04-00:06:45 Demonstration
00:06:46-00:07:11 Hardware Wiring
00:07:12-00:16:08 Arduino Code Listing
00:16:09-00:16:58 Summary
Code & Wiring Downloads
---
If you'd like to support me making more video tutorials explaining how to use tech in escape rooms and other playful settings, please check out my Patreon at patreon.com/playfultech, where you can also find code downloads, wiring diagrams, and additional resources for this and all my other tech projects.
During the current Coronavirus pandemic we're all being encouraged to reduce the number of shared surfaces that we touch in order to reduce the risk of virus transmission. So, this is the first video in a new series in which I'll be considering various methods that can be used to replace a traditional Arduino button input with a touch-free interface instead, requiring no physical contact. This is just one possible consideration of how you can make an escape room (or any other public-facing Arduino interface) more "Covid-secure".
In this first part I'll be looking at an FC-51 "Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor" component, which can be easily purchased online for only a dollar or so. It's a cheap, readily-available module that's easy to wire and code on an Arduino, ESP32, or other Microprocessor, using only a single digital input pin, and it's capable of simulating when a button is pressed, held, or released.
You can buy this sensor from, e.g. banggood.com/custlink/3KGdtHNjdu
Timings
---
00:00:00-00:01:03 Introduction
00:01:04-00:06:45 Demonstration
00:06:46-00:07:11 Hardware Wiring
00:07:12-00:16:08 Arduino Code Listing
00:16:09-00:16:58 Summary
Code & Wiring Downloads
---
If you'd like to support me making more video tutorials explaining how to use tech in escape rooms and other playful settings, please check out my Patreon at patreon.com/playfultech, where you can also find code downloads, wiring diagrams, and additional resources for this and all my other tech projects.
