looking for info for project

dvs1

Hello all, this is my first time trying to build anything and I'm looking for some advice on what I need. I saw an ad for the bluetooth module on the back cover of a Nuts & Volts magazine and was wow'ed by the stuff I saw on the web site.

For my first project, I thought about doing something very simple. I know what I want, but trying to figure exactly what I need it becoming a real problem. I would like to build a mini linear actuator with time delay for the simple purpose of pushing a button. That's it. (I used to work in manufacturing for the auto industry.)

It doesn't need to be very big. The smaller the better, just as long as it can push a button (like on a keyboard). The time delay is an extra challenge. I don't want it to smash the button, just simply push it once every 7 seconds or whatever frequency is needed. I think it's possible with the pieces from parallax, but I need some help guiding me in the right direction.

can anyone assist?

-Kevin

ElectricAye

There's an object for bluetooth in the Propeller chip OBEX, so I presume you could use a Propeller chip to do this. As for pushing a button, you could probably use a simple solenoid with spring return and control it via an IRF3708 Mosfet hooked to the same Propeller.

http://obex.parallax.com/objects/652/

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=IRF3708PBF-ND

I, however, know nothing about bluetooth.

dvs1

I was reading some other information on the forum and looking through the web site for ideas on parts and pieces. Way back in the day, I used to do programming (high and low). I still remember BASIC and my class on QBASIC was a lot of fun. How different is PBASIC from the other two?

I wasn't really looking to make it bluetooth functional (meaning to control the object from my laptop). That would be a little too complex for what I am thinking about. I saw the ad and it led me to here.

I looked at the digi-key web site earlier but thought that I might want to ask for some expert advice first. I thought about trying to use a car lock actuator, since it was already assembled. I didn't think to look for solenoid pieces since I was stuck on the idea of an already built piece. Thanks for the idea.

To include a little bit more detail about this: I was thinking that maybe a single or two 9V battery would power this. That way it could be a free standing operation. Getting it programmed to function on a timed delay is something I'm having trouble with, in my thinking. I can write the code in BASIC, but getting the code to the module can be done with the BASIC Stamp microcontroller? (If I am understanding this right)

dvs1

Just wanted to say thanks again for the idea of building the solenoid. I was able to find all the pieces and information I was looking for initially to do this.

markaeric

If you want to perform this task using a microcontroller, but have very little experience with them, and electronics in general, you might want to check out the basic stamp proto board. If you have the cash, you could even pick up the excellent BASIC stamp activity kit from Radio Shack. It will teach you just about all you need to know on the electronics and software side of your project.