7th grader needs help with electronics design project

Could you be more specific about what features you want in the clock? I mean, you can go overboard[1] or keep it beepingly simple. "Simple" would be any MCU with a real time clock, an LED display (the MCU can drive it directly), some buttons (direct to MCU), and a beeper (transistor from the mcu). Then you just need to add the remote feature, which can be as simple as a 900MHz radio module or an IR receiver module, either of which can talk directly to the mcu.

Also, some hints about what level of construction the student can do might help. Do you need a DIP package? Are SMT parts OK?

If I am awaken by the alarm clock, the last thing I want to do is to look for the remote. I think it would make more sense to turn it off by voice or sound command.

What happens when the day comes that the remote can't be found or the batteries are flat.

You need more than a parts list. First you and your student should learn more about electricity and electronics. Not much but some. Start out with a Radio Shack hands on electronics thing or something like it:

Then get three cheap battery powered alram clocks with snooze buttons. Do not get the kind that plugs into the wall. Take one apart and see if you can find the wires for the snooze switch.

you may now be able to take the the electronics kit which has a photo sensitive resistor in it and build a circuit that could take the place of the snooze switch.

If you want to try this approach you are welcome to post questions here and I will try to help.

Maybe this? UHF remote control

The relay contacts have to connect (in a fashion) to the alarm clock controls whatever they might be.

D from BC British Columbia Canada.

Paul,

Please don't post such concepts in a newsgroup that is read mostly my men. It is a very disturbing thought what might happen if one would lose their remote control. It evokes reactions such as this line from the Tom Lehrer song "Bright College Days":

"Soon we'll be out amid the cold world's strife. Soon we'll be sliding down the razor blade of life."

Do you see?

Thanks.

Bob

Understood, but please accept my hatred of alarm clocks, in particular, alarm clocks that cannot be turned off without recourse to the 2lb lump hammer.

Can she start with a clock with snooze alarm? Get an end of tape sensor from a vcr. Wire this to a 555 ic. Have the 555 drive a relay the connects across the snooze button. Use any tv, vcr, etc. remote control to drive the sensor. I'll let others give you the refinements. Mike

Alarm clocks make interesting wheel chocks. :)

I think it would be more satisfying to add a photocell in the center of a target on the alarm clock, and then aim the laser guided sight of a 9mm pistol at the clock to turn it off (and possibly also generate the sound of an explosion). If it does not respond, pull the trigger...

And, of course, don't we all sleep with a loaded pistol under the pillow?

Paul

Or, connect a photocell (CdS) across the clock's "Cancel" button, then use a laser pointer for the remote control. Hey, that almost even works.

Or, a standard infrared receiver module banging--> a one-shot, which drives--> a relay could do the same, using any ol' remote for the control. The module+remote modulation avoids any ambient light / hum problems.

Those are do-able by a 7th-grade electronics-type.

Cheers, James Arthur

Hey, why not build the alarm clock in the remote? I guess we won't call it a remote afterward.

That would solve the problem of finding the darn remote.

Grins, James Arthur

First, let me congaratulate you bothe on wanting to learn how to build things instead of just buying whatever is closest to your needs.

As you have already figured out, sci.electronics.design had a number of participants who are glad to give advice and help. Now it's your turn; you need to answer various questions asked and to give them feedback as to whether a particular solution is above your head, how well some particular advice worked, etc. Newsgroups like sci.electronics.design work best when there is an ongoing conversation.

Another resource that I highly recomment is Make Magazine. They have a website at [

Good luck with your project!

The pro stuff is going to cost. Your best bet is to check a local RS, toy store, discount dollar type of deal, or drugstore, for a discontinued remote control toy truck or something on manager's special, buy that, and gut it. If you don't feel comfortable with that, you either persuade your daughter to do something else or prepare to pay a lot of money to get you in yet another situation over your head.

as seen on TV "clap on...clap off"

Anyone who needs an alarm clock just isn't paying attention.. they are for sloth.

border1.nntp.dca.giganews.com!nntp.giganews.com!postnews.google.com!s8g2000prg.googlegroups.com!not-for-mail

You might want to consider the home automation devices from X10:

Ken Fowler, KO6NO

I thought I saw this response, but now I don't:

When you say 'wireless' do you mean 'RF', or do you mean 'no wires'? Does that mean that your 1st cut can be a wired remote?

If so, get a battery powered clock with an 'off' pushbutton, and remote the pushbutton to a doorbell switch with some long wires. It won't look good, but if the thrill of the achievement doesn't outweigh the disgust at the ugliness then she's not cut out to be a true nerd.

Once you get that working, then you take some of the other suggestions and look for toys that'll make it really wireless. One of the RC cars that goes forward until you push the button, then goes backward in a circle, can be hacked to close a relay when you push the button. If you're lucky you could even power the receiver off of the clock.

Give us some feedback here -- are you seeing what you need to see?