Summary of OVER-ENGINEERED SINGLE BUTTON TIMER
This article describes a single-button timer built on an Arduino Pro Mini and HX1230 LCD. It features a piezo speaker, backlight control, low-power modes lasting two years on one battery, preset kitchen times, and appearance settings. A single button increments digits with short presses and advances positions with long presses, maintaining simplicity despite added functionality.
Parts used in the Single-Button Timer:
- Arduino Pro Mini
- HX1230 LCD
- Piezo speaker
- Single button
- Battery
Feature creep is typically something to be avoided, since watching a relatively simple project balloon into a rat’s nest of complexity often leads to ineffective, or even abandoned, projects. On the other hand, if you can maintain a tight focus, it’s not always a bad thing. [cbm80Amiga] shows us how to drill down and add specific features in this single-button timer without losing focus on what the original project was all about.
The timer is based on an Arduino Pro Mini and an HX1230 LCD with a simple piezo speaker for audible alerts. A single button controls operation of the timer, with short presses incrementing each digit and long presses moving on to the next digit. Controlling button presses this finely is a project in its own, but then [cbm80Amiga] moves on to other features such as backlight control, low power modes which allow it to operate for around two years on a single battery charge, preset times for various kitchen uses, and different appearance settings.
Honestly we aren’t sure how you could cram any more features on this timer without fundamentally altering the designed simplicity. It doesn’t fall into the abyss of feature creep while being packed with features, and it’s another example of how keeping things simple is often a recipe for success.
Thanks to [Hari] for the tip!
Source: OVER-ENGINEERED SINGLE BUTTON TIMER
-
What is the main microcontroller used in the timer?
The timer is based on an Arduino Pro Mini. -
How does the user interact with the timer using the single button?
Short presses increment each digit and long presses move on to the next digit. -
What display component is used for the timer interface?
An HX1230 LCD is used for the display. -
Does the timer include audible alerts?
Yes, it uses a simple piezo speaker for audible alerts. -
How long can the timer operate on a single battery charge?
Low power modes allow it to operate for around two years on a single battery charge. -
Are there preset times included for specific uses?
Yes, it includes preset times for various kitchen uses. -
Can the appearance of the timer be customized?
Yes, the project includes different appearance settings. -
Does the timer support backlight control?
Yes, backlight control is one of the additional features implemented.
