Summary of 2023 HALLOWEEN HACKFEST: TREAT TROUGH OF TERROR IS ACTUALLY PRETTY CUTE
Gord Payne built a Halloween Treat Trough of Terror: a socially-distanced treat dispenser where placing a treat at the trough's top triggers LED strips that light as the treat moves down, plus spooky sounds. An SR-04 ultrasonic distance sensor detects the treat and an Arduino Nano runs the sketch. The project proved popular with neighborhood kids and documentation and code are available.
Parts used in the Halloween Treat Trough of Terror:
- Arduino Nano
- SR-04 ultrasonic distance sensor
- LED strips
- Speakers or sound module (for spooky sounds)
- Trough or slide structure (for treats to roll down)
- Power supply (suitable for Arduino and LED strips)
- Wiring and connectors
- Mounting hardware (to secure sensor, LEDs, and trough)
Even though it seems the worst of COVID has passed, October generally kicks off cold and flu season, so why not continue to pass out Halloween treats in a socially-distanced fashion?
That is, of course the idea behind [Gord Payne]’s Halloween Treat Trough of Terror. Lay a treat at the top of the trough and it will activate the LED strips that follow the treat down to the end, as well as some spooky sounds. The treat in question is detected by an SR-04 ultrasonic distance sensor connected to an Arduino Nano.
All in all this was a highly successful build as far as neighborhood entertainment value goes. Toddlers stared in awe at the blinkenlights, teenagers proclaimed it ‘sick’, and we can only assume that the adults were likely happy to see something aimed at kids that’s not scary.
Don’t have room to build a treat slide? Here’s a socially-distanced dispenser that lets them stomp a giant button.
Source: 2023 HALLOWEEN HACKFEST: TREAT TROUGH OF TERROR IS ACTUALLY PRETTY CUTE
- How is the treat detected?
The treat is detected by an SR-04 ultrasonic distance sensor connected to an Arduino Nano. - What microcontroller runs the project?
The project runs on an Arduino Nano. - What visual effect follows the treat down the trough?
LED strips light up to follow the treat down the trough. - Does the project produce sound?
Yes, the project plays spooky sounds as part of the effect. - Is the Arduino sketch available?
Yes, Gord provides the Arduino sketch in the project documentation. - Was the project well received by neighbors?
Yes, toddlers, teenagers, and adults reacted positively according to the article. - Is there a how-to guide for building it?
Yes, Gord has a how-to available for those who want to build their own. - Can this be used for socially distanced trick-or-treating?
Yes, it is designed to pass out treats in a socially-distanced fashion.
