Summary of Automate Your Garage Opening Times
This project automates closing a basement garage door after 8 PM if left open, preventing security risks. It includes a 15-minute delay after opening to allow parking and operates only between 8 PM and 6 AM. The system uses an Arduino MEGA with an Ethernet shield, detecting door status via a magnetic switch and controlling the opener through a relay.
Parts used in the Garage Door Automation:
- Arduino MEGA
- Ethernet Shield
- 12V power supply
- micro SD card for ATmega2560
- 5V relay switch
- magnetic switch
- cables
- internet connection
1. Background
My 1st project with Apduino Online was about to solve a simple problem, close the garage door after sunset, when it has been left open.
We have a garage in the basement, which is used not only for car parking, but gardening tools and machines, bicycles, etc are stored there plus there is a workplace. Since there is only one entry into the basement via garage door, normally we leave it open for daily hours and close only in the evening. But sometimes we simple forget to close it and remains open for a night long and giving the chance for un-wanted visitors.
2. Scope
Close the garage door after 8PM, if it has been left open.
However the high level scope is very simple, but there shall be some sdditional logic taken into account.
a). When I’m opening the door after 8PM it must be ensured that it won’t be closed automatically in few seconds, there shall be some time given (e.g. 15 minutes), until I surely parked and left the place. Of course in the morning the logic shall not close the door automatically anymore, only between 8PM and 6AM.
2. The door opener box is having an input which is working in the following way. When the button on the wall switch is pressed the motor starts to move the door into opposite direction as it was moving last time, so if the door was open then after pressing the button it will move to close. Additionally when the button is pressed during the door is moving then it stops immediately. It means, using this interface of door opener, the logic shouldn’t know, how door was moved last time. It must only find the position “CLOSED”.
Step 1: Materials
– Arduino MEGA, ATmega2560 + Ethernet Shield
(http://www.sainsmart.com/sainsmart-mega2560-ethernet-shield-kit-for-arduino-atmega8u2-w5100.html)
– 12V power supply
– micro SD card for ATmega2560
– 5V relay switch
– magnetic switch
– cables
– internet connection
Step 2: Drawing
Here is a simple drawing about the solution and cabling.
Step 3: Rules to be created in Apduino Online
I have created some rules via Apduino Online and uploaded onto the device.
You shouldn’t have to be a programmer to do this staff, the way to do the logic controlling the sensor (magnetic swith) and control the actuator (relay) is very simple.
Please visit www.apduino.com for details and descriptions.
If you stucked for awhile, visit http://forums.apduino.org
In attached text file you’ll find the detailed descriptions about the rules I’ve created.
For more detail: Automate Your Garage Opening Times
- What is the primary purpose of this project?
To close the garage door automatically after 8 PM if it has been left open. - How does the system handle opening the door after 8 PM?
It ensures the door won't be closed automatically for 15 minutes to allow parking. - Does the automation work during the morning hours?
No, the logic only closes the door automatically between 8 PM and 6 AM. - How does the door opener box respond to button presses?
Pressing the button reverses the motor direction or stops the door immediately if moving. - What component detects the door position?
A magnetic switch is used to find the CLOSED position. - Which microcontroller is used in this setup?
An Arduino MEGA with an ATmega2560 processor. - How is the door opener motor controlled?
A 5V relay switch controls the actuator connected to the door opener. - Is programming knowledge required to set up the rules?
No, the Apduino Online platform allows users to create rules without programming skills.
