Summary of THE THREE SHELL MYSTERY FINALLY SOLVED!
This article describes a creative handwash timer by [Agis Wichert] that solves the "three seashells" mystery from a classic German candy. The device uses an Arduino Nano, an IR proximity sensor, and a Neopixel strip to time 20 seconds of washing. LEDs under three plastic seashells dim consecutively, flashing briefly when the time is up. While acknowledging pandemic-related builds, the author hopes for more diverse projects in the future.
Parts used in the Handwash Timer:
- Arduino Nano
- Neopixel strip
- IR proximity sensor
- Plastic seashells from Schleckmuschel candy
While we certainly acknowledge the valuable contributions of the open hardware community that help to mitigate the coronavirus crisis, we are also looking forward to the days when people start going back to building other things than 3D-printed face shields, pandemic trackers, and automatic soap dispensers. However, this handwash timer by [Agis Wichert] is a very creative version that also tries to solve the long outstanding mystery of how to use the three seashells. Unfortunately, in contrast to those in the original movie, these three seashells do not replace toilet paper which many people are seemingly so desperate in need of at the moment.
The build is quite simple and requires only a few off-the-shelf components including a Neopixel strip, IR proximity sensor, and an Arduino Nano. The plastic seashells were taken from the classic German “Schleckmuschel” candy, thereby giving the project an extra retro twist. As shown in the video embedded below, the timer works by consecutively dimming the LEDs located under each seashell until the recommended duration of 20 seconds has elapsed which is indicated by shortly flashing all LEDs.
Handwash timer projects do not always have to be visual as this one playing your favorite Spotify tunes proves. What we really would like to see though is someone building a toilet paper dispenser that is triggered by swearwords.
Source: THE THREE SHELL MYSTERY FINALLY SOLVED!
- What components are required for this build?
The project requires an Arduino Nano, a Neopixel strip, an IR proximity sensor, and plastic seashells. - How does the timer indicate that 20 seconds have elapsed?
All LEDs flash shortly to indicate the recommended duration has passed. - How do the LEDs behave during the washing process?
The LEDs located under each seashell dim consecutively until the time is up. - Where did the creator source the plastic seashells?
The shells were taken from the classic German Schleckmuschel candy. - Does this project play music like other handwash timers?
No, this specific build uses visual LED cues rather than Spotify tunes. - What is the recommended washing duration set by the timer?
The timer is set for a duration of 20 seconds. - Can the seashells be used to replace toilet paper?
No, unlike in the original movie context mentioned, these shells do not replace toilet paper. - What is the main goal of this specific handwash timer project?
The goal is to provide a creative solution for timing handwashing while solving a pop culture mystery.
