Proximity sensor or accelerometer like Mac Pro 2013 [help with this idea]

[Pineapple68]

I want emulate the illumination behaviour seen in Mac Pro 6.1:
when you hold or move the case - tipically to connect a thunderbolt cable -
a light switch on, aiding in helping to find the connector in the darkness.

The effect it's futuristic, and as extra should fine obtain a fade effect.

I think that I need to connect a led stripe to a proximity sensor, so I started a research, and found firstly the Edisen name in this G4 Cube build: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/power-mac-g4-cube-intel-reloaded-edition-my-2nd-hackintosh-case-mod.78479/page-4#post-493772

Looking at the product page I see the MT0.5-ST 5cm (no touch) and the Mini Probe MT0.2 (touch).
They are thin but I am in trouble about how to connect them to the motherboard... The website is deutch and it's not clear if they have a standard +- PIN.

Also, I contacted Edisen, they will respond soon

I need some help on developing this (insane) idea.
We can develop a working solution to 'refine' the actual trashcan build!




Edit:
In this video is shown exactly the effect I mean:

(only Präsenz)

 

[neilhart]

I want emulate the illumination behaviour seen in Mac Pro 6.1:
when you hold or move the case - tipically to connect a thunderbolt cable -
a light switch on, aiding in helping to find the connector in the darkness.

The effect it's futuristic, and as extra should fine obtain a fade effect.

I think that I need to connect a led stripe to a proximity sensor, so I started a research, and found firstly the Edisen name in this G4 Cube build: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/power-mac-g4-cube-intel-reloaded-edition-my-2nd-hackintosh-case-mod.78479/page-4#post-493772

Looking at the product page I see the MT0.5-ST 5cm (no touch) and the Mini Probe MT0.2 (touch).
They are thin but I am in trouble about how to connect them to the motherboard... The website is deutch and it's not clear if they have a standard +- PIN.

Also, I contacted Edisen, they will respond soon

I need some help on developing this (insane) idea.
We can develop a working solution to 'refine' the actual trashcan build!

If you look at sensor modules, you will find both monetary and toggle. The modules that I use are from Adafruit in NY City.
With a toggle sensor you would just have to come close or touch once for lights on and then again for lights off. When I do these circuits, I use a 5 VDC relay (the sensor drives the relay coil and the relay contacts operate the lamps). I have these on two of my hacks; see https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...m-2-xp941-booting-os-x-via-clover-xw1.156685/ and https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/neilharts-scratch-build-3-mini-itx-tower.133773/

For source info check: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/touch-sensors-three-models.155762/

Good modding,
neil

 

[Pineapple68]

Thanks neilhart, the Adafruit modules seem "pin ready" and easier than Edisen, I will add a pair to my incoming shipment from US to Italy!
I found this touch: Standalone Momentary Capacitive Touch Sensor Breakout - AT42QT1010
and this nice Tilt cheap sensor

The other component should be theese 30cm Led strip. On the case I will cover them with a black paper, so that the light does not strike the eyes directly...

I read the wired and connection post by Adafruit and I am understanding something: I will need the JST 2-pin cable.
The only issue is how to connect Led to the sensor, or if I need some controller, or Arduino switch...

 

[neilhart]

Thanks neilhart, the Adafruit modules seem "pin ready" and easier than Edisen, I will add a pair to my incoming shipment from US to Italy!
I found this touch: Standalone Momentary Capacitive Touch Sensor Breakout - AT42QT1010
and this nice Tilt cheap sensor

The other component should be theese 30cm Led strip. On the case I will cover them with a black paper, so that the light does not strike the eyes directly...

I read the wired and connection post by Adafruit and I am understanding something: I will need the JST 2-pin cable.
The only issue is how to connect Led to the sensor, or if I need some controller, or Arduino switch...

The Adafruit products are very well documented on line.

I always experiment with the circuits that I use and assemblies that I build on the bench before including them in my project systems. For this activity I have modded a 4 AA battery holder to run with three cells.

This gives me 4.54 VDC and the little power supply has an off/on switch. And then I can easily test/play with the components.

And I usually drive a small 5 volt relay coil and use the relay contact to drive the load. I also almost always use current limiting resistors in series with LEDs mainly to tone down the brightness.

Good modding,
neil

 

[Pineapple68]

I think I need the basis of electrics circuit and electricity, but this topic is not well covered online, unlike other more advanced or software issues. (Any good online or offline source is welcome!)

I am too noob, but I will give a try.
This is my chart with adafruit + amazon with the components of this proximity kit:

• momentary sensor (this seem to be the new code) https://www.adafruit.com/products/1374
• cables https://www.adafruit.com/products/1950
• or JST cable https://www.adafruit.com/products/261
• led stripe,white with fade (they have 2 wires) https://www.adafruit.com/products/2432
• proximity sensor https://www.adafruit.com/products/466

Looking at this photos I see that the circuit will be formed by a cable for the power supply and the other towards the sensor.
I see also an arduino board but I think is not needed for an on/off system.

 

[neilhart]

I think I need the basis of electrics circuit and electricity, but this topic is not well covered online, unlike other more advanced or software issues. (Any good online or offline source is welcome!)

Well I don't agree; if you search YouTube today you will find a goodly number of tutorials on electricity and electronics. Some of the videos are very good. What you may get is enough technical knowledge to ask specific questions about a given topic, theory, or problem.

Good modding,
neil