Garage car detector without a microcontroller

At the end of this instructable you will be able to detect your car as it approaches the wall inside your garage, signalling you that the car is inside far enough so you can close the door.
Most car sensors will use a microprocessor to help calculate the distance of an approaching car when entering the garage. At our Wichita, KS makerspace MakeICT, we received a bag of components from JAMECO, which contain almost all the components needed to perform this instructable.
The main component and the challenge was to use a 555 timer as the driving “brains” of the project. So here we go:

Garage car detector without a microcontrollerStep 1: How does it work?

The theory of implementation is very simple. Avoid using an Arduino or any other type of microcontroller. Instead use a 555 Timer in astable (oscillating) mode such that it generates a 37.9kHz. We use the switching output of the 555 timer to drive an infrared (IR) Led. When we do this the LED will turn on and off at a rate of 37.9K time per second.
Why? So we can detect it with a special IR detector that will only sense IR light that is modulated (switched) at a frequency of 37.9KHz. Upon detecting the IR light at that frequency the sensor will drive its output line high.

IR light reflects off objects just light visible light do. So in our application as the car approaches the sensor, the IR light emitted by the 555 will bounce off the car and into the sensor. Just like in a pool table, the angle the light hits the object will make the light reflect at the same but opposite side. With this in mind we need to position the IR led and the IR receiver at an angle such that the car is detected only when the car is getting close to the wall, under other circumstances, the IR light will bounce off the car and never reach the sensor as shown below

Step 2: The Schematic

The schematic is easy to understand.

The 555 timer:
The main part here is the 555 timer in astable configurations. The 3 resistors to the right of the 555 timer (330, 22 and 680) control the charge and discharge of the 0.022uF capacitor which in turns generate the square wave at the output of the 555.
The 470 ohm resistor next going to the IR LED limits the current out of the 555 timer so we do not destroy it when driving the IR led
The 10K resistor ensures that the 555 is not in reset.

The IR Receiver
The IR receiver used was an erverlight IRM-8420 but just about any IR received for remote control applications would work. Since the IRM-8420 is only a 5V device a 78L05 regulator was used to ensure we power it correctly.
The IR receiver drives a Red LED when it detects a IR signal modulated at the 37.9kHz frequency rejecting all other IR light. That ensures that the sun light will not trigger the sensor.

The Power:
The power comes from a 9V square battery attached to the 5V regulator with some bypass capacitors. Those are all the ones I had handy but if you can add some more near the 555 timer and the IR receiver that would make it even better

Garage car detector without a microcontroller SchematicStep 3: Bill of Materials

In order to build a car detection circuit you will need the following components, since Jameco was so kind to provide our maker space with the parts, I figure I would use their part number off their website.

– Qty 1 555 Timer
– Qty 1 10K Resistor 
– Qty 2 330 Resistor
– Qty 1 470 Resistor
– Qty 1  22 Resistor
– Qty 1 680 Resistor

– Qty 1 0.022uF Capacitor
– Qty 2 0.1uF Capacitor
– Qty 1 IR Led 
– Qty 1 IR Receiver (Everlight IRM-8420) (other source:Link)

 

For more detail: Garage car detector without a microcontroller

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

Follow Us:
LinkedinTwitter