Kids OK with adultArduino NanoLevel 2/3
Solar Garden Motion Light
The sun charges a battery by day. At dusk it glows softly, and when someone walks in it goes to full brightness for 60 seconds.
Kids OK, with an adult
DIY project. Children must build this only with an adult (16+ years) beside them at all times. Not suitable for children under 8 years.
An adult handles the 12V battery and the outdoor fitting. Connect the battery to the controller first, then the panel.
Strictly follow the description given with this video.
Video
The video link will be added here soon.
How it works
- The charge controller charges the 12V battery from the solar panel.
- At dusk the LDR switches the lamp to a 20% glow.
- When the PIR sees someone, the lamp goes to 100% for 60 s, then fades back.
- Two LDR thresholds (hysteresis) and a sky shade stop the light from flickering.
Parts you need
- Arduino Nano× 1Buy
- PIR motion sensor× 1Buy
- LDR module× 1Buy
- Logic-level MOSFET module× 1Buy
- 12V 10W LED flood light (outdoor)× 1Buy
- 18V 20W solar panel + 12V PWM charge controller× 1Buy
- 12V 7Ah sealed lead-acid battery× 1Buy
Kit for this projectPrice on request
Get the kitWiring
PowerGroundSignal
| # | From | Connect to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Power | Panel + / − | Controller SOL+ / SOL− |
| 2 Power | Battery + / − | Controller BAT+ / BAT− |
| 3 Power | Controller LOAD+ | 12V rail |
| 4 Ground | Controller LOAD− | GND rail |
| 5 Power | Nano VIN | 12V rail |
| 6 Ground | Nano GND | GND rail |
| 7 Signal | PIR OUT | Nano D2 |
| 8 Signal | LDR AO | Nano A0 |
| 9 Power | PIR + LDR VCC | Nano 5V |
| 10 Ground | PIR + LDR GND | Nano GND |
| 11 Signal | MOSFET SIG | Nano D9 (PWM) |
| 12 Power | MOSFET IN+ | 12V rail |
| 13 Ground | MOSFET IN− | GND rail |
| 14 Power | MOSFET OUT+ / OUT− | Lamp + / − |
3D print files
- pir_hood_stake.stlPETG / ASA · 0.24 mm · 30% · supports under the visor · ~3 hLink at launch
- ldr_sky_shade.stlBlack PETG / ASA · 0.2 mm · 20% · no supports · ~40 minLink at launch
Code
The tested Arduino / ESP32 code for this project will be posted here, ready to copy.