Hello everyone, I have been listening to TWiT while at work for a few months now and want to take...

[G+_Darwin Bohnke]

Hello everyone, I have been listening to TWiT while at work for a few months now and want to take on my own project. I want to make an arduino rc light controller, all the ones i have seen have features I dont want and not some i think would be neat. I know an arduino should work, just not sure on a few things:

1 power will come from a bec hooked up to the 3cell lipo battery(11.1v)how many amp bec?

2 I will have a 8 led 5mm (20mA) light bar, was thinking of running off battery but how to control with arduino?

3 is there a way for arduino to know it's orientation? Seen tilt sensors but think a 6 axis gyro/ accelerometer would be better. Is there one that will work with an arduino?

Thanks for any help.

Darwin

[G+_Darwin Bohnke]

Here is a pic of my rc, those headlights are just begging to shine

[G+_David Wiggins]

This looks like what you may need. I'm not sure if there are libraries for it, though. There may be better options, though

playground.arduino.cc - Arduino Playground - MPU-6050

[G+_Ben Reese]

Just a quick search on Amazon for "Arduino gyro" brought up a few items that should work. A simple tilt sensor is usually on/off (I think), but a gyro should give a lot more detail about how it's leaning. For turning the lights on/off, a relay is really the easiest way to go. A mosfet or transistor might work just as easily since this is all DC, but I don't have much experience with those to give a recommendation.

 

Here's a kit I found on Amazon that has a bunch of modules for Arduino - including the gyro and relay: amazon.com - Amazon.com: VKmaker T30 High-quality 45 in 1 Sensors Modules Starter Kit for Arduino, better than 37-in-1 sensor kit: Computers & Accessories

It would be cheaper just to buy the parts you need, obviously, but that might give some inspiration for other projects.

[G+_Darwin Bohnke]

Mosfet can anyone help me with what to get, please. Trying to get everything lined out before I start ordering parts

[G+_David Wiggins]

I'll second a kit like Ben Reese? suggested. Especially one that has a solderless breadboard to test circuits before soldering. I'd also recommend a box of resistors (I got a good set for about $5 on Amazon), some wire (I am currently using 22 gauge silicon insulated wire from a box with 5 spools: red, yellow, green, blue, black), and if you don't have one, a multimeter.

 

These are more general purpose, however. I believe if you have a well stocked, will defined set of kit will help prevent headaches from 'just making do'. While I repurpose much, some things sold new kept on hand