January 09, 2014

Build interactive and Internet-controlled stair lights with Arduino

Running LED strips to illuminate stairways isn't really new, however what you do with them can make all the difference when it comes to an interesting project. One example of this has been demonstrated by Instructables user andrew_h with his interactive stair light system. Not only does the system detect the presence of a potential traveller at the top and bottom of the stairs, and illuminate their pathway - the lights can also be controlled via the Internet. 

This is made possible using MQTT protocol, allowing the system to be controlled from a PHP/JavaScript web page that uses TCP communication. However as the creator notes, the system can be altered to remove the Internet control and just be a set of great stair lights - which are demonstrated in the following video:

This is an interesting and genuinely useful project, and is documented very well on the Instructable page. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

If you're looking to detect changes in light levels, don't fool about with irregular light-dependent resistors. Instead use our LIGHT: light sensor module with the TEMT6000 light sensor which gives consistent and repeatable readings even between different units. Simple to use and versatile for many applications. For more information and to order,click here

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