Controlling motors and working with sensors and an Arduino isn't new, and we've all spent some time experimenting with these. However these skills can translate to projects on a larger scale to solve problems of a more expensive type. One though process lead to the creation of a home-made elevator, built by the team at usb-e-kits.
They designed and built the metal frame, drive system and Arduino-based electronics for a three-storey elevator for use in a private home. The car is moved via a classic 1kW motor with bidirectional control that was hacked with some relays for control by the Ardiuno, and the elevator has the required sensors to ensure the car stops at the required point. You have to see it to believe it, so check out the following video
That's incredible, and shows what you can make with the right motivations. For more details check out the project Instructable page. And for more, we're on facebook, Google+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.
Have you been reading about Arduino and would like to understand more so you can work with projects like the example above, but not sure where to start? Then order one of our Experimenter's Kit for Arduino - as used in many classroom and learning environments:
The package includes a wide variety of parts, sensors and modules including: a servo motor, lights, buttons, switches, sound, sensors, breadboard, wires and more. Furthermore a Freetronics Eleven Arduino-compatible board is included to make this an extensive hobby experimenter, inventor and starter kit.
However we don't leave you alone to figure it all out, included is a great project and instruction booklet, plus access to a supporting web page and software examples. In other words - this is everything you need to get started for a fun range of electronics and Arduino related projects! So to get started or for more information and to order, check out the product page.