Skip navigation
TechXchange
Digi-Key TechXchange Communities > Projects and Designs > Discussions
Up to Discussions in  Projects and Designs
1962 Views 3 Replies Latest reply: Apr 21, 2013 5:10 PM by Avalonron RSS
Ziggstercom Novice
Ziggstercom
Currently Being Moderated

Apr 12, 2013 11:15 AM

Can you help me build a circuit to teach my son a lesson he'll remember? KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED!

Hello everyone.

 

Here's the situation - my dumbass son keeps forgetting to close the fridge door leaving it open for many hours at a time. I want to make sure he never forgets to close it by creating a circuit that will activate some sort of annoying siren warble and if left open for too long.

 

The question is.....

 

What component would everyone recommend I use to produce that sound? It has to be obnoxious, but obviously not loud enough to wake the entire house every time. Just an annoying sound that'll make him cringe lol. I'd rather not use an LED as it's a tad boring.

 

disclaimer: The intent is not to create some sort of cruel punishment, but more of a practical joke between us, give his budding interest in circuitry (we're both hobbyists).

 

 

Thanks!

Zigg

Tags: led, circuit, alarm
  • MetMan Apprentice
    MetMan
    86 posts since
    Oct 24, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 12, 2013 3:16 PM (in response to Ziggstercom)
    Can you help me build a circuit to teach my son a lesson he'll remember? KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED!

    Hello Zigg.

     

    Ahh yes, left open fridge door syndrome...  Sounds like an interesting project and way to remind him not to spoil all the food.

     

    There are a zillion buzzers, beepers & sirens with a huge variety of frequencies, volumes and patterns.  Just depends on how annoying you want it to be.  Given the amazing teenage tolerance for annoying sounds (that they normally call music), I can see this noise being left on for a very long time unless it gets YOU out of bed.

     

    My first thought would be to actually use a small digital voice recorder pcb, i  beleve they still sell them at RadioShack for $15 or so.  The fridge could actually verbally remind him to close the door    If you felt very adventurous you could wire the speaker remotely into his bedroom ceiling or a vent so he couldn't escape the reminder.  Or if you put a Z10 remote light bulb fixture in his room, his lights could flash until he closed the fridge 

     

    Ok... i'm getting a little carried away... but hopefully this gives you a few ideas.  Have fun!  And good luck!

  • chaz Novice
    chaz
    2 posts since
    Apr 13, 2013
    Currently Being Moderated
    Apr 13, 2013 4:20 PM (in response to Ziggstercom)
    Can you help me build a circuit to teach my son a lesson he'll remember? KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED!

    Hi Zigg,

     

    You could use a 555 timer to create an oscilator at a certain frequency and then put an output stage to a buzzer or speaker. You could set it up to be adjustable for volume and frequency as well. I'm sure you have something in mind, but you could use a 555 timer to set the "fridge open" time delay as well to enable or disable the buzzer.

     

    Good luck!

More Like This

  • Retrieving data ...

Bookmarked By (0)