Triggers and Sensors

These are helpful tips for which sensor/trigger hardware to use for different projects.

Don’t take these as mandatory, feel free to go with whatever works best for your project or vision.

Light Sensors

PROS
-Small, reliable movement sensor
-No external power source required

CONS
–
–

BEST FOR:
-Low-light environments
-Visual in, audio/movement out projects

Code examples below

Code Examples

PIR (Passive Infrared) Sensors

PROS
-Small, reliable movement sensor
-No external power source required

CONS
–
–

BEST FOR:
–

Code examples below

Code Examples

Motion Sensors

PROS
-Low threshold for activation (easily triggered)
-No external power source required

CONS
– If activated prematurely, can spoil a surprise
–

BEST FOR:
–

Code examples below

Code Examples

Switches

PROS
-Small, reliable movement sensor
-No external power source required

CONS
–
–

BEST FOR:
–

Code examples below

Code Examples

Relays

PROS
-Activate other (potentially larger) circuits
–

CONS
– Loud click when activated (low stealth)
– External power source needed (more wires)
BEST FOR:
–

Code examples below

Code Examples