My house has two floors, my two toddlers live on the second floor. The stairs going down is closed by a small metal door of around three feet high. The door has a metal rod that is removed to open it. However, people tend to forget to lock the door with the metal rod. I want to make and install a device similar to a walmark card that when the rod makes no contact with the device it will beep as a reminder. I am sorry if I am not painting a perfect picture here. I just would like to learn to do this. However, as stated in the title, I am a complete noob. I can learn though, I know that, hehe. thanks!

 

Hi, and welcome.

I think this is doable with a 555 ic in astable config. Can you post a picture of the locking mechanism?

 

The metal rod and the place it lands are the parts to make a crude switch. The challenge is in making a beeper respond to that lack of connection when the rod is not replaced properly. This might be done with a battery and a relay or an electronic buzzer arranged to start with the absence of a connection. nerdgutta started with the electronic approach. It is electrically much more efficient than a cheap mechanical buzzer and relay, but more complicated.

Edit: I just noticed your name. Is your mother named Sarah?
(If you know the reference, you might get a laugh out of that last question.)

 

Hi, and welcome.

I think this is doable with a 555 ic in astable config. Can you post a picture of the locking mechanism?

 

One option would be two micro switches independently operated by the Gate and Rod
Mounted so that if Gate is in place and the Rod is not the battery operated bleeper sounds.
Micro switches normally have a change over set of contacts.

EDIT:
Switch wiring option

 

The fact that the frame is metal pretty much wrecks the idea of making the rod be a switch. ericgibbs hit the answer instantly with the micro-switch idea.

 

So, how would I go about using two micro switches to do this? sorry for all the noobish questions

 

One option would be two micro switches independently operated by the Gate and Rod
Mounted so that if Gate is in place and the Rod is not the battery operated bleeper sounds.
Micro switches normally have a change over set of contacts.

EDIT:
Switch wiring option

Thanks for the diagram. How do I go about building a "battery operated bleeper"?

 

Buy a PP3 9V battery with mating contacts/cable.
Beeper sounders that operate from 5V thru 12V are available.
Micro switches have mounting holes that would take a small wood screw.

Whats your location.?

 

Buy a PP3 9V battery with mating contacts/cable.
Beeper sounders that operate from 5V thru 12V are available.
Micro switches have mounting holes that would take a small wood screw.

Whats your location.?

NY

Question, why pp3?

 

Look at this Amazon source.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duracell-Al...F8&qid=1434620793&sr=8-4&keywords=PP3+battery

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BATTERY-CON...620834&sr=8-1&keywords=pp3+battery+connectors

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-41-P2..._sbs_60_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0WZN5AR41A943ANJMQHN

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TOOGOO-Stra...qid=1434620975&sr=1-5&keywords=micro+switches


EDIT:
This very rough sketch may be helpful

 

One option would be two micro switches independently operated by the Gate and Rod
Mounted so that if Gate is in place and the Rod is not the battery operated bleeper sounds.
Micro switches normally have a change over set of contacts

@JohnConnor - do you want the buzzer to sound if the gate is left open? Or only when the gate is closed but not latched?

 

@JohnConnor - do you want the buzzer to sound if the gate is left open? Or only when the gate is closed but not latched?

I want the buzzer to sound when the gate is open

 

you can use ordinary door alarm contacts, this is a magnet on the door, and a contact on the door frame that opens when the door is opened. use this with a 555 oscillator or transistor and buzzer, the buzzer will not stop unless the door is closed!






http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/...ndow-Contact-Sensor-Switch-W-N-O-Normally.jpg

 

hi John,
This is what you initially said:

However, people tend to forget to lock the door with the metal rod. I want to make and install a device similar to a walmark card that when the rod makes no contact with the device it will beep as a reminder.

Do you now really mean this.?

I want the buzzer to sound when the gate is open

E

 

Dave beat me to it. I recommend a simple alarm system magnet and switch like you put on a window or a door. 9V battery, piezo beeper, switch. Whenever the gate is open it beeps.

ak