Hi i'm completely ignorant.
I'm more of a software person but have a project id like to do.

My question is what components should i use?
and do you have any guidance on creating?

:a PIR sensor that when detecting a person triggers a servo or solenoid (within 60 seconds ideally with some randomness) to release a spring loaded arm.

I want my paper target to pop out basically.

im 100% sure i have not used the correct terminology. But your advice is appreciated.

i have ordered an arduino kit to learn electronics but this is a specific goal.

I guess i want to create a physical version of the logic

if power switch to battery is on{
If (PIR sensor gives a signal) { wait between 0 and 60 seconds at random - open switch which releases catch}
else just wait.

thx

 

Start with some basic LED blink sketches, understand digital input/output and timing in arduino.
your project consists of 3 parts: PIR sensor, arduino, motor/solenoid.
The functionality is simple: PIR triggers the arduino, arduino is waiting a random time and then triggers a motor/solenoid.
Once you learn what I mentioned in the start it will not be a problem for you.

For the PIR:
- Sparkfun openPIR- might be expensive but Sparkfun is known for being reliable.
- The other option will be a Chinese one from Ebay, much cheaper.

The motor/solenoid part is the only one which needs actual circuitry, then google: "Control a motor/solenoid with arduino"

 

If you by a good one don't try to run a servo or solenoid from it with out using a transistor to get the current you need to do so.

I'd buy a hand full of cheap ones I got 10 off Amazon for $10 bucks they worked just as good as one I paid $14 for 17 years ago.

 

PIR sensor that when detecting a person triggers a servo or solenoid (within 60 seconds ideally with some randomness) to release a spring loaded arm.

I would start with your target scheme be it a pop up design or a rotating design and any other number of target type designs. Personally unless you can find a servo type motor with enough torque to handle your target configuration I would look at some of the inexpensive stepper motors coming off the boat from China. Whatever you use for a target the motor needs to be able to handle it. You also may want to think about a random delay coupled with a fixed time of target visibility. The PIR sensor senses a presence, after a random time your target appears followed by a fixed time and the target vanishes (back to square one).

Once you know your motor requirements then you need to consider what be80be mentions as to using something to drive the motor. You may want to look at off the shelf solutions because of ease of use and ease to interface with an Arduino or other micro-controller. All things considered I see the mechanics as more of a challenge than writing the code. Once you have the mechanics laid out the electronics and code should come relatively easy.

Ron

 

i guess a simple spring loaded arm the user pushed back and is held by the lever / ratchet pin.
so the servo or motor just has to remove the pin / ratchet arm upon activation

 

i guess a simple spring loaded arm the user pushed back and is held by the lever / ratchet pin.
so the servo or motor just has to remove the pin / ratchet arm upon activation

If you go that route then a solenoid should work fine. I guess your target could be spring loaded similar to how a spring loaded garage door works and using a solenoid along the lines of an electric door striker release. The target would then have a manual reset. Using a solenoid design for the release makes things simpler than using a motor.

Ron

 

thx ron