Even though it seems the worst of COVID has passed, October generally kicks off cold and flu season, so why not continue to pass out Halloween treats in a socially-distanced fashion?
That is, of course the idea behind [Gord Payne]’s Halloween Treat Trough of Terror. Lay a treat at the top of the trough and it will activate the LED strips that follow the treat down to the end, as well as some spooky sounds. The treat in question is detected by an SR-04 ultrasonic distance sensor connected to an Arduino Nano.
All in all this was a highly successful build as far as neighborhood entertainment value goes. Toddlers stared in awe at the blinkenlights, teenagers proclaimed it ‘sick’, and we can only assume that the adults were likely happy to see something aimed at kids that’s not scary.
[Gord] has a nice how-to if you want to build your own, and of course, the Arduino sketch is available. Be sure to check it out in action after the break.
Don’t have room to build a treat slide? Here’s a socially-distanced dispenser that lets them stomp a giant button.
> October generally kicks off cold and flu season, so why not continue to pass out Halloween treats in a socially-distanced fashion?
Because there is no evidence that outdoor social distancing has an effect on transmission of these diseases?
wait we got ugly new comment boxes but no edit button? bah. Meant to add, the blinkenlights are cool regardless.
However there is a growing body of evidence that it significantly reduces the chances of you or your bowl of treats getting sneezed on.
Halloween is definitely the time for originality. Someone made up their house to look like it’s on fire.
Will a box of Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese fit through the system.
I have found that Middle School boys prefer that over chocolate.
I like the concept. Combine this with the recent vibration feeder, PIR Motion Sensor and a webcam, I wouldn’t have to run to the door when the trick-and-treaters arrive.
Great idea fabo! I ultimately would love to have a magazine type treat system where I could load the magazine with treats and then use an ESP32Cam to see the kids arriving at the door and then just press a button on the web screen that would have the trough dispense a treat without me having to go to the door! Ah..one can dream!
Thanks for the kind comment!