What is an Infrared Sensor?
Infrared sensors detect infrared (IR) light or infrared radiation. Despite its name, infrared radiation is not harmful. There are two types of IR sensors. The first type of sensor only reads the amount of IR light being produced by an object. The second type of sensor emits and receives IR light. Almost all objects (including people) give off IR radiation as heat. IR light is invisible because it is just below a person’s range of “visible light”. However, products like night vision goggles, motion detectors, gesture-activated games, etc. use IR to communicate and observe the environment. For this project, I am using a TV remote to trigger the sensor, but I could have also used a lighter.
What is a relay?
In simple terms, a relay behaves like a ON-switch that is flipped using code. Relays complete and break a circuit by using an electromagnet to connect and disconnect a wire. Relays are configured as Normally Closed (NC) or Normally Open (NO). A NC relay provides power to the product by default unless told otherwise by the Arduino. NO relays are a better option, for products will be off most of the time. Relays have many applications because they function like a “smart plug”. Relays can be used with products that pull their power from a wall plug. The relay is soldered to the positive wire, but current can’t flow without the Arduino signaling the relay to complete the circuit. In this project, the fan can draw the power it needs directly from the Arduino.
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