Motion Sensor Bat

by Ruiz Brothers and Liz Clark

published October 29, 2024, last edited January 21, 2025

posted in Sensors 3D Printing CircuitPython

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Project guide

Overview

Build a Motorized Bat

Build a motion activated flying bat! Add this Halloween decoration to a candy bowl to spook trick-or-treaters. When the motion sensor detects a hand, it actives a fluttering bat with sound effects!

Motion Activated

A VL53L1X time of flight sensor detects when an object is nearby. Different audio is played depending on the distance, making this an advanced decor that's more than just a typical store-bought Halloween amusement.

You may customize the CircuitPython code to change the distances, servo movement, sound effects and more.

PropMaker RP2040

This dev-board is our favorite go-to that’s designed for making prop projects. It’s got the RP2040 chip with a built-in audio amplifier and accelerometer!

A 2200mAh lipo battery will provide several hours of use and can be recharged over USB.

Parts

Video of a white hand pressing a button to briefly turn an LED strip into white lights. Also wired up to the microcontroller are a servo motor and a speaker.

Adafruit RP2040 Prop-Maker Feather with I2S Audio Amplifier

The Adafruit Feather series gives you lots of options for a small, portable, rechargeable microcontroller board. By picking a feather and stacking on a FeatherWing you can create...

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$19.95

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Continuous Rotation Micro Servo

Need to make a tiny robot? This little micro servo rotates 360 degrees fully forward or backward, instead of moving to a single position. You can use any servo code, hardware,...

$7.50

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Top view of Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor hooked up to an OLED display. A white manicured hand waves at the sensor, and the OLED displays the distance.

Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~30 to 4000mm

The Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight Distance Sensor (also known as VL53L1CX) is a Time of Flight distance sensor that has a massive 4 meter...

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$14.95

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Mini Oval Speaker with Short Wires - 8 Ohm 1 Watt

Hear the good news! This wee speaker is a great addition to any audio project where you need 8 ohm impedance and 1W or less of power. We particularly like...

$1.95

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Angled shot of STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable.

STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long

This 4-wire cable is a little over 100mm / 4" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of...

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Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh

Need a big battery for your project? This lithium-ion battery contains a 2200mAh and a protection circuit that provides over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current protection. Yet,...

$9.95

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Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch

These nice switches are perfect for use with breadboard and perfboard projects. They have 0.1" spacing and snap in nicely into a solderless breadboard. They're easy to switch...

$0.95

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1.25mm Pitch 2-pin Cable Matching Pair - 40cm long

When 0.1" is too big, and JST PH's too chunky, these ultra-slim 1.25mm connectors are a reliable alternative. These are only 1.25mm pitch, but have a nice clicky...

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6 x M2.5x6mm Screws

M2.5x6mm Screws

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2 x M2x6mm Screws

M2x6mm Screws

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1 x 0.65mm Round Silver-Plated Memory Wire

0.65mm Round Silver-Plated Memory Wire

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