Sunrise Alarm Clock

Technology Workshop
Sunrise Alarm Clock

YouTube player

Screen Shot 2013-08-12 at 3.44.51 PM

Many people find the beep of an alarm clock to be a very unpleasant way to wake up. One alternative is to use lights to wake you up. For instance, a “sunrise alarm clock” gradually increases the brightness of a light near your bed at the set time. This helps some people to wake up more gently.

In this project, I am going to show you how to make a simple light alarm circuit from an outlet timer and a handful of basic electrical components. So get out your soldering iron and let’s get started.

 

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

My name is Jason Poel Smith. I have an undergraduate degree in Engineering that is 50% Mechanical Engineering and 50% Electrical Engineering. I have worked in a variety of industries from hydraulic aerial lifts to aircraft tooling. I currently spend most of my time chasing around my new baby. In my spare time I make the how-to series "DIY Hacks and How Tos."

View more articles by Jason Poel Smith

ADVERTISEMENT

Technology
Sunrise Alarm Clock

[flickr video=7926735532 secret=ab20ee7c94 w=600 h=341]

NYC Resistor member Holly Hudson built an alarm clock that wakes you up with light instead of sound:

I’ve been wanting a sunrise lamp for a long time, but I’ve never found the perfect one. Having a free summer, and the knowledge that I would be starting my first full time job in many years in the fall motivated me to actually make something happen. I’m glad I had the whole summer because this project had several learning curves for me — it was my very first electronics project, my first chance to learn how to use a laser cutter, and my first foray back into programming in many years. It turned out to be a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to doing more projects like this!

The way it works is that an Adafruit Monochron clock keeps track of time and activates a RGB LED strip when it’s time to wake up. It begins with a dim blue light at first, increasing in intensity, before triggering a regular floor lamp via a powertail switch.

6 thoughts on “Sunrise Alarm Clock

  1. lrwickerdesign says:

    Much nicer to wake up to than a blaring radio : )

  2. Build Your Own Sunrise Alarm Clock for a Peaceful Morning Wake Up Call [DIY] says:

    […] Sunrise Lamp Alarm Clock | NYC Resistor via Make […]

  3. Build Your Own Sunrise Alarm Clock For A Peaceful Morning Wake Up Call | Lifehacker Australia says:

    […] Sunrise Lamp Alarm Clock [NYC Resistor via Make] […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

My interests include writing, electronics, RPGs, scifi, hackers & hackerspaces, 3D printing, building sets & toys. @johnbaichtal nerdage.net

View more articles by John Baichtal

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK