2.1.2 Micro Switch¶

Introduction¶

In this project, we will learn how to use Micro Switch. A Micro Switch is a small, very sensitive switch which requires minimum compression to activate. Because they are reliable and sensitive, micro switches are often used as a safety device.

They are used to prevent doors from closing if something or someone is in the way and other applications similar.

Required Components¶

In this project, we need the following components.

It’s definitely convenient to buy a whole kit, here’s the link:

Name	ITEMS IN THIS KIT	LINK
Raphael Kit	337	Raphael Kit

You can also buy them separately from the links below.

COMPONENT INTRODUCTION	PURCHASE LINK
GPIO Extension Board	BUY
Breadboard	BUY
Jumper Wires	BUY
Resistor	BUY
LED	BUY
Micro Switch	-
Capacitor	BUY

Schematic Diagram¶

Connect the left pin of the Micro Switch to GPIO17, and two LEDs to pin GPIO22 and GPIO27 respectively. Then when you press and release the move arm of the Micro Switch, you can see the two LEDs light up alternately.

Experimental Procedures¶

Step 1: Build the circuit.

Step 2: Go to the folder of the code.

cd ~/raphael-kit/c/2.1.2

Step 3: Compile.

gcc 2.1.2_MicroSwitch.c -lwiringPi

Step 4: Run the executable file above.

sudo ./a.out

While the code is running, press the Micro Switch, then the yellow LED lights up; release the moving arm, the red LED turns on.

Note

If it does not work after running, or there is an error prompt: "wiringPi.h: No such file or directory", please refer to Install and Check the WiringPi.

Code

#include <wiringPi.h>
#include <stdio.h>

#define microPin            0
#define led1                        3
#define led2                        2

int main(void)
{
    // When initialize wiring failed, print message to screen
    if(wiringPiSetup() == -1){
        printf("setup wiringPi failed !");
        return 1;
    }

    pinMode(microPin, INPUT);
    pinMode(led1, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(led2, OUTPUT);

    while(1){
        // micro switch high, led1 on
        if(digitalRead(microPin) == 1){
            digitalWrite(led1, LOW);
            digitalWrite(led2, HIGH);
            printf("LED1 on\n");
        }
        // micro switch low, led2 on
        if(digitalRead(microPin) == 0){
            digitalWrite(led2, LOW);
            digitalWrite(led1, HIGH);
            printf(".....LED2 on\n");
        }
        delay(500);
    }

    return 0;
}

Code Explanation

if(digitalRead(slidePin) == 1){
            digitalWrite(led1, LOW);
            digitalWrite(led2, HIGH);
            printf("LED1 on\n");
    }

When the moving arm of the micro switch is released, the left pin is connected to the right pin; at this time, a high level will be read on GPIO17, and then LED1 will be on and LED2 will be off.

if(digitalRead(slidePin) == 0){
            digitalWrite(led2, LOW);
            digitalWrite(led1, HIGH);
            printf(".....LED2 on\n");
        }

When the move arm is pressed, the left pin and the middle pin are connected. At this point a low level will be read on GPIO17, then turns LED2 on and LED1 off.