DIY project : track when the postman arrives at our mailbox using sensor then log the data on gsheet

[vlbruzeau]

Hey everyone! My stepson and I are working on a fun Arduino project that involves tracking when the postman arrives at our mailbox using a motion sensor, and then logging the data on a Google Sheet. We’re super excited, but we’re having a lot of trouble finding the components we need on digikey.ca.

We’ve put together a list of what we think we’ll need for this project, but we’re not sure about the exact digikey.ca items. Could any kind-hearted folks help us find the right components to purchase on digikey.ca ?

My stepson and I appreciate your help in advance!

• Items to purchase separately:
  - 1. PIR motion sensor (HC-SR501)
  - 2. Real-time clock module (DS3231)
  - 3. Wi-Fi module (ESP8266)
  - 4. Logic level converter (bi-directional, for interfacing 5V Arduino with 3.3V ESP8266)
  - 5. Battery (18650 Li-ion battery)
  - 6. Battery holder
  - 7. Voltage regulator (5V)

• Items included in the ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit (57.99$):
  - https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/démarrage-dalimentation-servomoteur-dextension-prototype/dp/B01D8KOZF4/ref=asc_df_B01D8KOZF4/?tag=cafrdeshadgo-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459545961991&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4346505007868945328&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002604&hvtargid=pla-406302474425&psc=1
  8. Arduino UNO R3 compatible board
  9. Resistors, capacitors, and other small components
  10. Breadboard or PCB
  11. Jumper wires

[Michael_Rudi]

Hello Vlbruzeau and welcome to the forum,

I can help with some of these items, but there are some misses. I’ll go line by line;

1. We are missing this outright on .CA, I could not ID the base component on that side of the catalog.
2. DS3231’s are in catalog, see here for a list of surface mount parts
3. We have some ESP Modules relevant to your search here.
4. See 1568-1209-ND (I’m getting a sparkfun vibe from your list)
5. We cannot ship Li-Ion batteries on digikey.ca orders, shipping restrictions with the material I’m afraid.
6. We can ship the holders though.
7. Doesn’t Arduino have a 5V out? A simple search of voltage regulator and 5V should net you tons of options, too many list on a generic search. See here to start: (Linear) (Switching)
   note that more options exist in either category than listed. I’ve just linked a very general search.

To your second general inquiry, we have some kits that may fit the bill, see here.

[bidrohini]

Buying the components of elegoo starter kit seperately is not an easy task. Let me share my personal experience. I had many parts of this starter kit beforehand. So, I decided to purchase some of the sensors separately from China via a local company. I purchased around 10 sensors. Among them, 2 or 3 turned out to be bad. So, I think it’s safe to purchase this kit altogether from a dependable source. Anyway, if you do not want to buy elegoo kit, you can buy equivalents of these sensors from dfrobot, seedstudio and waveshare. DFrobot also have a 27 sensor ARduino starter kit. You can consider buying that too.