Automatic Clothesline Retrieval System
Project Overview
The Automatic Clothesline Retrieval System is designed to automatically retract clothes when
it detects rain or low sunlight, ensuring that laundry stays dry and secure. The system operates
using solar power and relies on sensors such as a rain sensor and a light-dependent resistor
(LDR) to determine when to retract the clothesline. A dynamo (motor) controls the movement
of the clothesline based on sensor readings.
This report provides a step-by-step breakdown of the setup, configuration, and programming of
the system.
1. Setting Up the Power Source
Since this project relies on solar energy, the first step was to establish a reliable power source.
We used a solar panel, a charge controller, and a battery to ensure continuous operation, even
when sunlight is unavailable.
Step 1.1: Connecting the Solar Panel to the Charge Controller
The solar panel has two terminals:
o Positive (+) terminal (red wire)
o Negative (-) terminal (black wire)
These wires were connected to the corresponding terminals on the solar charge
controller:
o Positive (+) wire from the solar panel → Positive (+) terminal on the charge
controller
o Negative (-) wire from the solar panel → Negative (-) terminal on the charge
controller
The charge controller acts as a voltage regulator, preventing overcharging and damage
to the battery.
Step 1.2: Connecting the Charge Controller to the Battery
The charge controller has a separate set of terminals for battery connection:
o Positive (+) output of the charge controller → Positive (+) terminal of the
battery
o Negative (-) output of the charge controller → Negative (-) terminal of the
battery
This connection allows the battery to store energy collected by the solar panel, ensuring
continuous operation even when there is no sunlight.
2. Configuring the System Components and Code
Once the power source was successfully set up, we proceeded to configure the electronic
components that automate the clothesline retrieval process.
Step 2.1: Understanding the Key Components
1. Dynamo (Motor for Clothesline Movement) – Moves the clothesline forward and
backward based on sensor inputs.
2. Rain Sensor – Detects the presence of water droplets and signals the system to retract the
clothesline.
3. Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) – Measures the intensity of ambient light to determine
whether it is day or night.
Step 2.2: Writing and Uploading the Code
To automate the retrieval system, we developed and uploaded a custom program that processes
sensor inputs and controls the dynamo accordingly.
Programming the Dynamo (Motor Control for Clothesline Movement)
The dynamo (motor) is responsible for moving the clothesline.
The motor operates in two directions:
o Forward (Extending the clothesline)
o Reverse (Retracting the clothesline)
The motor was connected to an H-Bridge motor driver module, allowing us to control
its direction using microcontroller signals.
A relay module was used to activate or deactivate the motor based on sensor readings.
Programming the Rain Sensor
The rain sensor consists of a conductive plate that detects water droplets.
It was connected to the analog input of a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino).
The code reads sensor values and activates the motor when water is detected.
Programming the Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
The LDR was used to determine whether it is day or night based on ambient light
intensity.
The system ensures that if it is nighttime, the clothesline is automatically retracted to
avoid security risks.
The LDR was connected to an analog pin on the microcontroller, and its values were
monitored continuously.
