In this post we are going to construct an automatic school bell/college bell system using Arduino, 16 x 2 display and real time clock module. You can program this project to ring the bell up to 16 times a day at your preferred hour and minute. The length of the bell ring can be programmed in seconds.
Looking for a simpler version without coding? Get it HERE
Overview
Gone are the days, when a peon in a school rang the bell “tin tin tin” and the students ran out of the school entrance with flying colors. Some may get even happier when the peon rang the last bell few minutes earlier.
This was the scenario 15 to 20 years ago, but now all the schools and colleges strictly time bound and the bells are automated.
Author’s quick childhood / teenage hood remember:
During my primary and secondary school the digital watch which I wore was synchronized with school’s bell system with 1 second precision.
I would yell “the bell is going to ring in 5 seconds” after the bell rang all students stare at me with surprise, this happens almost every day. On some day I and my close friends start count down 10, 9, 8, 7…..before the last bell.
All my friends say it is a magic wrist watch, but they didn’t realize one simple fact that the school bell was automated. LOL!!
We are going to make one such school/college bell using Arduino.
Display to Arduino Connection
The display to Arduino connections are slightly different from what we wire them usually, the pins 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 and 4 used here. The pin number 2 and 3 are used as hardware interrupt via push buttons.
Use the 10K potentiometer for adjusting the contrast for the display.
Detailed Information Regarding Bell and Relay Connections:
UPDATE: A5 to SCL and A4 to SDA (Not A4 to SCK)
Real Time Clock Module
The Real time clock module keeps the track of the time even after long power-cut. A 9V relay is provided for switching the bell on and off.
Please connect a 1N4007 diode in reverse bias across the relay (which is not shown in the schematic) which will absorbs harmful high voltage back EMF from relay.
Power the circuit using a 9V / 500mA wall adapter.
Three push buttons are provided one for manually operating the bell during some situation. Pressing the “exit” button will stop the bell after ringing the bell manually.
The “bell disable button” will disable the bell for ever. To re-enable the bell press the “Exit” button.
How to set time to RTC module:
Download the RTC library:
Link: github.com/PaulStoffregen/DS1307RTC
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Download timeLib.h:
github.com/PaulStoffregen/Time
------------------------------------------------------------------
Upload the Program
Upload the program below which will set the time to RTC
//----------------------------------------------------//
#include <Wire.h>
#include <TimeLib.h>
#include <DS1307RTC.h>
int P=A3; //Assign power pins for RTC
int N=A2;
const char *monthName[12] = {
"Jan", "Feb", "Mar", "Apr", "May", "Jun",
"Jul", "Aug", "Sep", "Oct", "Nov", "Dec"
};
tmElements_t tm;
void setup() {
pinMode(P,OUTPUT);
pinMode(N,OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(P,HIGH);
digitalWrite(N,LOW);
bool parse=false;
bool config=false;
// get the date and time the compiler was run
if (getDate(__DATE__) && getTime(__TIME__)) {
parse = true;
// and configure the RTC with this info
if (RTC.write(tm)) {
config = true;
}
}
Serial.begin(9600);
while (!Serial) ; // wait for Arduino Serial Monitor
delay(200);
if (parse && config) {
Serial.print("DS1307 configured Time=");
Serial.print(__TIME__);
Serial.print(", Date=");
Serial.println(__DATE__);
} else if (parse) {
Serial.println("DS1307 Communication Error :-{");
Serial.println("Please check your circuitry");
} else {
Serial.print("Could not parse info from the compiler, Time=\"");
Serial.print(__TIME__);
Serial.print("\", Date=\"");
Serial.print(__DATE__);
Serial.println("\"");
}
}
void loop() {
}
bool getTime(const char *str)
{
int Hour, Min, Sec;
if (sscanf(str, "%d:%d:%d", &Hour, &Min, &Sec) != 3) return false;
tm.Hour = Hour;
tm.Minute = Min;
tm.Second = Sec;
return true;
}
bool getDate(const char *str)
{
char Month[12];
int Day, Year;
uint8_t monthIndex;
if (sscanf(str, "%s %d %d", Month, &Day, &Year) != 3) return false;
for (monthIndex = 0; monthIndex < 12; monthIndex++) {
if (strcmp(Month, monthName[monthIndex]) == 0) break;
}
if (monthIndex >= 12) return false;
tm.Day = Day;
tm.Month = monthIndex + 1;
tm.Year = CalendarYrToTm(Year);
return true;
}
//----------------------------------------------------//
After uploading the code, open the serial monitor, it will say that the time is set.
Once the above step is accomplished successfully move on to next.
Now upload the below code to Arduino.
Main program Code:
//------------Program developed by R.GIRISH------------//
#include<EEPROM.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <TimeLib.h>
#include <DS1307RTC.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
LiquidCrystal lcd(9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4);
int i = 0;
int H = 0;
int M = 0;
int S = 0;
int setting_value;
const int bell = 10;
const int P = A3;
const int N = A2;
const int setting_address = 0;
const int over_ride_off = 11;
boolean bell_status = true;
boolean Over_ride = true;
//------------------- Set Bell Timings from hours 1 to 23 hrs -------------------//
//---- 1st bell ------//
const int h1 = 0; //hours
const int m1 = 0; //Minutes
//---- 2nd bell ------//
const int h2 = 0;
const int m2 = 0;
//---- 3rd bell ------//
const int h3 = 0;
const int m3 = 0;
//---- 4th bell ------//
const int h4 = 0;
const int m4 = 0;
//---- 5th bell ------//
const int h5 = 0;
const int m5 = 0;
//---- 6th bell ------//
const int h6 = 0;
const int m6 = 0;
//---- 7th bell ------//
const int h7 = 0;
const int m7 = 0;
//---- 8th bell ------//
const int h8 = 0;
const int m8 = 0;
//---- 9th bell ------//
const int h9 = 0;
const int m9 = 0;
//---- 10th bell ------//
const int h10 = 0;
const int m10 = 0;
//---- 11th bell ------//
const int h11 = 0;
const int m11 = 0;
//---- 12th bell ------//
const int h12 = 0;
const int m12 = 0;
//---- 13th bell ------//
const int h13 = 0;
const int m13 = 0;
//---- 14th bell ------//
const int h14 = 0;
const int m14 = 0;
//---- 15th bell ------//
const int h15 = 0;
const int m15 = 0;
//---- 16th bell ------//
const int h16 = 0;
const int m16 = 0;
//--------------- bell ring lenght in seconds -------//
const int Lenght = 3; //in seconds
//-------------------------- -------------------------//
void setup()
{
lcd.begin(16, 2);
pinMode(P, OUTPUT);
pinMode(N, OUTPUT);
pinMode(bell, OUTPUT);
pinMode(over_ride_off, INPUT);
digitalWrite(P, HIGH);
digitalWrite(N, LOW);
digitalWrite(over_ride_off, HIGH);
attachInterrupt(0, over_ride, RISING);
attachInterrupt(1, bell_setting, RISING);
if (EEPROM.read(setting_address) != 1)
{
bell_setting();
}
}
void loop()
{
tmElements_t tm;
lcd.clear();
if (RTC.read(tm))
{
H = tm.Hour;
M = tm.Minute;
S = tm.Second;
lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
lcd.print("TIME:");
lcd.print(tm.Hour);
lcd.print(":");
lcd.print(tm.Minute);
lcd.print(":");
lcd.print(tm.Second);
lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
lcd.print("DATE:");
lcd.print(tm.Day);
lcd.print("/");
lcd.print(tm.Month);
lcd.print("/");
lcd.print(tmYearToCalendar(tm.Year));
} else {
if (RTC.chipPresent())
{
lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
lcd.print("RTC stopped!!!");
lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
lcd.print("Run SetTime code");
} else {
lcd.clear();
lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
lcd.print("Read error!");
lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
lcd.print("Check circuitry!");
}
}
if (EEPROM.read(setting_address) == 1)
{
if (H == 0 && M == 0 && S == 0)
{
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
}
if (H == h1 && M == m1 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h2 && M == m2 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h3 && M == m3 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h4 && M == m4 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h5 && M == m5 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h6 && M == m6 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h7 && M == m7 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h8 && M == m8 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h9 && M == m9 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h10 && M == m10 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h11 && M == m11 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h12 && M == m12 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h13 && M == m13 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h14 && M == m14 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h15 && M == m15 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
if (H == h16 && M == m16 && S == 0)
{
for (i = 0; i < Lenght; i++)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
delay(1000);
}
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
i = 0;
}
}
delay(1000);
}
void over_ride()
{
lcd.clear();
while (Over_ride)
{
digitalWrite(bell, HIGH);
lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
lcd.print("Press Exit to");
lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
lcd.print("Stop the bell!!!");
if (digitalRead(over_ride_off) == LOW)
{
Over_ride = false;
digitalWrite(bell, LOW);
}
}
Over_ride = true;
}
void bell_setting()
{
setting_value = 0;
EEPROM.write(setting_address, setting_value);
lcd.clear();
while (bell_status)
{
lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
lcd.print("Bell is Disabled");
lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
lcd.print("Press Exit.");
if (digitalRead(over_ride_off) == LOW)
{
bell_status = false;
}
}
bell_status = true;
setting_value = 1;
EEPROM.write(setting_address, setting_value);
}
//------------Program developed by R.GIRISH------------//
After uploading the above code you should see the time in hours on the display.
That concludes the program code.
How to use this Automatic bell system:
Do this with completed hardware setup.
1. Upload the “time setting” code first and open the serial monitor.
2. In the main program set the time at which the relay needs to be triggered here.
//---- 1st bell ------//
const int h1 = 0; //hours
const int m1 = 0; //Minutes
//---- 2nd bell ------//
const int h2 = 0;
const int m2 = 0;
//---- 3rd bell ------//
const int h3 = 0;
const int m3 = 0;
//---- 4th bell ------//
const int h4 = 0;
const int m4 = 0;
• Set h1 in hours from 1 to 23 hours and m1 in minutes from 0 to 59.
• Same for h1 to h16 and m1 to m16.
• If you want to disable some bell leave value h = 0 and m = 0 for example: h5 = 0 and m5 = 0, zero will disable that particular bell.
3. Set the time length for the bell to be turned on and off period, here:
//--------------- bell ring lenght in seconds -------//
const int Lenght = 3; //in seconds
By default the value is set for 3 seconds. When the set time is arrived the relay will be turned on for 3 seconds and turns off. Change this if you need.
4. Upload the modified code to Arduino.
5. To disable the bell press “bell disable button”. To re-enable press “Exit” button.
6. To ring the bell manually press the “manual bell switch” and to stop the bell press “exit”.
That concludes the project, if you have any questions regarding this project feel free to express in the comment section.
Search Related Posts for Commenting
sir how can i set holiday dates in program for this holidays days our bell is off for 24 hour of holiday. plz send me code sir…………………..
Omkar, sorry i can’t help much with Arduino, because the author of the article is busy with other job and is not available. You can do one thing, refer this link at the following forum:
https://forum.arduino.cc/
you’ll have to signup with them, and then you can access help from the experts.
hii sir ….. can i use 4×4 matrix keypad by replacing push buttons. plz send me that code with circuit digram and connections
Hi Omkar, I am not sure about the interfacing details, you can refer this to Arduino.cc forums and ask them if it was possible.
Sir how to connect relay ,i am not getting kindly explain me
I have added a new diagram with the bell wiring details, you can check it now
Hey. Is it possible to add more than 16 rings a day?
According to me it may be possible, you can refer this question in Arduino.cc forums and easily get it solved.
Really sorry for long update, sir .. finally it works … Yeyyyy .. I did it 🙂 I add some code to execute MP3 onto it … Thx very much, sir
That’s great Jappar, We are glad it worked as desired by you!
Will it work with 230AC supply?
Which relay should I use and will the rest of the circuit remain same? I want to make this project for daily use in my college.. please reply!!
Thank you..
It will work for both 220V and 120V both, it depends which type of AC to DC adapter you are using and your input supply specifications. For 220V supply you will obviously use a 220V to 9V DC adapter, or a 12V will also work. Make sure to use a relay as per the adapter output, if it is 12V use a 12V relay, if it’s 9V then use a 9V relay. Remember to use a 1N4007 diode across the relay coil, it is mistakenly not shown in the diagram.
Sir
I have made this for our school ,it is working fine,but we need some modification.Timing for Friday is different from other days so please give an idea to set the time in 2 different sequences.i.e.
For other days timing should be
9-00
9-15
10-00
10-40
11-20
12-00
12-35
13-15
13-55
14-25
For Friday it should be
9-00
9-15
10-00
10-40
11-20
12-00
13-00
13-35
14-10
14-45
Hi LAKHIGANJ HSS, If possible we will try to contact the author of this article, and update the solution here.
(3) SIr, I saw in RTC Sketch there is assign power pin for RTC to A3 & A2, can I use 5v & gnd to swap them?? Realy sorry for annoying You – because I have use 5v & gnd for another sketch & it works
Hi jappar,
Yes, you can use 5v and gnd.
I made A2 and A3 as power for RTC because, my RTC was able to simply plug on to Arduino pins without any wires.
Regards
thx very much for your time, Sir.
but I got mssg ‘tmElements_t’ wasn’t declared in this scope – how can I solved this problem, sir
Sir, I have some questions for You, help me, pls
(1) RTC Connection SCL, SDA, 5v, Gnd – A5, A4, A3, A2 (it is strange for me, or it should be A5, A4, 5v & Gnd)
(2) I use DS3231 RTC Module, is it any changes??
Dear sir first I connected the circuit s as u shown as per the same components. Then I copy the code and compiled it shows s error. Kindly help me sir this is my first project. Thank with hope
Mr. GR will reply to your comment soon with a solution
Hi Thambu,
I have checked the code, nothing wrong with the code.
Did you download the mentioned library file and added to your IDE?
Regards
the error message as shown below
Arduino: 1.8.5 (Windows 7), Board: “Arduino/Genuino Uno”
C:\Users\LAB 1\Documents\Arduino\libraries\TimeLib\examples\TimeRTC\TimeRTC.ino:7:21: fatal error: TimeLib.h: No such file or directory
#include
^
compilation terminated.
exit status 1
Error compiling for board Arduino/Genuino Uno.
This report would have more information with
“Show verbose output during compilation”
option enabled in File -> Preferences.
Hi Thambu
Download the Timlib. h from given link, please read the article.
Regards
Hi,
I want to remove the switches and use only RTC and LCD.I will configure the required timings in the code.Please help me in guiding what all code I need to remove or comment.
I am not in need of Manual stopping and Emergency bell ringing.
Please help me.
Hi Danyss
Just remove those push buttons and keep the pull-down 10K resistors as it is and upload the same code.
Without switch you will miss the bell enable/disable feature.
Regards
sir which type of relay in automatic college bell
Beran, You can use any normal SPDT 12V
question: why the circuit displays “rtc stopped!!!, run settime code” after supplying and uploading the two programs? here, the push buttons work properly. tell me how to solve it.
Hi BAILANDO
Upload the first code (time setting code) with RTC connect to Arduino.
Regards
Sir, In my Arduino,,second program is not getting uploaded.. please help on this
Maheswari, sometimes the website system automatically modifies the codes therefore I keeping getting errors in Arduino, but don’t worry I will update it shortly….please wait for sometime
please check it now
hello sir,
i have decided to make this project for submission in college . I need to know that ,how can i simulate this project in proteus with 2 programs
or do i have any other option
is it possible to simulate it in proteus or i have to directly make the project
1 time setting as you have used here
2 main program
Mr. GR, will reply to your question soon.
Hi simran chandra,
I don’t have much experience with simulation software, so I can’t help you with this 🙂
Regards
…since this project is a tested one, so I don’t think any simulation is necessary, it can be directly built and used by anybody.
hello sir
which arduino have u used for this?
is this arduino UNO ?
Hello Ranjan, please see the second diagram, it is written UNO on the Arduino board, so it is an UNO
Hi Ranjan Sapkota,
You can use any Arduino board.
Regards
Sir please explain the storage of 16 alarms into EEprom. Is it will automatically store if it is const int.
Please help.
Hello sir actually I am using RTC DS1307 but my clock is showing reverse timings in morning after 12pm it is showing 1hrs and in night after 12am it is is showing 13hrs.You do understand the time is being reversed..please give me a solution as soon as possible
Hello Ramkrishna,
I’ll consult this with Mr. GR, he will try to solve it for you, soon.
Hi Ramkrishna Bhattacharya,
The time on the RTC is purely depend on the time on your computer, if your computer’s time is reversed (AM/PM) while uploading the time setting program , the result will be reversed time on Arduino.
Regards
Hi . I have a ds1302 so I must to change program or not ? Thks
what is the function of the SCK PIN
I have connected all components on a breadboard….how should I check whether connection is faulty somewhere?….But when the power supply to the bell and relay is cut off, the relay woks absolutely fine.Its on according to set time and turns of accordingly.So I think current in the output circuit is affecting the input circuit of relay. What should I do now?I am using BC548 transistor,and 1N4007 diode in reverse bias across the relay coil.
The relay circuit should have no effect on the Arduino according to me, still to make the design technically perfect you can try changing the base resistor of the BC548 to 10K or upto 22K.
To be entirely sure that the Arduino side is working perfectly, you may remove the transistor and the relay from the set up, and connect the base resistor end with an LED (anode to resistor, cathode to ground), and now recheck the whole procedure to simulate the proposed school timer function….check whether or not the LED responds just as the relay is supposed to respond and switch ON/OFF.
If you still find the problem persisting, we will try to contact Mr. GR.
I have 5v D-1 relay shield….how to use it?
What about using 5v relay shield?
Sir …still the problem exists….i am using 12 v relay….I also tried 6v relay…but the problem didn’t solve….I also connected diode…but the problem is same…I am using 1N4007 diode….sir plz help me
…..what should I do?…i must inform u that when if switch off the mains power supply to bell and relay.; The relay turns on and off according to time set…but when the mains supply to bell and relay is on; the problem is seen….and also sometimes display of lcd goes away when relay is turned on….plz help me ASAP
Abhishek, how did you connect the external components, did you connect them over a breadboard or a PCB, please make sure that you connect these components by soldering over a PCb.
I am not sure whether a relay shield must be used or not, you can try it though.
Let me know about the connections, If you have assembled the external parts on a PCB, and still getting the issue, then I may have to contact Mr. GR for the solution.
Hi sir
I need a motion detection based alarm and lighting system circuit. Features I need lights and alarm should turn on when detecting human movement (Range is approximately 6 mtrs) . After 30 seconds or 1 minute the lights and alarm should turn off automatically. Again it should turn on when detecting a movement. I hope you have a design already.
Thanks in advance
Naresh.S
Hi sir
Do you have a circuit without ardiuno. As per my requirement.
Naresh.S
Hi Naresh,
there are many motion detector circuits presented in this website, some are using PIR and some using photo diodes, you can easily select any one of those and customize as per your requirement
Sir..I am a student. I completed this project. But I am sometimes facing a problem that when the specified time is reached, the bell rings but doesnt stop automatically….I need to press EXIT button to stop the bell…..Plz help me ASAP
Abhishek,
please copy the codes from the following original file, and program the IC afresh, see if it corrects the issue, if still the problem persists I will contacts Mr. GR and request him to solve it for you.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bMkxK2quwTP3I4TMUpOsZmUFfhEaCq5Z/view?usp=sharing
HELLO. i am student. how much cost for take this project. and also please send me full recuirement of this project. please i want to try it. thank you.
Hello santosh, the parts are already shown in the diagram:
there’s one Arduino board.
3nos of 10k 1/4 watt resistors (use 10k for 4.7K also)
1no BC547 (instead of BC548)
3nos micro switch push buttons
1no relay 12V 470 ohm/ SPDT
1no RtC module
if you just show the image to the shopkeeper he will be able to provide you all the materials
I am not sure about the total cost….
Hai sir….
Pls tell the low voltage level for 4v,6v,12v lead acid battery..
And 3.7v lion battery also sir
Hi Kesav, for a 12V battery the lower threshold is around 10.5V to 11V, so using this yardstick you can calculate the values for the other batteries.
for example for a 6V battery you can use the following relationship:
12/6 = 11/X, where X is the unknown value
please help me with freshener dispenser. which can be refill by me manually
Hai sir…
I need one circuit sir
Automatic street light using LDR ,BJT ,Preset,TRIAC…circuit fully works with Ac not in DC…no relay..load must be active by Triac…
Pls give me the circuit with link
Hi Kesav,
you can try the last circuit from this article
https://homemade-circuits.com/simple-led-automatic-daynight-lamp/
Thank u sir….
Sir tell the power ratings of TRIAC BT136
It is 400V, 1 amp
Wha is the max delay milli sec can i set in arduino.
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