Detecting Motion With AC/Static Electricity

Disclaimer

The Buzz library is just for experimental use only, and is not intended for providing a home/business security solution.

Explanation

Due to the ATMega328p's ADC being very high impedance, it can easily detect the AC electricity waves that leak into the air via open outlets, bad shielding, and more.

When something statically charged (human, pet, blanket, etc.) passes near the antenna, it increases or decreases the voltage perceived at the input. Even without rubbing a balloon on your head, you'll always have enough static charge to affect this value a measurable amount.

The Buzz library allows you to easily monitor these changes, and attach your own functions that will execute when motion exceeds a specified threshold.

Usage

Using the Buzz library is very simple, you only need the following to get started:

#include "Buzz.h" // Include the Buzz library
Buzz buzz;
void setup() {
 Serial.begin(115200);
 buzz.begin(A0,60,3000);
}
void loop() {
 Serial.println(buzz.level());
 delay(1);
} 

Next, connect a wire/jumper (6-12") to pin A0, and open the Arduino IDE's Serial Plotter to see the current motion value! Try waving your hand near the antenna, or walking past it.

Try the library for yourself!

https://github.com/connornishijima/arduino-buzz