Bicycle Brake Light
A tail light that flares bright when the bike decelerates.
Overview
An MPU6050 watches forward acceleration; when braking is detected the strip switches from a soft glow to full red, then returns after stopping.
Build Steps
Mount everything
Fix the strip across the seat post and the IMU flat on the frame with the axis pointing forward.
Read acceleration
Poll the IMU over I2C and low-pass filter the forward axis so road bumps do not trigger it.
Detect braking
When negative acceleration passes a threshold for a moment, set the strip to full brightness.
Power it
Feed the strip from a 5 V supply rated for its LED count; add a barrel jack for a USB power bank on longer rides.
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