Summary of Alcohol Unit Counter using ATtiny84
This article describes a DIY Alcohol Unit Counter project designed to help users monitor their weekly alcohol consumption against the UK's recommended limit of 14 units. Using an ATtiny84 microcontroller and a two-digit LED display, the device tracks daily intake, automatically adjusts for daily allowances overnight, and displays the user's status relative to their target.
Parts used in the Alcohol Unit Counter:
- Two-digit LED display
- ATtiny84 microcontroller
- Button (input)
There seems to be a lot of discussion in the news currently about how much alcohol it’s safe to drink on a regular basis [1][2]. If you want help in monitoring your alcohol consumption this gadget might be useful. You enter the number of units you drink each day, and it keeps track of where you are relative to your target intake:
It’s based on a low-cost two-digit LED display and an ATtiny84.
Introduction
I built this circuit a while ago when I wanted a way to keep an eye on my alcohol intake. Of course you could achieve the same result with a calendar and notebook, but this is more fun and motivating. The aim is to keep to a sensible average level of consumption, with the ability to enjoy several drinks when the occasion arises.
Using the Alcohol Unit Counter
The Alcohol Unit Counter helps you keep to the UK recommended maximum adult alcohol intake of 14 units a week, ie two units a day (you can change this in the program).
To use it press the button once to display your current position relative to your target alcohol consumption; the aim is to keep this at zero.
For example, if it shows 0 you’re on target, 2 means you’re 2 units over and you’ll need to have an alcohol-free day to catch up, and -4 means you’re under target and you can enjoy half a bottle of wine, and so on.
At the end of the evening press the button again to enter each unit you’ve consumed, and the counter increments accordingly. In the middle of the night the counter automatically decrements by your daily allowance.
The counter can display between -19 and 39. Beyond this range it displays ‘__’ for less than -19 or ‘^^’ for more than 39. To save power the display blanks automatically after four seconds.
Read more: Alcohol Unit Counter using ATtiny84
- What is the main purpose of this gadget?
The gadget helps users monitor their alcohol consumption by tracking units drunk each day relative to a target intake. - Can I change the recommended alcohol limit in the program?
Yes, the program allows you to change the target from the standard UK recommendation of 14 units a week. - How do I enter the number of units consumed?
You press the button again at the end of the evening to enter each unit, which increments the counter accordingly. - Does the device adjust my count automatically?
Yes, in the middle of the night the counter automatically decrements by your daily allowance. - What does it mean if the display shows -4?
A reading of -4 means you are under your target and can enjoy more drinks, such as half a bottle of wine. - What happens when the counter goes beyond its range?
Beyond the range of -19 to 39, the display shows '__' for less than -19 or '^^' for more than 39. - How long does the display stay on before turning off?
To save power, the display blanks automatically after four seconds of inactivity. - What is the recommended maximum adult alcohol intake mentioned?
The device aims to keep users to the UK recommended maximum of 14 units a week, or two units a day.
