This project was part of the Lane Tech HS Physical Computing Lab course. I created this project as part of the Home Automation project.
SummaryThis projects job is to close my closet door when a button is pressed on the Blynk App.
Picture of the final Prototype:
I first started by setting up my wiring and connecting the wires from the servo to the bread board which includes the Particle argon. The set up looks like the following:
For those who don't know what Blynk is, its app is a great way to create a simple app to interact with your Particle device. Because the app will reside on your phone, you also get access to your phone's native sensors like its GPS or its accelerometer(not used in this project). Here is a link to help set up your app: http://docs.blynk.cc/#getting-started-getting-started-with-the-blynk-app.
From there it is pretty straight forward if you follow the following images:
Well because in stuck inside, all I really had to work with for materials was whatever was laying around the house and what I was able to find in my dads workshop.
Setup wise its pretty simple. Its a portable charger/battery pack connected to the argon, which connects to the motor. Most of the "hardware" comes in the mechanism that closes the door. My final design was a wooden T that was attached to the motor. This is because it allows for a space for the twine to wind up and pull the door closed.
Step by step process:
1. Attach T to motor. I personally used superglue but any adhesive works well. If you do use any time of glue however, I recommend clamping it for at least 20 minutes.
2. Using tape (preferably DuckTape), connect the twine to the T. The tape will hold the twine in place and if not done correctly, there will be no pulling action on the door.
3. Using a command strip attach the motor to the wall. Press and hold motor to wall for 15 seconds in oder for it to stick.
4. Tie knot to the top of your door( DISCLAIMER: This only works for sliding doors) in order to connect the door and twine.
After everything is connected and properly working, you now have a working automatic door close at the push of a button from your phone!
Sorry the quality is bad but you get the idea of it working. Is it slow? Yes. But it works!
Changes I would make and Notes- Cut more than enough rope in order for it to wind up
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