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Thread: Room controller project

  1. #1
    Automated Home Lurker
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    Default Room controller project

    Perhaps I should post this in the "projects" subforum, although there doesn't seem to be much action there, so thought I'd float it here. Mods, pls move my post accordingly!

    My big idea is this.

    Recipe: Room Control Panel

    Ingredients
    1x 400mm by 100mm back box with custom laser cut faceplate
    1x Arduino
    1x Arduino RF 433 Transceiver (http://www.instructables.com/id/RF-3...dule-and-Ardu/
    A handful of Fibaro or LightwaveRF switches to control lights in same room
    1x Rotary Encoder and LED ring (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ66PkNUgZI) to control room volume
    1x Cheapo PIR for Arduino (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Emgreat-Dete...AY0J78W1Z8B24P)
    1x Cheapo Distance Sensor for Arduino (to dim the display when hand not close) - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultrasonic-M...im_computers_3
    1x Gorgeous retro display from cannibalised Squeezebox Classic

    Serve with:
    A handful of Fibaro or LightwaveRF light switches around the home
    A Squeezebox Server (aka Logitech Media Server / Slimserver)
    Domoticz or OpenHAB or other

    Method:
    - Combine rotary encoder with LED ring to show volume of Squeezebox music in that room
    - Program Arduino to send RF signals to OpenHAB which has a binding with Squeezebox
    - Add PIR and distance sensor
    - Optional: add cheapo temp and humidity sensors for a couple of quid extra
    - Program Arduino to take the inputs and send the RF
    - Dismantle Squeezebox v3 (many DIY guides online for this) and add to unit. This doesn't need to be connected to the Arduino, it can just operate standalone using the wifi built-in to Squeezebox

    This is my next project.

    Anyone wanna join in the fun?

  2. #2

  3. #3
    Automated Home Guru Vangelis's Avatar
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    Default

    What Arduino you planning on using?
    Thoughts on using a Pi or Beagle, giving you the option to run more automation on board, as opposed to offloading to other hardware?

  4. #4
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    Hey Vangelis

    I have thought about using Pi in the control panels. I'll already be using Pi as my OpenHAB and Squeezebox server, but fancy getting stuck right in with Arduinos for the room control units. Main reason is that they can be that tiny bit smaller. Planning to make the control panel as discreet and pretty as humanly possible and can see some size benefits of going with a tiny Arduino.

    I'm going to do some experimenting on the Arduino Uno, then when I have RF, a little night-light, and a couple of sensors up-and-running, transfer over to something smaller - something the size of Arduino Lilypad.

    I toyed with the idea of buying cheap tablets like the Ubislate (OpenHAB has a gorgeous UI available called GreenT) but after reading reviews of the cheaper tablets I decided against it - viewing angles are awful and I just know the lack of a physical button will annoy me a lot. How lovely would it be to reach out in the night-time, have a mini night-light LED come on, and turn a rotary controller down to set the music volume? Then if I change my mind later, that can be used to set the temperature?

  5. #5
    Automated Home Guru Vangelis's Avatar
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    Default

    Looking forward to seeing how this project pans out. I too considered the whole tablet thing but would either have to 'wake' the thing up before doing anything of have it 'dimmed' all the time.

    Have you considered using an IR proximity sensor as opposed to Ultrasonic? (http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/displayPro...FVMRtAodty4AqQ) Just be a little bit smaller.

    On the Arduino front, watch out for the TTL levels (3.3v / 5v).

    Vangelis

  6. #6
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    Vangelis

    FYI, a guy on the OpenHAB forum says he is using 1st gen Nexus 7 tablets (4 for $100 on ebay). You can run them in daydream mode which dims the screen to almost nothing, but keeps the touchsceen on... so that tapping the screen brings it to life again.

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