Tag: Project 2

The set up the lock, we had to set up the different cloud services.

First of all we need an account for IBM cloud, Sebatian and Aksel made two different account. The IBM cloud gives acces to NodeRed. We also made at an MQTT server.

From the NodeRed, we can via the MQTT send different messages to the NodeMCU, and we can also send message from the NodeMCU to the NodeRed – also via the MQTT.

To begin with, we controlled the lock in a simple way. In the NodeRed we set up a flow, connected to the NodeMCU, and programmed the lock to open if it received the text “unlock”. The unlock message is send from a text field. Other messages typed in the text field could also be send and showed on the OLED.

Afterwards we created an unlock button in the NodeRed instead, which sends the unlock message to the MQTT, so that the lock would unlock and the OLED would show “unlock”. All messages was send from NodeRed via the MQTT server to the NodeMCU.

Project II: Connectivity and IoT has kicked off. We are beginning to plan and structure our approach to the project as well as brainstorming ideas for the design. So far we have created a function tree and a few sketches of design variations of the smart locker:

[more pictures of locker ideas]

The physical front door of the cabinet will have an OLED screen and a piezo buzzer. We will look into the details of the user interface (buttons, LEDs etc.) after developing the basic functionality and designing the cloud logic.

The physical front door of the cabinet will have an OLED screen and a piezo buzzer. We will look into the details of the user interface (buttons, LEDs etc.) after developing the basic functionality and designing the cloud logic.

Today we are working on designing the cabinet itself. We have decided to build the box using laser cutters, and are using the service makercase.com. We have the following measurements of the box:

height: 30 cm, width: 21 cm & depth: 21 cm

The lock and hardware are mounted on a plate inside the cabinet which also serves to hide the hardware.

We have also signed up for IBM Cloud, and are working on setting up the first course program with NodeRed.

Initially I examined the buzzer on my own. The passive buzzer would make it possible to generate pitching noises while the active buzzer would have a constant tone. With PWM tonegeneration and pitching is somewhat possible but the end result is not as clear. The Active buzzer does show to be louder and it is much easier to program.

The base-function of the active buzzer is easy. Plug it to power and it will generate it’s own oscillating signal. It can now be manipulated with Arduino builtin tone. With the frequency [Hz] and an assigned duration it’s possible to compose melodies. With an appropriate setup we can now proceed to write melodies.