like numerous of us [Chris Dillon]’s feline prefers to drink chilly fresh water directly from the tap. However, unlike us, [Chris]’s feline friend is as well preoccupied with feline stuff to bother flipping off the faucet after its use. As it turns out, this was an outstanding chance not only for [Chris] to flex his job muscles, however likewise to lay the groundwork for future house automation projects. While many of us may opt for a easy solenoid [Chris] had to make the rig totally reversible. The result is an automated faucet manage which includes an infrared sensor, Arduino, as well as tight fitting rail system with a servo to operate the sink handle.
After getting all of the hardware as well as the sensor sorted [Chris] went on to add a data logging PC to the mix. The faucet configuration communicates with a Linux server through Xbee modules, as well as populates a MongoDB database. The configuration even enables [Chris] to flag false positives (human sink utilize for example) as well as create charts of his feline friend’s water usage. We suspect the feline will be none as well delighted when it gets its water bill.
Don’t fail to remember to inspect out [Chris Dillon]’s site for details on the job including code as well as a listing of lessons learned. Also, because this is the Web after all, we have a number of other feline associated jobs for your seeing pleasure.
[Thanks Chris Burrows (and nephew)]
Check out a video of the configuration in action after the jump.