Вольтметр с вайфаем или как сделать distance sensor monitor для использования вне дома
Why
To automatically monitor and report a level of something. :))
Before making a decision to build the device I did some research, trying to find an existing solution, something you could buy from a manufacturer... I found nothing in the price range I was willing to pay. There are probably some items available at $500+ or so, and only in industrial quantities. Or I missed something critical while constructing my Google search. :)
Anyway, I needed something that would report measurements taken outside the house to a server in my home network. The measurements needed to be taken often enough so that a potential problem is identified early enough.
You will need
1. A WiFi module
This is a heart or "brains", if you will, of your device. This module that can be installed in the range of your home WiFi network and can perform simple tasks, such as sleep/wake time, analog/digital input measurements. I got mine from SparkFun
2. Ultrasonic Sensor
The distance to voltage converter with simple interface.
Here is a sensor that I was using.
For simplicity mostly, I chose to go with analog readings. Documentation for this sensor fits into a square inch paper and is shipped with the item. Isn't it handy?
However, I'm considering to try (may be, sometimes, in a future...) a laser sensor, just for fun of doing it.
3. Power module.
The WiFi module typically requires 3.3V input voltage, and as you well know the available batteries are 1.5, 4.5 and 9V. So you would need to have a power adapter. I initially put together one by my own, but as it turned out the WiFly module I was using had pins "in metric" system. Finding a mounting board for it was... well, interesting. Finally I settled for XB Regulated voltage board from SparkFun
4. 9V battery
Duh!
5. 9V solar panel.
While testing everything for the very first time I noticed the battery would lose all the juice rather fast, within 3-5 days. May be it was due to the fact I first installed it outside in winter, and our night temperature could easily get below freezing point in mid-October.
Anyway, as the battery voltage was drifting, I began seeing questionable measurements. Installing a solar panel reduced the number of false readings significantly.
Here is my panel. I have to admit it is the most professionally looking piece in the whole device :)) but it was also added at the end when my soldering was coming natural :))
6. Mounting box.
7. Wire cables.
This is really optional. You can just easily find something online to fit your needs. Although now I feel like a soldering monster :), it is better use cables when possible, as soldering essentially creates a permanent connection. Using cables also gives you some wiggle room and options.
8. Pins.
Easily found at local OEM parts. Pins are needed for, at least, sonic sensor, although I ended up with using a mechanical connection on the sensor side. Instead I used pins on the power module.
9. A switch
Also bought at local OEM parts. It just feels better to use a little switch vs. disconnecting the power cable from the pins or bringing a reset pin low every time you would like to restart the device.
10. A hand-full of screws...,
as well as epoxy and other little thing that would help you level and install the device :)
To be continued with software and configuration explanation
To automatically monitor and report a level of something. :))
Before making a decision to build the device I did some research, trying to find an existing solution, something you could buy from a manufacturer... I found nothing in the price range I was willing to pay. There are probably some items available at $500+ or so, and only in industrial quantities. Or I missed something critical while constructing my Google search. :)
Anyway, I needed something that would report measurements taken outside the house to a server in my home network. The measurements needed to be taken often enough so that a potential problem is identified early enough.
You will need
1. A WiFi module
This is a heart or "brains", if you will, of your device. This module that can be installed in the range of your home WiFi network and can perform simple tasks, such as sleep/wake time, analog/digital input measurements. I got mine from SparkFun
2. Ultrasonic Sensor
The distance to voltage converter with simple interface.
Here is a sensor that I was using.
For simplicity mostly, I chose to go with analog readings. Documentation for this sensor fits into a square inch paper and is shipped with the item. Isn't it handy?
However, I'm considering to try (may be, sometimes, in a future...) a laser sensor, just for fun of doing it.
3. Power module.
The WiFi module typically requires 3.3V input voltage, and as you well know the available batteries are 1.5, 4.5 and 9V. So you would need to have a power adapter. I initially put together one by my own, but as it turned out the WiFly module I was using had pins "in metric" system. Finding a mounting board for it was... well, interesting. Finally I settled for XB Regulated voltage board from SparkFun
4. 9V battery
Duh!
5. 9V solar panel.
While testing everything for the very first time I noticed the battery would lose all the juice rather fast, within 3-5 days. May be it was due to the fact I first installed it outside in winter, and our night temperature could easily get below freezing point in mid-October.
Anyway, as the battery voltage was drifting, I began seeing questionable measurements. Installing a solar panel reduced the number of false readings significantly.
Here is my panel. I have to admit it is the most professionally looking piece in the whole device :)) but it was also added at the end when my soldering was coming natural :))
6. Mounting box.
7. Wire cables.
This is really optional. You can just easily find something online to fit your needs. Although now I feel like a soldering monster :), it is better use cables when possible, as soldering essentially creates a permanent connection. Using cables also gives you some wiggle room and options.
8. Pins.
Easily found at local OEM parts. Pins are needed for, at least, sonic sensor, although I ended up with using a mechanical connection on the sensor side. Instead I used pins on the power module.
9. A switch
Also bought at local OEM parts. It just feels better to use a little switch vs. disconnecting the power cable from the pins or bringing a reset pin low every time you would like to restart the device.
10. A hand-full of screws...,
as well as epoxy and other little thing that would help you level and install the device :)
To be continued with software and configuration explanation