Gizmos and Gadgets

Sometimes gadgets and gizmos need to be created to either fill a specific need, to test technology for a bigger upcoming build or just for the heck of it! Here are some of those builds:

Temperature Data Logger

During the ice freezer builds, I needed a way to collect temperature data over time, in order to understand the efficiency of the freezing cycles and when to perform automatic defrost of the evaporators. Staying up at night wasn't the answer so I built the no-frills Temperature Data Logger. Powered by a microcontroller, underlying customized program and mini SD card module. The datalogger takes temperature measurements once every 15 minutes and writes the time and temperature, at the time of the measurement to the mini SD card. Temperature and current cycle time is also displayed on an OLED screen,. After the cycle is complete the SD card could be removed and the data could be analyzed in excel to determine how to optimize the cycles.

WiFi Boatlift Remote

This build occurred as a result of overhearing some people talking about the need for a supplemental way to control their Gem Remotes boat lift. Often times the remote control would get lost or the batteries would die, typically at the most inopportune times.

I took a stab at it. By using a WiFi capable microcontroller and an interface with the Blynk application, control of the up and down features of the boat lift could be controlled from a smart phone. The unit communicated with the router inside the house over WiFi although, an Ethernet connection would reasonably be more reliable.

SoundBox

Inspired by a friend who is a teacher. I though this build could bring some levity back to the classroom after schools reopened after COVID. The unit runs by utilizing a microcontroller, MP3 sound module, SD card board and amplifier, custom code and 3d printed case. There are 50 sound bites on board which could be changed by updating the wav or mp3 files on the card. Battery operated andl controlled by a touch pad.

TV Timer Remote

This unit will control your TV when you are not home by sending IR (infrared) signals to your television. Controlled by a microcontroller, RTC (real time clock) module, IR LED and custom code. This device can turn your TV on and off at designated times or you can choose the times from a menu, prior to the program running. A random feature is also available that will turn on and off between certain specified times. The settings are stored and don't have to be input again the next time it is used. The screen will time out after a minute.

Mini Craps

I was bored..

Lightning Detector

Built from a lightning detection circuit and microcontroller. Radio signals from lightning strikes up to 20 miles away are received by the antenna and converted to flashes on the LEDs and clicks on small speaker. The program on the microcontroller keeps count of the number and intensity of the strikes and then displays a green, yellow, orange or red color on the central LED to let the user know how close the storm is.

Cat Tamer

This build came about as a result of one of my neighbors cats (Tuco) continuously trying to get out of their yard. No matter how many obstacles were put in the way, their cat would always walk out of site and then jump over a five foot fence.

The cat tamer consisted of a device which attached to a flashing pet collar. This constantly emitted an IR signal and also had a flashing LED which indicated it was working. The whole yard was free roaming space but when Tuco cat got near the danger zone, the collar would trigger a receiver that was placed low on the wall. The receiver would then briefly turn on a mister pump which would startle Tuco thereby shooing her out of the area. The other two, not so rambunctious cats that they have, were free to roam as they pleased. Within a week or so Tuco no longer approached the area and the device was no longer required. This build consisted of 3d printed and laser cut parts, a custom circuit board and microcontroller with custom written code. No animals were injured as a result of this build!