Introduction
We propose a continuation of our project from last semester. We plan on consolidating the design onto a PCB, removing the need for an Arduino, and presenting it at EOH.
Design details
To sense the rain, a rain sensor is needed. Since the ESP8266 doesn't appreciate analog inputs, the signal from the rain sensor needs to be passed through a comparator with a setpoint voltage to compare to. A reed switch is used to tell if the window is open. The ESP8266 was chosen as the main controller because it has built in WiFi capabilities allowing us integration with Facebook, and has enough digital inputs and outputs for our needs. Since it cannot pass much current through it, a motor driver is needed to drive the motor, which is needed to close the window. To simplify powering the device, a voltage regulator is needed to regulate the motor power to a voltage the ESP8266 can handle, which is supplied by a 12V wall power pack.
Parts
- ESP8266
- Motor driver
- Motor
- Window
- Comparator
- Rain sensor
- Reed switch with magnet
- Power supply
- Voltage regulator
- PCB
Possible Challenges
- Bad PCB design
- Waiting for parts
James Wyeth (jamesw2), Ned Ellis (epe2)
