While testing the sensor panel, I ran into unexpected problems, requiring a small redesign. First, let me explain the simple working principle of the fill sensor circuit and what I tested so far. The Circuit The circuit for the fill sensors is straight forward. There are four input lines and one analogue output line. If…
Project Update: New Stepper Motor Driver
In this short update, I will talk about the improved stepper driver for the pet-feeder device. While working on the sensor board, to see if the fill sensors work as expected, it also involved using the stepper motor. Here, I realised, the combination of stepper motor and driver I worked with is way too noisy…
MicroMaTch Connector to Breadboard in 5 Minutes
Ordering a board with perfect spaced pads to use an SMD connector takes a few days of patience unless you live near a PCB prototyping facility. With striped prototyping boards, you can stick a MircoMaTch or similar connector into your breadboard in under five minutes. 😉 First cut a small piece from the prototype board….
Pet Feeder – Position Sensor Tests
I worked on testing the sensor board. The first tests I did were about the position sensor. Recap Let me recap the design of the position sensor in the device: The turntable has five position slots, marked red in the following illustration. Behind this slots, there is a small excavation, reflecting the light from the…
How to Assemble the MicroMaTch Connectors with a Hammer
I mentioned in one of my posts how to assemble the MicroMaTch connectors using a hammer, but never explained the rather simple method in detail. So I made a short video, explaining the exact technique I use. If you have any questions, missed information, or simply want to provide feedback, feel free to comment below…
Pet Feeder Update
A short update about the progress with the sensor panel and photos of the final input panel board. I assembled the new boards and are testing the sensors. As soon as all tests are done, and I am happy with the results and the board’s design, I will write the next part. These are 940nm…
19″ Rack Fan Controller [1/2]
When I migrated several servers into a new server rack, I put my Arduino Uno based fan controller into a new enclosure. Not a great solution, but good recycling of this existing project and way better than the built-in, on/off temperature controller. Now, when the rack’s space got low, I had to find a better…
Art Like Boards from OSHpark
For the pet feeding device, I ordered boards from OSHpark with the “After Dark” style. This colour combination of the black substrate with the copper and transparent solder mask is just beautiful. I made this post just in case you did not see the pictures on Twitter or like to see them with a better…
The MicroPython Bitmap Tool
I created a new tool to easily convert bitmaps into code for MicroPython. This first version is just a start, creating a framework where I can add additional converters. If you have any questions, missed information, or simply want to provide feedback, feel free to comment below or contact me on Twitter. 😄 More Posts
Decorative, Massive, Modular Box
This design is not for everyone. 😅 A decorative and modular, but quite massive box. Built from 3d-printed parts, 5mm plywood panels and plenty 3x10mm wood screws. The instructions in this post show a basic box with the inner dimensions 240×360×84mm, but in the download, you find all files required to build larger boxes in…