Project Logs

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• Version 0.3

  dannyritchie • 07/14/2014 at 08:42 • 0 comments

  Finally got around to updating the firmware on on the controller and PIR's. So let's hope we don't have to any problems as this is the first time the completely rewritten source code has been in the real world. Mi need to update my Dropbox folder as that only has version 02. 

• Tidying page up. This was posted on the details should of been a project log

  dannyritchie • 07/06/2014 at 15:26 • 0 comments

  At the moment i only have one 3v3 8mhz arduino mini pro so only have one complete PIR. I found using these made sense as the NRF24 module runs at 3v3.

  The housing on the current one is from a faulty wired pir, I removed the golf ball like lens off my pir module. I do plan on keeping the golf ball cover on future models and make my own housings.

  Heres a short video of two prototype pirs controlling a couple of LED's

  Here's a new video of a 4ch remote i made up for testing the main receiver.

  Here's a Photo of the main controller box, I've just received my 4ch relay but not had time to fit it yet, Board on the left is a step down power supply as the camera is using 24vdc. The relay module for some reason uses a low as on and high off. I have made a temp proto shield with the outputs going through some NPN transistors i had laying around

• (edited) Updated the source code

  dannyritchie • 07/05/2014 at 21:52 • 0 comments

  Not a lot of work done on the hardware side of things this week, But i have completely rewritten the source code for the product. I now have a sketch for the main controller and a separate sketch for the PIR. I was using an Array last time and now have gone for assigning each pin. The source code has no comments as of yet will add them at a later date. 

  On another note the PIR i added a solar panel too is still active.

  Hopefully if i get chance i will create another PIR this weekend see how the system copes with 3.

  The source code has been updated again i seem to be getting a lot better results, I'm currently testing with 2x remotes and 1x controller. I also have a bit better serial output a lot more useful for debugging.

• We now have a Solar PIR

  dannyritchie • 06/29/2014 at 16:59 • 0 comments

  Im just hoping that it will be able to keep the PIR powered all the time now.

• Finally some post has arrived

  dannyritchie • 06/29/2014 at 15:09 • 0 comments

  Finally some of my post has turned up.  Looking forward to adding the new NRF24L01+ with amp to the main controller. plus i can add one of the 3v3 arduinos to external pir which has the duemi. I also have a couple of Solar chargers arrived which will be getting installed to that PIR as well.

  On another note the last project log i entered about adding debounce so the controller will keep the output high while the PIR is active , I think i have sussed it. On my test boards i have set up i can have the sender keep the input HIGH and the controller output stays HIGH. Just need to get code flashed to controller and PIR's to fully test if each PIR can communicate sill.

• Time to work on some code

  dannyritchie • 06/23/2014 at 17:08 • 0 comments

  Back to working away from home so time to work on my code. At the moment when ever  a PIR is triggered the controller will latch a really for a set time if the PIR remains sensing something the controller does not recognise this. Im quite sure that this is because i need to make the PIR thats sending the signal to check to see if the pin is still LOW. I believe that adding debounce (I think) will help with this. Hopefully i have enough parts with me to build a couple test units or testing will have to wait until the weekend.

• Quick video

  dannyritchie • 06/22/2014 at 00:28 • 0 comments

  video of me testing the new controller board before replacing the old model.

• A bit of tidying.

  dannyritchie • 06/22/2014 at 00:05 • 0 comments

  Well decided to tidy up the main controller today lot more happy with it now, Still need waiting for the new NRF24 with external antenna. I also created a second type of PIR this time using the golf ball like lens. On another note i think i am going to try get hold of some solar panels so the PIR's will bell fully self sufficient.

  Heres the new 4ch controller,

  And here it is in the enclosure,

  Heres the back of the panel this is before i added the 24v step down,

  Heres the insides the of the new PIR, The Duemilanove is temp,

  Here it is mounted on the fence in the garden.

• Always Waiting

  dannyritchie • 06/21/2014 at 09:36 • 0 comments

  Been a quiet week, Still waiting for my 3v3 mini pro's and various other components :)

  As soon as parts arrive i am going to tidy up the controller, I have a decided to add an NRF24L01 with external antenna to the controller. At least while i am waiting for the parts i can work on the code a bit.

  Need to do.

  *Possibly put the NRF24 and arduino to sleep in the PIR's, (Needs testing as i do not want there to be to much of a delay moving the cam.)

  *

  *Possibly have each PIR on it own channel. At the moment they share the same i have two PIR's which seem to be getting along will see what happens when new boards arrive.

  *I need to spend a bit more time R&D existing external security PIRs, (Need to learn to direct the sensor help reduce false detections.)

  *Been thinking of adding a solar panel to the PIR's to help with battery.

  *Start to design a custom board, (First version will be 3v mini pro shield)

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