gdoPi.local - Python Script

If everything is working so far, you should be ready to test the relay/camera function via openHAB-triggered MQTT messages.

Download the the ctrlGDO.py file and change ownership to 'pi':

chown pi:pi ctrlGDO.py

Edit the file to include your unique values for Twilio function

• account_side
• auth_token
• to=
• from_=
• to=
• from_=

Twilio Notice

I've included option for MMS if you change the calling parameter from "sms" to "mms." However, this will only work if you are storing the camera image to a location that the Twilio service can access. If you have it storing where've suggested so far, it should be protected from prying eyes by your firewall. So you'll either have to open up your firewall to use this option, or you'll need to push the images to some location outside your LAN's firewall.)

Execution

pi@gdoPi:~ $ python ctrlGDO.py 
Garage Door Opener MQTT script

rc: 0
Subscribed: 1 (0,)

Examples

Now if you click on the relay's toggle button, you hear your relay clack and should see:

Garage door triggered.
Processing request for visual update.
SMS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX sent.

Processing request for visual update.

gdoPi.local - Setup WiFi

Assuming that you don't have Cat5e/6 run from your network into the garage, you'll probably want to setup wifi on the gdoPi. Again, things have changed considerably between Wheezy and Jessie.

The best article I've found on doing this with the new Jessie is:
http://qdosmsq.dunbar-it.co.uk/blog/2016/01/raspberry-pi-pizero-raspbian-jessie-networking-and-wifi-setup/

In essence, you will need to edit the following three files:

1. /etc/network/interfaces
   

   source-directory /etc/network/interfaces.d
   
   auto lo
   iface lo inet loopback
   
   auto eth0
   allow-hotplug eth0
   iface eth0 inet manual
   
   auto wlan0
   allow-hotplug wlan0
   iface wlan0 inet manual
        wpa-conf /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

2. /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf
   

   country=US
   ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev
   update_config=1
   
   network={
       ssid = "XXXXX"
       psk = "YYYYY"
       scan_ssid=1
       priority=1
   }

   Security best practice is to turn off SSID broadcasting on your wifi router, but doing so means that you must explicitly list it here and must set 'scan_ssid' to '1'. The priority is not necessary as long as this is the only network defined.
3. /etc/dhcpcd.conf -- Not absolutely necessary to edit unless you desire to prescribe static IP addresses. Historically, that's been a good idea for servers--which these guys are sorta' playing server-type roles. If you decide to implement static IPs, do check out the site I listed above.

Garage Time!

Once you've confirmed everything is working as expected, it's time to move from the bench to gdoPi's the permanent home in the garage. Remember to attach the Normally Open (N.O.) output on the relay board to the garage door contacts. Power it on, and start ctrlGDO.py. You should be ready to go.

Note:

As of right now, I have not created the steps for starting this python script at boot time. That's something I plan to get around to over the next week or so. There are also several other software tweaks I have in mind.

And please do remember that you do all of this at your own risk!! I take no responsibility for your actions!

my.openHAB - Secure, External Access

If you want to be able to access your openHAB environment via your cellphone from anywhere except your own LAN's wifi, you must provide a means for openHAB to receive communique's from the other side of your firewall. You could tackle the chore on your own, or you could take a shortcut and use openHAB's companion cloud service @ https://my.openhab.org/.

If you choose to accept their offer, I would recommend following their instructions very closely. In essence, you must install another addon for my.openHAB bindings. I've already uncommented the two openhab.cfg lines, but you'll still need to put your correct network ID in the 'security:netmask=' variable.

Pay special attention to restarting the RPi or the openHAB service once you've installed the aforementioned addon.

You'll need to copy and paste the UUID and secret codes into the my.openHAB new user form.

ACTIVATION! Don't overlook the need to activate your account from the email they send you. Otherwise, you'll never get it to work.

openHAB on Smartphones

Can't speak as to Android, but it's pretty straightforward on iOS. Download the app from Apple store, and give it the URLs and my.openHAB username/password that the my.openHAB documentation suggests.

Screenshot w/ door closed

Screenshot w/ door now open & SMS notice received