Key Takeaways
- “””
- RFID Door Opener System: Create a convenient and automated door opening system using iRobota, RFID technology, and an old PC.
- Door Mechanism: Utilize powerful 24v globe motors and Darlington transistors to smoothly operate the door handle and pull mechanism.
- RFID Reader: Employ a SparkFun RFID reader to scan and verify RFID cards, granting access to authorized personnel.
- Control Unit: Connect the iRobota board to motors and a cooling fan, using Darlington transistors to amplify signals and ensure smooth system operation.
- Web Interface: Develop a password-protected PHP web interface, accessible via any web browser, allowing remote door opening from anywhere on campus.
- Bonus: Access the code and additional pictures upon request to delve deeper into the project and embark on your own RFID door opener adventure.
“””
Imagine a world where doors open at your command, not with a key or a knob, but with a simple wave of your hand. Enter the world of RFID door openers, where convenience meets technology. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to build our own RFID door opener system using iRobota, RFID technology, and an old PC.
Door Mechanism: The Powerhouse of Opening
At the heart of our door opener system lies the door mechanism, a symphony of motors and mechanics. Two mighty 24v globe motors take center stage, one dedicated to turning the door handle, the other to pulling the door open. These motors, powered by Darlington transistors, are the muscle behind the system, ensuring smooth and effortless door operation.
RFID Reader: The Key to Access
The RFID reader serves as the gatekeeper, granting access to authorized personnel. We’ve employed a SparkFun RFID reader, a $30 marvel of engineering, strategically placed at the back of the door. This reader, like a watchful sentinel, scans RFID cards, verifying their authenticity and granting entry to those who possess the magic key.
Control Unit: The Brain of the Operation
The iRobota board, the brains of our system, orchestrates the entire operation. This tiny computer, connected to the motors and a cooling fan, acts as the central command center. It receives signals from the RFID reader, activates the motors, and ensures the system runs smoothly. Darlington transistors, acting as intermediaries, amplify the iRobota’s signals, providing the necessary power to drive the motors and fan.
Web Interface: Opening Doors from Anywhere
Convenience reaches new heights with the web interface, a portal to door control from anywhere on campus. The iRobota board, connected to an old Dell laptop running the Apache webserver, becomes a gateway to remote door operation. A password-protected PHP web interface, accessible via any web browser, allows authorized users to open the door with a simple click. Inside the room, KDE4 widgets provide an alternative method for door opening, minimizing the need for physical movement.
Bonus: For those eager to delve deeper into the project, the code and additional pictures are available upon request. Visit [protofusion] to learn more and embark on your own RFID door opener adventure.
With this project, we’ve unlocked a new level of convenience, transforming the mundane task of door opening into a seamless, automated experience. The fusion of iRobota, RFID technology, and an old PC has given birth to a system that’s not only functional but also a testament to human ingenuity.
Leave a Reply