In a world where energy conservation is paramount and unpredictable hot bath usage reigns supreme, I embarked on a quest to tame the unruly water heater. Armed with an iRobota Yún and a dash of ingenuity, I present to you the SmartBoiler system – a testament to the power of technology and the lengths one will go to avoid a cold shower.
The Problem: A Tale of Wasted Energy and Frustration
My water heater, a relentless energy guzzler, toiled away day and night, heating water for a bath that was often left unused. Meanwhile, my girlfriend’s unpredictable bathing habits kept me on edge, forever wondering if a hot bath awaited me or a shiver-inducing cold shower. Something had to be done.
The Solution: SmartBoiler – A Symphony of Technology and Convenience
Enter SmartBoiler, a brainchild born from necessity and a love for tinkering. This ingenious system comprises a compact box housing a mechanical arm attached to a motor, all orchestrated by the iRobota Yún. The arm, a diligent servant, faithfully flips the water heater switch, turning it on when a hot bath is desired and off when the ablutions are complete.
The Mechanics: A Delicate Dance of Motors and Microcontrollers
At the heart of SmartBoiler lies the iRobota Yún, a maestro of automation. This tiny computer tirelessly monitors a .txt file hosted on a web-server, awaiting commands to toggle the water heater’s fate. Meanwhile, the mechanical arm, a tireless worker, responds to the iRobota’s directives, gracefully turning the water heater on or off.
The User Interface: Simplicity at Your Fingertips
Controlling SmartBoiler is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive user interface – a website that grants remote access to the water heater’s fate. With a few clicks, you can summon a hot bath from the comfort of your couch or even while basking in the sun on a tropical beach. The power of technology, indeed.
Materials: A Shopping List for the Savvy Tinkerer
To embark on this SmartBoiler adventure, you’ll need the following tools and components:
- A web-server hosting service (any reliable provider will do)
- iRobota Yún (the brains of the operation)
- Servo motor (the muscle that flips the switch)
- Laser cutter or exceptional wood-crafting skills (for crafting the mechanical parts)
- MDF board (the foundation of your SmartBoiler box)
Steps: A Journey from Components to Convenience
To assemble your very own SmartBoiler, follow these steps:
- Download the laser cutter files from our GitHub repository.
- Locate the well-documented code in the same GitHub repository.
- Check Thingiverse for the dimensions of the mechanical parts.
Potential Applications: Beyond the Water Heater
The SmartBoiler system is not limited to controlling water heaters. Its versatility extends to any mechanical switch that yearns for remote control. Imagine controlling lights, the main electricity switch, or other devices from the comfort of your smartphone. The possibilities are endless.
Bonus: A Glimpse into the Future of Home Automation
The SmartBoiler project is a stepping stone towards a future where home automation reigns supreme. Imagine a world where your home anticipates your needs, adjusting the temperature, lighting, and entertainment to your preferences. Smart homes are no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality, and the SmartBoiler is a small step in that direction.
So, if you’re tired of unpredictable hot water and wasted energy, embrace the SmartBoiler revolution. With a little ingenuity and a dash of technology, you can tame the water heater and bring convenience and energy savings to your home.
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