3 replies to this topic

[headshox]

Just saying hi to the community and that I'm wicked excited for the Netdunio plus to come out. I played around with an Arduino about 6 months ago and got it to do some basic stuff but really found the lack of connectivity (other than a serial port) disappointing. This things got it all Ethernet, SD, and C#. My first project goal is to use the Netduino to check and see if I left the garage door open (which happens frequently...lol) and open/close it over the internet. I'm very strong in C# but not so strong with electrical part of it (capacitors, diodes, and sensors)...So I'm hoping to get some help when it comes to that from the community.

[Omar (OZ)]

Just saying hi to the community and that I'm wicked excited for the Netdunio plus to come out.

I played around with an Arduino about 6 months ago and got it to do some basic stuff but really found the lack of connectivity (other than a serial port) disappointing. This things got it all Ethernet, SD, and C#.

My first project goal is to use the Netduino to check and see if I left the garage door open (which happens frequently...lol) and open/close it over the internet. I'm very strong in C# but not so strong with electrical part of it (capacitors, diodes, and sensors)...So I'm hoping to get some help when it comes to that from the community.

Hello,
I was thinking about things like that a while back and I can provide some ideas for you...

As far as the sensing part goes here are some suggestions:
-Distance Sensor pointing at garage door
-Simple wire contacts (might be tricky to set-up)
-Force sensor on the floor (might have to make sure the door won't cut it, putting a piece of foam on both sides might be a good idea)

Controlling the garage door is something I have no clue how to do... I am sure some members here are/have working/worked on that so they might be able to help.

For the Netduino Plus to Computer communication I have made some code. You can go to http://oz-solutions.no-ip.org/ to get that code. Other people have made Netduino Plus <--> Computer code, so be sure to search around on the forums to find what fits your needs best.
If you need any help with the code on my website you can PM me.

Good luck with your project!

[CW2]

My first project goal is to use the Netduino to check and see if I left the garage door open (which happens frequently...lol)

In addition to what Omar said:

• A photo interrupter or simply do it yourself LED & phototransistor,
• Magnet + reed switch,
• Mechanical switch

and open/close it over the internet.

I assume there is a motor - does it have any sort of remote control you could abuse? Does it have any switch you could 'press' (i.e. wire another switch in parallel)? There are various ways how a microcontroller can control load such as garage door motor, but I would recommend starting with a solution that does not involve messing with the mains voltage (unless you really know what you are doing). I have done remote door control with a small relay wired in parallel to the switch on the wall, triggered with a 433.92 MHz key fob code receiver module.

[Omar (OZ)]

I should have thought of a reed switch seeing as I ordered one >.> ... Once I get that reed switch I will write some code and maybe a video tutorial for it. Would that help you headshox? Thanks for the reed switch idea CW2!