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Step 5Helpful notes and conclusion
Notes:
(1) It's best to have a webcam plugged into your home computer as well so that you can watch what's happening via yahoo messenger at work. That way you cam be sure everything's working smoothly. I didn't have a second webcam so didn't show that.
(2) Make sure to test your system like I did for a full day before putting it to use while you're away. Because it is not a digitally implemented system there are little ways in which the 'real world' will interfere with it. For instance the photoresistors might fall of the screen, the changing of the light through windows during the day could have an effect on the photoresisors if they aren't properly sheilded.
(3) If you want to control something wirelessly with this system I would suggest using something like this:
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/TINY-IR2.htm
just replace the switches shown in the schematic with transistors controlled by photoresistors. Take note that the range isn't that great for the Tiny-IR-II transmitter. Also, it uses IR infrared (like a tv remote), not RF (radio).
(4) Might be good to make one photoresistor a "Circuit Activator". In other words connect it to a relay or transistor that controls the power supply to the circuit. In this way you have a 'kill switch' that can shut the whole thing down if it starts acting wacky.
Conclusion:
I hope that this helps people and helps make some pets happier when they're at home alone. The beauty of it is that it's so easy to set up that you can do it in a couple minutes, and it requires no special skills and barely any money.
(1) It's best to have a webcam plugged into your home computer as well so that you can watch what's happening via yahoo messenger at work. That way you cam be sure everything's working smoothly. I didn't have a second webcam so didn't show that.
(2) Make sure to test your system like I did for a full day before putting it to use while you're away. Because it is not a digitally implemented system there are little ways in which the 'real world' will interfere with it. For instance the photoresistors might fall of the screen, the changing of the light through windows during the day could have an effect on the photoresisors if they aren't properly sheilded.
(3) If you want to control something wirelessly with this system I would suggest using something like this:
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/TINY-IR2.htm
just replace the switches shown in the schematic with transistors controlled by photoresistors. Take note that the range isn't that great for the Tiny-IR-II transmitter. Also, it uses IR infrared (like a tv remote), not RF (radio).
(4) Might be good to make one photoresistor a "Circuit Activator". In other words connect it to a relay or transistor that controls the power supply to the circuit. In this way you have a 'kill switch' that can shut the whole thing down if it starts acting wacky.
Conclusion:
I hope that this helps people and helps make some pets happier when they're at home alone. The beauty of it is that it's so easy to set up that you can do it in a couple minutes, and it requires no special skills and barely any money.
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