Introduction: Hidden Wall Outlet Safe (w/Arduino Lock)

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Stash your valuables where no one will ever suspect. Wall outlets are perfect for stashing valuables since you have tons of them at home. You must be crazy enough to search every household outlet for a secret stash. Probably, no one would even think of searching outlets! :)) BTW, it requires a digital key, such as an Arduino, to open the hidden outlet safe.

The Super Secret Key (a.k.a Suicide Key)
The vault features a key that no one would be crazy enough to insert. That's by plugging a 3 wired prong directly to the outlet! Talk about High Voltage suicide! The lock can only be opened by connecting an Arduino to the servo's pins (located in the outlet). Don't forget, we are using a dummy outlet so it's completely safe since it's not connected to the power-lines. 

How Do You Open It:
Plug your DIY 3 pin cable from your vault to your Arduino (a.k.a Suicide Key) then connect your Arduino board to your PC (via USB). Upload the codes then press "CTRL + Shift + M" to access Serial Monitor. Enter "O" to open vault and "C" to close the vault's electronic latch. You can also open this by making a 555 PWM generator.

Influences & Inspiration:
This is probably another déjà vu experience to all Breaking Bad fans. You guys probably remember the scene when Walt hid the ricin capsule behind an electrical outlet during the "Live Free or Die" episode.

Tips & Reminders:
My 2nd version gave me a hard time since all of our wall outlets are embedded in solid concrete. Drywalls are easier to work with since it's easier to cut/ puncture. If you need a larger vault, multi-standard outlets and European outlets are bigger in size. This makes them much more ideal for stashing more stuff in one place. 

Watch This Top Secret Vault In Action! [Take that Walter White! :D]

Step 1: Tools & Materials

Parts & Materials:
- Cheap AC Wall Outlet (w/ Safety Covers)
- Arduino UNO (w/ USB Cable)
- Mini Servo (Tower Pro SG90)
- 3 Pin Long Female Header
- Small Hinge (w/screws)
- Super Glue
- Wires

Tools & Equipment:
- Soldering Iron
- Hot Glue Gun
- Cordless Drill
- Rotary Tool
- Metal File
- Multitool

Step 2: Disassembling - Saving Some Space

Get your mini screwdriver and disassemble the outlets. This is done to save space inside your vault. Be sure to leave the safety mechanism in tact, this hides the servo's plug from being seen.

The safety mechanism needs to stay still. Use superglue if necessary. 

Step 3: Removing Protruding Objects

If any protruding objects are present, cut them off by using your trusty rotary tool (Dremel).

Step 4: Installing the Hinge

Disassemble the wall outlet (removing the cover) then screw the hinge on. 

Step 5: Making Way for the Hinge

The hinge requires extra space in order to turn 90°. Get your metal file and file off the excess plastic.You can now screw the hinge on your wall.

Step 6: Epoxy the Servo (Lock Mechanism)

Glaze the servo's bottom with epoxy and superglue, go crazy! LOL :)) 

Hot glue the servo's 3 pin plug on the wall outlet's safety mechanism. 

Step 7: Grinding the Terminal Box

Measure the distance of the servo's arm. Transfer the measurements to the plastic terminal and grind off some plastic for the servo's arm to latch on something. 

Be sure to grind it in a slightly slanted manner. This helps the servo's arm to have a better grip on the terminal block. 

Step 8: Establish a Connection With Your Servo

1st.) Make a 3 pin male plug - for connecting to the servo (electronic lock mechanism)
2nd.) Follow your servo's datasheet and connect the wires to the proper Arduino pin. 
3rd.)  Yellow Wire - To Digital Pin #9
4th.)  Brown Wire - Ground Pin
5th.)  Red Wire - 5v Pin


Watch the video for more detailed instructions :D

Step 9: The Arduino Codes

1st.) Download the codes below then upload the sketch/ codes to your Arduino
2nd.) Press "CTRL + Shift + M" to open the serial monitor
3rd.) Enter "O" top open latch - "C" to close latch

Suggestions, Tips & Tricks:
1st.) Use tact buttons + digital pins, instead of using the PC's serial monitor.
2nd.) Add a auto-lock delay for the servo to close automatically after opening.
_________________________________________________________________

The Raw Codes (if you are too lazy to download the sketch):

//Coded By: Angelo S. Casimiro (a.k.a ASCAS)
//Copyright Rule Applies - Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)

//Instructions:
//Press "CTRL + Shift + M" to access serial monitor
//Enter: 'O' To Open Lock - 'C' To Close (not case sensitive)

#include

Servo myservo;
char gar;
//------------------Setup---------------------
void setup() {
myservo.attach(9); // Connect Servo To Pin #9
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.print("Enter: 'O' To Open Lock - 'C' To Close \n");
}
//------------------Loop---------------------
void loop() {if(Serial.available()){gar = Serial.read();Serial.println(gar);Serial.println("\nEnter: 'O' To Open Lock - 'C' To Close ");delay(1000);}

if (gar == 'c' || gar == 'C' || gar == 'close'){ //If "C" is entered, close the latch
myservo.write(0);
/*myservo.write(150);delay(5000);  //Command servo to auto-lock after 5 secs.
[Remove this comment tag for Servo Auto Lock Code - Suggested by: marhar]
*/
}

else if (gar == 'o' || gar == 'O' || gar == 'open'){ //If "O" is entered, close the latch
myservo.write(150);
}

}


Attachments

Secret Doors and Compartments Contest

Runner Up in the
Secret Doors and Compartments Contest

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Third Prize in the
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Participated in the
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