Introduction: High-tech Birdhouse
High-tech Birdhouse
Step 1: Woodworking
Decide on birdhouse dimensions; 8 by 8 by 10 is recommended. Obtain wood and mark areas where cuts need to be made. Use a plexi-glass for one of the birdhouse's walls. Once cut, sand each piece (not including the plexi-glass).
Step 2: Paint
Spray paint the birdhouse in a color of your choice. Do not paint the plexi-glass side.
Step 3: Arduino Board
Using your computer and Arduino software, program an Arduino to power LED lights. In this case, 6 blinking lights were used.
Attachments
Step 4: Laser Etching
Use laser etching software to create a unique design. The design should be etched onto the plexi-glass.
Step 5: Holes
Drill a bird-sized hole into the front of the birdhouse. Also, drill a small hole on the back; this is for the Arduino USB cord.
Step 6: Birdbath
Use 3D printing software (preferably OnShape) to print a bird bath/water dish.
Step 7: Roof
Obtain small sticks. Determine the desired roof dimensions and cut the sticks to that size. 17 were used in this case. Tie the sticks together using a hot glue gun and string. The design should mirror a thatched roof. Cut an additional 4 sticks to go on the birdhouse's 4 corners. This is used for decoration and to hide any deformities. Completely cover the 4 corner sticks in string.
Step 8: Construction
Use nails and a hand drill to construct the birdhouse. This is a two-person job. For the plexi-glass side, begin with your drill in reverse to melt the glass. This will prevent cracking. Hot glue 1 side of the roof the walls. Also, hot glue the for corners sticks to their respective corners. Place the Arduino board and bird bath inside the finished birdhouse.