Introduction: Smart Mailbox

Don't you hate the feeling when you need to go outside to check your mail but there's nothing in there? Me too! This is why I made a smart mailbox.

The mailbox will have a live website that shows if there is mail in your mailbox. It also shows packages and the current temperature. It's being runned on a raspberry pi using the newest technology.

These are the features of the mailbox

  • Live website
  • Database
  • Open mailbox with rfid badge
  • Automatic doorlock
  • Text notifications

Supplies

  • Raspberry pi 4
  • LM35 temperature sensor
  • LDR sensor
  • RFID (RC522)
  • HC-SR04 ultra distance sensor
  • LCD-display
  • Powersupply
  • Jumper wire
  • resistor
  • 2 neopixel rings
  • 2 servo motor
  • 2 magnetic contact sensors
  • Buzzer

Attachments

Step 1: Testing Electronics

Now that you have acquired the supplies, you can start building your electronics. I have provided the fritzing scheme and some pictures from my build. Try building as compact as possible.

Now you can test every sensor and see how they work.

Step 2: Database

Before you start coding you should make a database where you can store data from your mailbox.

I made 4 tables

  • Action
  • Device
  • Historic
  • Content
  • (Extra) Separate table with user logins

Action: Type of action the mailbox did

Device: Type of sensor that is activated

Historic: The actual values from every sensor

Context: Type of context in mailbox (letters or package)

Step 3: Coding

After you have tested every sensor you can start embedding the code into one big code. The code contains a backend, frontend and database.

The code is also provided in my github link. Make sure to check your GPIO pins are the same as in the code.

Software github link: https://github.com/howest-mct/2022-2023-projectone-SeynaeveMilan

Step 4: 3D Prints

You can 3D-print some cases for some electronic parts. I used these 3D-prints.

RFID case: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3757940/files

LCD case: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3140398

HC-SR04: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2319516/files

Door lock: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:465349

Github: https://github.com/howest-mct/2022-2023-projectone-SeynaeveMilan

Step 5: Building Your Housing

Before I started making my houding I made a 3D sketch of my mailbox. This contains dimensions and how you should build it.

I made the mailbox out of mdf wood and 3D printed some parts to hold my electronics and doorlock. I will provide the links to the 3D-prints.

After you build the housing you can start adding the electronics one by one. I made a fake roof on top where I store my Raspberry Pi and breadboards.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

After you build your housing you can start testing everything so that it all runs smoothly. Make sure to ask someone if they want to test your mailbox! I'm sure they will find something you don't want!

Thank you for reading this post! Have fun!