This project is the start of my delve into automation. I chose the Raspberry Pi as the "brains" of this operation because the GPIO has so many different applications and the on-board WIFI/Bluetooth. My Intro to prototyping class challenged me to create a prototype that is human centered and in that I needed to be able to center the automation part of my project around an individual. This is when I had the idea of having a dorm room that can be personalized to a particular roommate. Overall, this project uses the Raspberry Pi and an RFID scanner to identify the individual and do a series of actions (turn on and off lights in this project) to personalize the room.

Step 1: The Tools and Supplies

The Tools

Things to run the Raspberry Pi (https://www.raspberrypi.org/learning/hardware-guide)

Soldering Kit (http://a.co/0sApLDF)
Rainbow Cable (http://a.co/6vXsNXV)
Crimping Kit (http://a.co/6vXsNXV)
Female Jumper Cables (http://a.co/7Zq0VYD)
Command Stripes (http://a.co/i2P4hUR)
3D Printer (Optional)

The Supplies

Raspberry Pi with Case and Appropriate Power Supply (http://a.co/1exaycw)

Wireless Card Reader (https://www.monkmakes.com/cck)
Micro SD Card (http://a.co/ccdcO5a)
Wireless Switches (http://a.co/j0HuIhV)
433MHz Transmitter and Receiver (http://a.co/aOTKkQU)

Step 2: Hardware

I started with the Clever Card Kit book and then watched the video above in order to connect the Pi to the RF Transmitter and Receiver.

Step 3: Wiring the Pi

The wires in this project can become a bit of a mess so I took this step to make it a bit more organized.

Step 4: The Code

Parts of this code come from the different resources within the instructable. It basically defines what device(s) goes with what person and then it goes into a loop of checking to see which card is being scanned (which person is interacting).

You should start by going through the start up part of the Clever Card Kit book and then drag and drop these files into the folder supplied by the book.

The two parts that would be changed from user to user would be the "ID ==" and the "os.system" lines. The first is where the ids of RF cards go [you can read the id using the clever_card_kit directory (folder)]. The second part needs to be given the codes that where explained in the "RF 433" video shown in the hardware step.

Note: The codes are blurred out in the images for privacy reasons.

Step 5: Running It!

I follow the procedure shown above in order to use the code without a display but find a place where it is easily accessible and use command stripes to attach it. The lights should turn on/off with the scan of a card. I look forward to expanding this project with more devices.

When testing, users loved how easy it was to use the scanner and said it reacted almost immediately. The only time where users differed in opinion was when it came to using a key card and some preferred the dongle (on keys or in wallet). So, before you go to order parts make sure to figure out what your users would use before ordering RF cards.