Harold the Undead IoT Hamster

An internet controlled and tracked zombie hamster!

Step 1: Overview

Overview
Below a quick overview of the content.

• Introduction and showcase video
• Creating the internet controlled Hamster
• Setting up the internet tracked Hamster wheel
• Challenging the Internet - Can you run more than a hamster?

We're going to use the following parts:

• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B -- 2x

• Adafruit Magnetic contact switch -- 1x

• Adafruit Standard LCD - 16x2 White on Blue -- 1x

• Adafruit DC and Stepper Motor HAT for Raspberry Pi -- 1x

• Raspberry Pi Camera Module -- 1x

• OpenBuilds NEMA 17 Stepper Motor -- 1x

• Power Adaptor -- 1x

• Toothed Belt -- 1x

• Hamster Wheel -- 1x

and the following software services:

• ThingSpeak API

• LetsRobot.tv

Step 2: Introduction and Showcase Video

Our hamster Harold has passed away, and we miss him very much. Instead of getting a new hamster, we've decided to build one, but this time he will be controlled and tracked by the internet!

TL;DR
You can control him here on LetsRobot, and you can find the live data here on Thingspeak.

Step 3: Creating the Internet Controlled Hamster

Wiring the stepper motor, attaching the motor hat and running the example code brings our creation to life!

Undead hamster running in his wheel, check! Let's move on the the internet controlled bit. We're not going to reinvent the hamster wheel, so here's a neat guide on setting up a Pi Camera, and connecting everything to Let's Robot, the internet controlled robot platform.

Step 4: Setting Up the Internet Tracked Hamster Wheel

Next step, tracking how far our less-than-living pet runs.

This setup is very much based on our previous project: An IoT Hamsterwheel made using a Raspberry Pi and a magnetic door sensor.

Step 5: -- Challenging the Internet -- Can You Run Further Than a Hamster?

Let's find out!

The controls are right here.