Introduction: LittleBits Remote Crib Communicator
New parents need all the help they can get. This Remote Crib Communicator sends a text message to your phone when baby is awake and fussing. To quiet her, use the Cloud Control app on your phone to wirelessly turn on the mobile above the crib. Baby gets entertained, parents get a little more sleep.
Make this project with littleBits
littleBits is the easiest and most extensive way to learn and prototype with electronics. We are making hardware limitless with our award-winning, ever-growing library of electronic modules, ranging from the very simple (power, sensors, LED) to the very complex (wireless, programmable). This project uses the littleBits cloudBit (TM). The cloudBit lets you connect any device to the internet, turning any object into an internet connected device in a snap – no soldering, wiring or programming required. Instructions for setting up the cloudBit can be found here.
How it works:
When the sound trigger hears a noise, it sends a pulse through the cloudBit to IFTTT. IFTTT (if this then that) is a service that lets you connect to different web apps through simple conditional statements. IFTTT reads this trigger and outputs an action, in this case a text message to the parent. We used IFTTT’s littleBits and SMS channels to make this interaction happen.
To activate the baby mobile remotely, simply press the button on Cloud Control. This will send a message to the cloudBit to activate the servo. With the littleBits IFTTT channel, you can also control how long the mobile stays on for as well as the speed at which it spins.
Files You Will Need:
Remote_Crib_Communicator_circuit.jpg
Remote_Crib_Communicator-laser_cut.ai
Remote_Crib_Communicator-laser_cut.pdf
Bits Needed:
littleBits cloudBit (1)
littleBits USB power (1)
littleBits Sound Trigger (1)
littleBits Servo (1)
Materials Needed:
Clear acrylic (thickness: ⅛ inch, 12 x12)
White acrylic (thickness:⅛ inch, 12 x12)
Transparent paper(letter size)
M3x0.5x8MM SLOT FLAT(50M030050H008) x 1
M3x0.5x8MM HEX NUT (04M030050HN) x 1
Tools Needed:
Color printer
Electric drill
Laser cutter
Scissor
Screw driver
Visit the littleBits project page for more DIY project ideas
Step 1: Create the Graphic
Begin by printing out the graphics.
The top layer should be printed on transparent paper, and the bottom layer should be printed on matte paper. Then cut them out so you have circles.
Step 2: Cut Out the Mobile Structure
Using the attached cut template [Remote Crib Communicator-laser cut], cut out the mobile structure. We used acrylic and a laser cutter to make our mobile, but you can use any materials and tools available to you.
Then fix the bottom layer graphic to the structural backing you just cut.
Step 3: Install the Servo in the Center of Your Mobile
Place the servo in its corresponding cutout, and then use small plastic screws and nuts secure it in place. Replace the servo arm with the round servo attachment that comes with the module.
Step 4: Add the Second Graphic Layer
Place the top layer graphic over the round servo arm, and secure down both with the small screw.
Note: you may want to use a glue dot to secure the top graphic to the servo arm better before adding the screw.
Step 5: Build the Circuit: USB Power + Sound Trigger + CloudBit + Servo
Use littleBits Adhesive Shoes to stick the whole circuit to the back of the mobile.
Next, set up your cloudBit if you haven’t already. You can find information about how to do this here: littlebits.cc/cloudstart.
Step 6: Hang the Mobile on a Crib Arm.
We disassembled a cheap baby mobile from the store, and kept the crib arm, but you could also make your own. Hang your new littleBits crib communicator on the crib arm, and make sure it s nice and secure.
Step 7: Attach the Power Adapter Cable.
Drill small holes along the arm of baby crib holder.
Line the power adapter along the arm and secure in place with zipties through the holes you drilled. This will make the power adapter sit flat and look clean.
Step 8: Install the Crib Communicator Above the Crib
Now, when the sound trigger hears a noise, it sends a pulse through the cloudBit to IFTTT. IFTTT reads this trigger and outputs an action, in this case a text message to the parent. We used IFTTT’s littleBits and SMS channel to make this interaction happen.
To activate the baby mobile remotely, simply use Cloud Control on your phone or computer. This will send a message to the cloudBit to activate the servo. With the littleBits IFTTT channel, you can control how long the mobile stays on for as well as the speed at which it spins.
