2015-07-14 (Tu) Automated Aerator and Laser Show for Domestic House Pets

Scope creep reared its head with the light sensor. While this would be a great improvement it is not something that will be added at this time. Another improvement would be to put patterned paper in the clear container to hide the electronics. One more improvement could be remote buttons to manually activate the pump or laser. Infrared remote for manual laser pointing. Scope creep.

Programming changes were made to the timers so the pump was active for only a few seconds but more frequently. Same goes for the laser show. This same rig could be used to experiment with tracing paths using a laser for light graffiti but has not been used that way yet. This project will be finished when instructions are made.

A simple stand was made from PVC pipes and a right angle coupler. Pieces were taken from a disused structure lying around. Hot glue was used to adhere the clear baseball card case to the PVC stand. Rotational photography was used to get a better view of the object.

Case and PVC stand glued together

Rotational view of project

Arduino Code for servo/laser cat toy
OpenSCAD file for mirror/laser structure

To Do:
  • Create Arduino shield and structure
  • Build structure
  • Test pump
  • Attach power source
  • Add base
  • Add light sensor
  • Reprogram timers
  • Write instructions
    • Make a linkable parts list
    • Draw schematic 

The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.

First time here?

Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2



This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.

All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.

All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.

Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim claim property or assets based on their post.

This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.

2015-07-14 (Tu)

Comments