Exploring Custom IoT Projects with Arduino and Raspberry Pi

The spirit of invention is alive and well in many households today, fueled by the enthusiasts who integrate advanced technology into everyday life. From entertainment centers to smart home systems, Raspberry Pis and Arduinos have become powerful tools for creating innovative projects.

Raspberry Pi in My Daily Life

I've got a few Raspberry Pis in use around my house, each serving different purposes. The most useful one is currently running several software packages in a manner that suits my needs rather than as a traditional prototyping device. Here are some of the projects I've set up:

Pi-Hole - An Ad Blocker

Pi-Hole is a powerful ad blocker that I've configured to run on this Raspberry Pi. By setting the router's DNS server to the Pi's IP address, all internet traffic is routed through it. Pi-Hole has a list of domains that host ads, which it blocks. For all other requests, the Pi delegates the DNS resolution to another DNS server. This setup not only enhances my browsing experience by eliminating ads but also ensures that my devices remain secure and free from potential malware.

Tautulli - A Social Media Dashboard

Tautulli is a dashboard that provides statistics and graphs related to my Plex Media Server. Through Tautulli, I can monitor everything from my video streams to my broadcast habits. It's a valuable tool for tracking my media consumption and improving my home entertainment experience. The data provided by Tautulli helps me make informed decisions about content management and system optimization.

Mosquitto - An MQTT Broker for IoT Devices

Mosquitto is an MQTT broker that I use to integrate various IoT devices with HomeSeer. I've built some custom IoT devices using NodeMCU microcontrollers, which report temperature and humidity levels. I've also integrated control of my gas fireplace and garage door openers through HomeSeer. MQTT serves as an intermediary, allowing me to easily manage these devices from a central interface.

Arduino Projects That Impress

I've utilized Arduinos for a variety of projects, each showcasing the device's flexibility and ease of use. Here are a few examples:

Antique Car Windshield Wiper Controller

One of my most interesting projects involved modifying an antique 1936 Dodge to include a second wiper. Initially, the car had one wiper powered by vacuum, but there wasn't room for another linkage. By installing two electric motors and using an Arduino to coordinate the motors, I achieved two speeds and a variable delay intermittent operation.

Remote Water Tank Level Monitor

I've created a level sensor for my domestic water tank using 3D-printed brackets and float switches. This sensor is connected to a small Zigbee radio powered by a rechargeable battery and a small solar panel. In the house, there's a small box equipped with an Arduino Zigbee radio and display. The display shows the water level, and a sound alarm is activated if the level is low or if the level falls rapidly, indicating a leak or an open faucet.

Turn Signal Cancellation Unit

In my sports car, I installed an automatic turn signal cancellation unit. This device uses a shaft encoder mounted next to the steering shaft and a 3D-printed gear set to detect steering movements. An Arduino in a small box is programmed to perform the turn signal cancelation function based on these inputs.

8x8x8 Blue LED Cube

One of my most impressive projects is an 8x8x8 blue LED cube. I constructed this cube using 512 blue LEDs, along with multiplexing logic to control which LEDs are illuminated. I wrote firmware to create a variety of animated effects in the cube, ranging from simple animations to complex patterns.

If you're interested in any of these projects or have questions about how they work, I'd be delighted to provide more details. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just starting out, there are countless possibilities with Raspberry Pis and Arduinos. Dive in, and join the community of inventors shaping the future of technology at home.