I understand that I may need to use non-Aqara products or a mix of both Aqara and non-Aqara to accomplish this, but all ideas are welcome. If I can accomplish this wish aqara products, that would be great.
I have two ~55g bins for trash and recycling and as a mobility impaired, disabled person, I cannot move these bin across the 30-40 feet (~9-12m) of grass and down the (small) hill Sunday and up BY 8PM (per HOA- I HATE HOA). I don’t mind a NodeMCU relay on the post (I have several NodeMCU and Wemos D1 Mini that I could throw Tasmota on). The project box next to where the bins live 6 days a week can be AAx2, AAx3, AAx4 powered or Li-ion w/solar (‘eternal’ power).
I want Trash & Recycling bins to either report their approximate distance (within 10-15ft [~3-4.5 meters] by measuring radio strength- unless a better method is proposed).
A system where the bin simply stop reporting when put out isn’t acceptable. The bins only need to transmit to the hub (6 days a week, they are within 6-10 ft [generally 1-8ft], on the other side of the 30-40ft).
I thought about a simple tilt sensor, but it seemed inadequate as it would only show tld, but it would be hard to program location of the bins based on that.
The algorithm can be quite simple.
One door opening sensor on the lid.
1- the trash can is in a constant position “lid closed” when it is at home.
Automation - at a certain time every Saturday (in advance as you need, you choose yourself) the automation of the reminder “garbage must be taken out” (lid sensor closed), note, automation is one-time.
2- the garbage has been taken out and is waiting to be picked up, at the moment when the box starts moving, the lid is opened then closed (there is a lid change, dynamic) when the service picks up the garbage.
Automation - the lid is closed (open) a notification is sent “take the box, it is empty” (set the automation work period to Saturday, when garbage is picked up).
Note, the automation turns off at the time you choose (it’s better for you to know when you practically +/- bring the box.
This is my option, cheap and functional in my opinion.
If it suits you, then write, I will make working automations.
I doubt you live in Denmark but here is a similar thread with a solution to the problem of awareness about recycling. Perhaps there is a similar solution in your region.
That’s not a bad idea. They are accessed repeatedly and doesn’t help with return, but signal strength may be enough, I’ll do testing if my wife can stay out of the hospital long enough. Not a perfect solution, but just might work… my favorite!
We can use a cheap E1 gateway with a USB input, 5 volt solar batteries will ensure trouble-free operation.
Or you can also use a G5 camera, both WIFI and PoE (if there is a possibility to run the cable). In this case, you would have additional surveillance and a gateway in the yard.
