Hey everyone! I wanted to share a fun project I recently completed for my niece, who’s a physical therapist. She was looking for an affordable alternative to the Blazepod reflex training system, which can be quite expensive. After some research and brainstorming, I came up with a DIY solution using cheap LED puck lights from Amazon. Here’s how it went down!
The Goal:
The idea was to create a system where pressing one light would trigger another to turn on, simulating the reflex training exercises used in sports. The challenge was to connect multiple devices wirelessly without needing a hub like Hubitat, which was too pricey.
The Setup:
I decided to use Arduino for the switch input and a relay to control the lights. For communication between the devices, I opted for Wi-Fi modules since they’re more cost-effective than Bluetooth. The plan was to have a central unit act as a router, allowing all the devices to communicate without needing an external router. This would make the system portable and easy to set up anywhere.
The Technical Stuff:
I started by experimenting with MQTT as the communication protocol. MQTT seemed like a solid choice because it’s lightweight and perfect for IoT devices. However, I ran into some issues with the device discovery process in Home Assistant. Turns out, getting the camera and sensors to register properly wasn’t straightforward. After some troubleshooting and help from the community, I got everything up and running!
The Results:
The system worked beautifully! My niece was thrilled with how it performed. The lights responded instantly, and the wireless setup made it easy to rearrange the configuration for different exercises. Best of all, the total cost was a fraction of what the commercial system would have been.
Tips for Anyone Trying Something Similar:
- Start Small: Test your setup with just two or three lights before scaling up. This helps identify any issues early on.
- Choose the Right Modules: Wi-Fi modules can be finicky, so do your research and pick ones with good reviews.
- Keep It Simple: Unless you’re an experienced coder, stick to basic protocols and avoid overcomplicating things.
- Community Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Forums like this are goldmines of knowledge and advice!
This project was a fantastic learning experience, and I’m proud that it made a real difference for my niece’s practice. If anyone has questions or wants to share their own DIY projects, I’d love to hear about them!
Cheers,
[Your Name]