Hello everyone! I wanted to share my recent project with the Particle Photon and get your thoughts on how to take it further. I’ve always been interested in automation, and when I came across the Particle Photon, I knew it was the perfect tool to create a smart pet feeder for my dog and cat.
The Setup
The project started with some basic components: a Particle Photon, a micro servo motor, and a simple plastic container. I followed a similar setup to the Spark Core Blinds project but made some adjustments to fit my needs. The servo motor was connected to the Photon, and I set up a SmartThings device type to control it remotely. The container was modified to hold treats, and the servo was programmed to dispense them when triggered.
My Experience
Getting everything connected was a bit of a challenge, especially figuring out the right servo motor settings. I ended up using a continuous rotation servo, which worked much better than the positional one I initially tried. The app integration was smooth, and controlling it via my phone was a breeze. I even added a small camera nearby to monitor the feeder, though integrating it directly with the Photon would have been ideal.
Tips I’ve Learned
- Battery Power: I switched to a lithium battery setup to make the feeder wireless, which was a great improvement.
- Servo Motor Choice: A continuous rotation servo provides more flexibility and reliability for dispensing treats.
- Enclosure Design: While the initial setup was functional, I realized a more durable and enclosed design would be better for long-term use.
Looking for Ideas
Now that the basics are working, I’m brainstorming ways to enhance it. Ideas include adding sensors to monitor the treat levels or integrating with a smart camera for better pet interaction. I’m also considering switching to a pre-made dispenser for ease of use while keeping the Particle Photon as the control hub.
If anyone has suggestions or similar projects they’ve worked on, I’d love to hear about them! This project has been a fun way to explore the capabilities of the Particle Photon and improve my DIY skills. Let me know your thoughts!