Integrating SmartThings with a Servo Motor for an Automated Toilet Flusher

I’ve been on a mission to automate my toilet flusher, and I’m thrilled to share my success story! :toilet: Here’s how I managed to integrate a servo motor with SmartThings to create a seamless automation setup.

The Challenge

I wanted to trigger a MG996R servo motor using SmartThings, but initially, I wasn’t sure how to connect it. I saw some_WIFI options using an ESP chip, but I was hoping for a simpler solution. The goal was to have the servo turn 180 degrees after 90 seconds of no motion, flush the toilet, and then return to its original position. Sounds fun, right? :smile:

The Solution

After some research and experimentation, I found that using a motion sensor and a simple rule in SmartThings worked perfectly! Here’s what I did:

  1. Hardware Setup: I mounted the servo motor inside the toilet tank, attaching it to the flush handle using a paperclip. This allows the servo to trigger the flush when activated.
  2. Automation Rule: I created a rule in SmartThings that checks for motion. If no motion is detected for 90 seconds, the servo motor turns 180 degrees, flushes the toilet, waits for 5 seconds, and then returns to its original position.
  3. Testing: The system works flawlessly! It’s a great example of how servos can be used for creative automation projects.

Why Servos?

Servos are incredibly versatile. They can handle a wide range of automation tasks, from opening and closing blinds to, in my case, flushing a toilet. I’m excited to explore more projects using servos in the future!

A Word of Thanks

I want to thank the SmartThings community for all the inspiration and guidance. Without your help, this project wouldn’t have been possible. If anyone has questions or needs assistance with similar projects, feel free to reach out! :handshake:

Happy automating! :rocket: