Project goal:
Open my dorm room door automatically using the handicap system already in place.
There is a common blue button inside my dorm room that opens the door when pushed. I cannot rewire the system, since it is a college dorm (and I would be completely lost/that would be a bad idea).
So the idea is to make a device that will push the button for me. This way, if I am outside my door, I can open it without my key.
Here is the part I need help with. I would like to design this by myself so I can learn all about IR, RF, circuitry, motors, dc, ac, and whatever else comes my way. Before I start buying parts though, I would like to find out if I am completely off my rocker in terms of the direction I plan on going in.
The Plan: buy a relatively weak dc motor from ebay/amazon that will run off of no more than 2-4 batteries. Maybe buy two weak motors to work in tandem pushing on the same spot. Use some gears to convert that motor rotation into a push on a specific spot. The handicap button does not need to be pressed in the center, in fact it is easier to press it near the corners (it has four activating points, one in each corner, all of which open the door independently from what I can see). I will probably need to find a way to get this device to stay put on the button. Maybe I will have to use a clamp, or as a last result, drill it to the wall.
So is this a really dumb way of achieving my goal, or should I start buying? From what I can tell, the force required to activate the system is actually quite larger than I initially expected. Assuming the force is the same as most public handicap buttons need, do you think a cheap $5-10 motor would be able to cut it? I'm having serious doubts. Also, would taking a bunch of motors from computer fans give me anything usable?
As is probably obvious from this post, my knowledge of all things electrical is close to nothing, sadly. But that is why I really want to go through with this. Once I get something that works, then I will worry about the IR or RF and stopping the device after the door is open.
this is the kinda button I mean if it is unclear:http://image.shutterstock.com/displ...13,1/stock-photo-handicap-button-14527534.jpg
Open my dorm room door automatically using the handicap system already in place.
There is a common blue button inside my dorm room that opens the door when pushed. I cannot rewire the system, since it is a college dorm (and I would be completely lost/that would be a bad idea).
So the idea is to make a device that will push the button for me. This way, if I am outside my door, I can open it without my key.
Here is the part I need help with. I would like to design this by myself so I can learn all about IR, RF, circuitry, motors, dc, ac, and whatever else comes my way. Before I start buying parts though, I would like to find out if I am completely off my rocker in terms of the direction I plan on going in.
The Plan: buy a relatively weak dc motor from ebay/amazon that will run off of no more than 2-4 batteries. Maybe buy two weak motors to work in tandem pushing on the same spot. Use some gears to convert that motor rotation into a push on a specific spot. The handicap button does not need to be pressed in the center, in fact it is easier to press it near the corners (it has four activating points, one in each corner, all of which open the door independently from what I can see). I will probably need to find a way to get this device to stay put on the button. Maybe I will have to use a clamp, or as a last result, drill it to the wall.
So is this a really dumb way of achieving my goal, or should I start buying? From what I can tell, the force required to activate the system is actually quite larger than I initially expected. Assuming the force is the same as most public handicap buttons need, do you think a cheap $5-10 motor would be able to cut it? I'm having serious doubts. Also, would taking a bunch of motors from computer fans give me anything usable?
As is probably obvious from this post, my knowledge of all things electrical is close to nothing, sadly. But that is why I really want to go through with this. Once I get something that works, then I will worry about the IR or RF and stopping the device after the door is open.
this is the kinda button I mean if it is unclear:http://image.shutterstock.com/displ...13,1/stock-photo-handicap-button-14527534.jpg
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