Author: Brendan Lester

MQTT Gateway

Brendan Lester

I choose an MQTT gateway over an Ethernet one so it could be connected to the network anywhere in the house and not be tethered to a specific device. Built using instructions at MySensors. Parts include: Arduino Nano NRF24L01+PA+LNA wireless module W5100 LAN Ethernet Shield When I originally wanted to add MY_SIGNING_SOFT, there wasn’t enough memory available on the Nano for that and the MQTT code. Answer: trick the Nano into thinking it’s an Uno and it frees up more memory. My experiences and more information available in the MySensors…

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Daikin Heat Pump

Brendan Lester

Highlights Powered by Daikin Direct injection to Daikin IR Receiver (no IR blaster) Direct feedback OpenHAB controlled to activate for heat when below 11 degrees and room has been marked as in use. Opposite will occur when I code for the opposite in summer time here. Heat pump remote can still be used and OpenHAB syncs to its state   WARNING: This build works around high voltage and directly injects into your heat pump. My Company and I accept no liability whatsoever for your own well being or that of…

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TV Backlight

Brendan Lester

Highlights 5050 RGB LED strip 12V power supply 12V for the LED Strip LM2596 buck to drop the 12v down to 5v for the Arduino (because the node itself is left on all the time, I figured the buck is more efficient) RFP30N06LE Mosfets I originally thought I wouldn’t be a fan of light behind the TV. This was due to a friends mum always  placing an old lamp behind an old CRT. The eyes just never liked it. However, I was blown away instantly by how much better it…

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Garage Door

Brendan Lester

Hacked Merlin garage door opener. Consisting of MySensors Actuator circuit for controlling open/close and light 2 x Binary Sensor (for Open and Closed status) Powered by the Merlin door opener with LM2596 buck to drop 16v down to 5v Includes home temperature backbone for sensors in the garage, attic, outdoor and in the gas heater cavity (more for single sensor convenience and power source reuse than anything else) Automatically opens the garage when I return home on my scooter via OwnTracks, and notifying OpenHAB via MQTT when I travel through…

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IronmanBlast8 vs Hamish 555 – an Arcade Machine

Brendan Lester

After a step back in time when visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame in Vegas, we decided to make an Arcade machine for Xmas 2015. The basic outline started off as a piece of paper hung on the wall and then onto cutouts made from MDF. From there the sides and base were glued together and things started to take shape (and get heavier). Other bits of wood were glued and screwed to the inside to secure other panels required in several steps time e.g. top, speaker panel, back panel.…

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