pentabutton: a smart cabin input device
All of my stuff was packed up and moved. During that process, the computer I used as a controller for my "smarthome", failed and needed to be replaced. It was when I went looking for the code that ran the input controller, that I realized that I never documented the device or put the code in a repo somewhere. It was time to start from scratch.
The previous machine was a raspberry pi model A with some custom python to watch for button presses and do stuff based on those presses. For the rebuild, I decided to emulate the functionality using the same 5 original buttons and python running on a Rasberry Pi Pico, and encase it all in a small pentagonal wooden box.
before I forget: pentabutton code
Where Design Happens
Like many other designs, this one happened where there was a pencil and something to draw on. A piece of plywood for example.
Possibly Not The Final Design
Measure once, maybe don't really measure at all, cut a bunch! During the build process, I made 2 pentagon frames.
The first one was too small to hold the arcade buttons. That's what I get for not measuring. :/
Ready For Electronics Assembly
Once I had the proper measurements, a base was added to the pentagonal face, and the whole case was sanded.
Checking Fitment
Trying to figure out how to mount the Pico was a pain that would have been lessened if I took
'mounting microcontroller' into consideration when making the initial design. :)
Cigar Box Mounting Plate
The mounting issue was solved by added a plate in a corner of the case, and glueing the Pico to the plate.
It is ugly, but functional and no one will ever see it… except for everyone reading this.
Finalizing Code And Fixing Bugs
The biggest bug in this build, the one thing that caused me the most headaches and generated the most swearing,
was my soldering abilities. Almost every solder point had to be repeated at least once.
Where It Belongs
The pentabutton is now on the wall, where it is easy to access.
Each button has a short press action and a long press action; for 10 actions in total. All of the actions control either the lights or media in my cabin.
If you had a 10 action device for controlling your home, what would those actions be?
jezra