Hi all! So I have decided to do a home improvement project on Arduino. I want to add something in my house that can make it seem more futuristic. I looked at many satirical shows to see what people are thinking defines a home as futuristic, but so far nothing has really interested me. I want something more obvious and less behind the scenes than a security system or a glorified smoke detector.
I need something that will make people walk through the door and say WOW that looks cool or What does that do or Woah thats hi-tech!
There's one catch though:
It needs to be cheap. Idc how hard it is or how much labor it will require, as long as it doesn't cost more than 100 dollars. I already have an arduino uno and an assortment of common parts.
So thanks in advance and help me make my home seem like it's from the Jetsons
Depends on what you are looking for. Do you want flashy lights set up in a cool way, displays, or automation.
Any can be done in that price range I think.
If it's the former, with lights, it is really easy with Arduino.
If it's the later, it is more work to be feasible. In which case you can ponder on what mechanical motions are done around the house often, and which ones could be safe to automate.
Take a look at [u]SmartHome.com[/u]. They sell home automation products and you might get some ideas.
Do you have a Roomba? It's more than $100 but I'd say it's futuristic and if it's running when people come over, they'll notice it!
...This is kind-of "behind the scenes", but I've got an X-10/Insteon system that turns on & off lights lights on a schedule (plus one light on a motion sensor). I've got about 10 lights & outlets on the system, and there are a couple of manual remote controls in addition to the programmed "master controller".
Programmed lights aren't really that "futuristic "though... I've had that basic system for about 30 years!
You can't do much with $100. It will cost about that much to buy an Arduino and put it in a box/enclosure with a power supply, some connectors, and a few more electronics odds & ends. It's surprising how the little parts add up.
The best tech will be hardly noticeable. But with lots of RGB leds you can go from sensible lighting to light show.
For under $100 you could build a good size infinity mirror. Near useless but very impressive.
OTOH try working on learning sensors, states and state changes, and then logging. Then motors and servos while along the way learn enough DC electric to power those without burning the house down. Then you can make piece by piece the automation that saves energy or keeps the house conditioned.
