This is going to be my first project. I got the idea to be lazy and hook an actuator to an arduino to basically push my lock closed so I dont have to lock the door myself. I would also like to have it controled with an RF fob.
So basically. I leave and close the door. Push the button. The actuator goes out closes the lock, then return to the home position. In a perfect world I will have it battery powered instead of wall powered.
Ive done some research and have most parts specced out. But I want to make sure I got everything right before ordering/building.
Im thinking an Arduino Uno as the microcontroller.
Does the Arduino Uno need a motor shield of some sort?
Looking at this kit if it does:
This fob and reciever:
An actuator I havent found yet. But I assume it will be just power and ground? My understanding is that it is basically a servo that turns circular motion into linear.
Then a 9v battery clip with a barrel connector.
The goal is to leave this all tapped to my door in some sense.
I havent figured out the code yet but it should be too hard. Im not new to programming…
Does this look good or did I miss something critical? Will it all fit on just the Uno or do I need something bigger.
You need to choose the actuator before you can know what driver that you need.
A rectangular 9V smoke alarm will not supply much current. You need to calculate the current required by the circuit and choose a battery that will power the circuit for as long as you need between charges.
Great suggestion! There was one on the basement door of a house we owned in Portland. House was built in 1948 and the latch was salvaged from a structure built in the 1930's. So they have been around for many generations and work flawlessly.
In addition, they have the advantage of allowing the door to be opened with a key in the knob. That also makes it possible for emergency services to open the door to rescue you body!
Our door used a hidden pushbutton to unlock the door.
