Interactive mailbox

[ShellNZ]

Have gone ahead and purchased a couple of things

http://www.hi-rezdesigns.com/store/product.php?productid=17624&cat=252&page=1

http://www.hi-rezdesigns.com/store/product.php?productid=17701&cat=251&page=1

Hopefully these should be all I need to create my interactive mailbox

 

[David_AVD]

Looks like you're on the right path.

 

[bluzervic]

Are you going to use that to trigger a G3-MP3 ? Or something else in mind ?

-Blu

 

[ShellNZ]

It has built in MP3

So the beam will pick up the movement and kick off the sound and lights hopefully

These 2 devices should be all that I need I think, other than little speaker and power.

 

[algerdes]

One thing I just thought of...
You might to want to make sure that any and all "donations" clear the beam. I've had envelopes stick in the slot, and if I had put a beam such as this in the box it would have gone off repeatedly.


(Of course, you can put a timeout on the triggered event.)

 

[ShellNZ]

Good thought, thanks for that!! As gareth mentioned in chat, I also may need to have a play with positioning of beam so theres no reflection setting it off as well

 

[fasteddy]

This was the reason I suggested a proximity switch and a flap because a proximity switch will detect a metal tab when the flap is raised to put money in. But positioning of the steel tab and proximity sensor would have to be thought of so if a note or coin does get stuck in the flap it wont go off.
Reflection within the mailbox will have to be a consideration when using a light beam sensor

 

[ShellNZ]

There is no flap

 

[fasteddy]

There is no flap

You would have to make one

But you have the light sensor on order so give that a go just knowing that you may have to reduce any refections inside the letterbox and that positioning will be important to ensure nothing obstructs the beam.

It should work either way as both ways will require some trial and error.

 

[Boof63]

can't wait to see the finished product (demo mode) will be fine, to see how it comes together.
cheers Boof63

 

[ShellNZ]

Yay, just about finished it. Im going to tidy up the wiring and paint the enclosure black.

Pics of mailbox.

Video at night

http://s126.photobucket.com/user/Toby3_photo/media/Xmas%20lighting/Props/IMG_2455_zps7be41f7b.mp4.html

 

[Superman]

Well done, that looks like hours of entertainment for $1

 

[AAH]

Looks good Shell

 

[logandc99]

That's come together really well. Looks great. Sound is nice and clear also.

 

[fasteddy]

That looks great. Im sure that will entice the people to want to donate