The Concept
The concept of this project is to create a robotic Christmas ornament that can be used to spy on presents under the Christmas tree. The robotic ornament will be powered by an Arduino board and will be equipped with a camera, wheels, and lights for night driving. The ornament will be able to transform into a wheeled vehicle, allowing it to move around the tree and take pictures of the presents.
Materials Needed
In order to build this project, the following materials are needed: an Arduino board, a servo motor, a camera, wheels, lights, and a battery. The servo motor will be used to lower the wheels so that the ornament can transform into a wheeled vehicle. The camera will be used to take pictures of the presents, and the lights will be used for night driving.
Building the Ornament
The first step in building the robotic ornament is to attach the servo motor to the Arduino board. This will allow the servo motor to be controlled by the Arduino board. The next step is to attach the camera to the ornament. This will allow the ornament to take pictures of the presents. The wheels and lights should also be attached to the ornament. The wheels will allow the ornament to move around the tree, and the lights will allow it to drive at night.
Programming the Arduino Board
Once the ornament has been built, the next step is to program the Arduino board. The Arduino board will need to be programmed to control the servo motor, camera, wheels, and lights. The servo motor will need to be programmed to lower the wheels so that the ornament can transform into a wheeled vehicle. The camera will need to be programmed to take pictures of the presents, and the wheels and lights will need to be programmed to move the ornament around the tree and drive at night.
Connecting to Wi-Fi
The final step in building the robotic ornament is to connect it to Wi-Fi. This will allow the live feed from the camera to be transferred over Wi-Fi to the user’s computer. Once the ornament is connected to Wi-Fi, the user will be able to control the ornament remotely and view the live feed from the camera.
Motion Gen
Motion Gen is a free website that allows users to prototype different kinds of linkages and mechanisms and animate them to visualize how they will work. It is a useful tool to test out and prototype the linkage system.
Sketch of the Ornament
A rough sketch of the Arduino-powered ornament was drawn up. It was to be hung on a Christmas tree branch and would be powered by an Arduino N Vision. Two drive motors were included for tank steering and a central motor was included for lowering the wheels. A winch motor was also included for lowering the ornament. A 9V battery and electronics were also included.
Mechanism of the Ornament
The mechanism of the ornament works by having the trap doors open and the wheels drop down when the position servo activates. The blue position servo turns 180 degrees to lift the two segments up. The green motors are continuous rotation servo motors and a hole is included for the bearing.
Prototyping in CAD
To model the ornament, CAD was used. This allowed for the visualization of the mechanism and the components. The CAD model was then used to create the actual ornament.
Design of the Arduino-powered Ornament
The Arduino-powered Ornament is a robotic device designed to spy under the Christmas tree. It is composed of several components, including a winch servo, an upper bridge, a top dome, a shell ring, and a bottom cap. The winch servo is used to pull a thin but strong fishing line, which is then guided through a 4mm hole in the upper bridge. This line is then connected to the top dome, which houses six LEDs for night driving. The shell ring attaches to the top half and houses the trap doors, which allow the Arduino-powered Ornament to spy under the tree.
Functionality of the Arduino-powered Ornament
The Arduino-powered Ornament is designed to be able to move around the Christmas tree and take pictures or videos of the presents underneath. It is equipped with a camera and a motion sensor, which allows it to detect movement and take pictures or videos accordingly. Additionally, it is equipped with an infrared light, which allows it to take pictures or videos in low light conditions. The Arduino-powered Ornament is also equipped with a Bluetooth module, which allows it to be controlled remotely.
Advantages of the Arduino-powered Ornament
The Arduino-powered Ornament offers several advantages over traditional surveillance methods. It is small and discreet, making it difficult to detect. Additionally, it is equipped with a camera and motion sensor, allowing it to take pictures or videos of the presents underneath the tree. Furthermore, its infrared light allows it to take pictures or videos in low light conditions. Finally, its Bluetooth module allows it to be controlled remotely, making it an ideal tool for spying under the Christmas tree.
Building the Ornament
Constructing an Arduino-powered ornament to spy under the Christmas tree requires a few components. To begin, hinges must be placed on the outside of the trap doors to allow them to open at an angle. This ensures that the wheels have enough clearance to touch the ground without the trap doors scraping against it. The trap doors are actuated using a string that is connected to the same servo. This lowers the ground and allows the trap doors to open. To return the trap doors to their original position, a simple rubber band is used to attach them to a hole in the frame.
Adding the Vision Board
To complete the project, a NI Vision Board is connected to a computer. This board is incredibly powerful and features onboard Wi-Fi and a small camera. This camera will be used to live stream footage over the internet and onto a screen. To do this, a script is run and an example is provided for an RTSP video server.
Testing the Ornament
Once the ornament is constructed, it is time to test it out. The script is run and the camera is activated. The live stream footage is then sent over the internet and onto the screen. The results are impressive and the ornament is ready to be placed under the Christmas tree.
Connecting to the Internet with Arduino-powered Ornament
Arduino-powered ornaments are becoming increasingly popular for Christmas decorations due to their ability to connect to the internet and provide a range of features. To enable this, the first step is to connect the ornament to the internet and obtain its IP address. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet. Once the IP address is obtained, the ornament can then be used to stream video over the internet and send commands to other devices.
Using VLC and FF Player for Streaming
Once the ornament is connected to the internet, it can then be used to stream video over the internet. To do this, the ornament needs to be configured to use a streaming protocol such as RTSP. However, due to the compression implemented in open MV, VLC may not be able to play the stream properly. To overcome this, FF Player can be used instead. This is a free, open source player that can be downloaded and launched from the command prompt. Once the IP address is entered, the live stream can be viewed. There may be a slight delay between the audio and video due to the stream, but this is to be expected with a small microcontroller.
Using MQTT for Command Sending
In addition to streaming video, the Arduino-powered ornament can also be used to send commands to other devices. This is done by adding commands to the board that can be read by MQTT. By using Node-RED and the dashboard, the ornament can be used to turn on or off lights, control a servo motor, or play music. This is just a small example of what can be done with the board, as it is capable of much more.
Assembling the Inner Mechanism
Once the internet connection and commands have been set up, the next step is to assemble the inner mechanism of the ornament. This involves connecting the various components such as the microcontroller, servo motor, and LEDs. It is important to ensure that all connections are secure and that the components are properly aligned. Once the assembly is complete, the ornament is ready to be used and can be placed under the Christmas tree.
Attaching the Servo Motors
The first step in constructing an Arduino-powered ornament for spying under the Christmas tree is to attach two continuous Servo Motors to the brackets. These motors come with white plastic rings, which can be secured with a bit of super glue and tape for added traction. The wheels should be at the same height level as the brackets, and the best way to check this is to lay the ornament flat on a table.
Position Servo
In addition to the continuous rotation Servo Motors, a position Servo is also required. This should be mounted to the bracket, and both should be able to move freely up and down for the wheels to be able to move. To get the servo into either 0o or 180, an Arduino Uno can be used, which has a sketch that will send the servo to one position and then to the other in a loop. This will occur every three seconds, allowing the ornament to move from one side to the next.
Adding Sensors
The next step is to add sensors to the ornament. This can be done by attaching an ultrasonic sensor, which will measure the distance between the ornament and the Christmas tree. Additionally, an infrared sensor can be used to detect movement and an accelerometer can be used to measure the speed of the ornament.
Programming the Arduino
Once the sensors have been attached, the Arduino needs to be programmed. This can be done by writing code that will allow the ornament to move around the tree and detect any movement or changes in speed. The code should also be able to detect any obstacles in the way, and the ornament should be able to avoid them.
Testing the Ornament
Once the Arduino is programmed, the ornament can be tested. This can be done by placing it under the Christmas tree and observing how it moves around. The sensors should be able to detect any movement or changes in speed, and the ornament should be able to avoid any obstacles in its path. If all goes well, the ornament will be able to spy on the Christmas tree without being detected.
Assembling the Arduino-Powered Ornament
The process of assembling an Arduino-powered ornament begins with attaching two little arms to the main assembly. The arms should be lined up with a hole in the main assembly, and the wheels should be lower down. This will allow the mechanism to drive out when the string is pulled from the outside.
Attaching the Winch Motor
The next step is to attach the winch motor to the main assembly. It is much easier to thread all of the wires through before screwing the assembly onto the top dome. Once the assembly is attached, all of the electronics can be put inside and the trap doors can be added.
Testing the Winch Motor
To test the winch motor, it can be hung from a top down filming rig and the Arduino can be attached. The Arduino will cause the motor to go one way for three seconds and the other way for three seconds. When powered on, the robot will go up slowly due to the force applied to the motor.
Overview of the Project
Project 14 is an initiative by the Element 14 Community, which allows electronics hobbyists to build projects and win prizes. This article focuses on the project of creating an Arduino-powered Christmas ornament that can be used for spying under the Christmas tree. The project involves assembling a mechanical structure, installing LEDs, and programming the Arduino.
Assembling the Mechanical Structure
The first step in the project is to assemble the mechanical structure of the ornament. This involves attaching a motor to the top half of the ornament and then attaching a shell ring to the bottom half. The motor is powerful enough to lift the entire ornament, which is an impressive feat. The shell ring is then attached to the bottom half of the ornament and rubber bands are used to tension the structure. This allows the trap doors to open and close when the motor is activated.
Installing LEDs
The next step in the project is to install LEDs into the ornament. This is done by soldering the LEDs onto the shell ring and then testing them to make sure they are working properly. Once the LEDs are installed, they can be used to provide illumination when the ornament is spying under the Christmas tree.
Programming the Arduino
The final step in the project is to program the Arduino. This involves writing code that will control the motor and the LEDs. The code must be written in such a way that the motor will lift the ornament and the LEDs will turn on when the motor is activated. Once the code is written, it can be uploaded to the Arduino and the ornament will be ready to spy under the Christmas tree.
Powering the Robot
To power the Arduino-powered ornament, a 9V battery is necessary. However, the voltage needs to be dropped to 5V to power the N Vision. To achieve this, a linear regulator is used. Additionally, a small MOSFET is used to control the six LEDs for the lights. This allows the robot to be driven at night, when no one is looking at the Christmas tree.
Controlling the Motors
To control the four servo motors, small transistors are added as the pins were not strong enough to drive the motors properly. This is due to the PWM signal not being sufficient. This is the most effective way to fix the issue.
Final Code
The final code used for the robot is relatively simple. It streams the video feed from the N Vision to the computer and sends commands over Wi-Fi. The code is based on the RTSP streamer and an MQTT client is used to receive the commands.
Arduino-powered Ornament for Spying Under the Christmas Tree
The prospect of being able to spy under the Christmas tree with an Arduino-powered ornament is an exciting one. This project is a great way to explore the possibilities of the Arduino platform and create a unique and fun piece of technology. The goal of the project is to create an ornament that can turn on and off lights, generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for servo motors, and live stream video.
Generating PWM for Servo Motors
Generating PWM for servo motors is a key component of the project. To do this, timers are used to create the PWM. The values for the PWM are then mapped so that the servo motor can move from one end point to the other as quickly or slowly as needed. The PWM values are parsed from the MQTT message that is received and then the PWM for the channel is updated accordingly.
Designing and Building the Ornament
Designing and building the ornament was a challenging process. The goal was to create a round shape, which was more difficult than if a square box had been used. Despite the difficulty, the project was a fun challenge and the end result was a great little robot.
Testing the Ornament
Testing the ornament revealed that not everything worked as planned. However, the project was still a success and the ornament was able to turn on and off lights, generate PWM for servo motors, and live stream video.
Overview of the Arduino-powered Ornament
The Arduino-powered Ornament is a unique Christmas decoration that is capable of spying on presents underneath the Christmas tree. It is 100 mm in diameter and weighs 300 G, making it a heavy ornament. The robot is equipped with wheels and a winch, allowing it to move around and return to the tree. It also has trap doors that can be opened and closed with a piece of tape. The robot is controlled by a camera rig, which allows for live streaming and audio delay.
Building the Arduino-powered Ornament
Constructing the Arduino-powered Ornament requires a few components. The main components are the Arduino board, the wheels, the winch, and the trap doors. The Arduino board is the main control unit and is used to control the other components. The wheels are used to move the robot around, while the winch is used to return it to the tree. The trap doors are used to open and close the robot, and can be secured with a piece of tape.
Testing the Arduino-powered Ornament
Before using the Arduino-powered Ornament to spy on presents, it must be tested on the bench. This is done by connecting the Arduino board to the wheels, winch, and trap doors. Once the robot is connected, it can be tested by winching it down and driving it around the bench. This will allow for any issues with the trap doors or other components to be identified and fixed.
Using the Arduino-powered Ornament
Once the Arduino-powered Ornament has been tested, it can be used to spy on presents underneath the Christmas tree. The robot is connected to a camera rig, which allows for live streaming and audio delay. This allows the user to control the robot and view the presents from a distance. The robot can be winched down and driven around the tree, allowing for a thorough examination of the presents.
The Arduino-Powered Ornament
The Arduino-powered ornament is a unique project that combines the creative elements of crafting with the technical aspects of programming. Using an Arduino Nvision board, the project allows users to construct a round-shaped ornament that can be used to spy on the presents under the Christmas tree. The board is small enough to fit into the ornament and is equipped with features such as motion detection and light sensing.
Building the Ornament
The process of building the ornament is both challenging and rewarding. It requires careful planning and precise measurements to ensure that all the components fit into the round shape. Additionally, the user needs to be aware of the size and weight of the components to ensure that the ornament is able to hang from the tree.
Programming the Ornament
The programming of the ornament is the most complex part of the project. The user needs to be familiar with the Arduino programming language and be able to write code that will enable the ornament to detect motion and light. Additionally, the user needs to be able to program the ornament to take pictures and stream video.
Testing the Ornament
Once the ornament is built and programmed, it is time to test it out. The user needs to find a dark room and set up the ornament on the Christmas tree. The user then needs to use the controls to drive the ornament around the tree and check for any presents underneath. The user can also test the motion detection and light sensing features to ensure that the ornament is working properly.
Upgrading the Ornament
The Arduino-powered ornament is a great project for those who are looking to learn more about programming and robotics. The user can continue to upgrade the ornament by adding additional features such as door opening and different sensors. This will allow the user to further customize the ornament and make it even more useful.
Overview of the Project
This project is about creating an Arduino-powered ornament that can be used to spy on the Christmas tree. The project was created by an engineer who wanted to make something special for the holiday season. The ornament is powered by an Arduino, which is a microcontroller board that can be programmed to do various tasks. The engineer used the Arduino to program the ornament to detect motion and then take a picture of the tree when it detects motion. The pictures are then sent to a computer or mobile device.
Components Used
The engineer used a variety of components to create the Arduino-powered ornament. These components include an Arduino Uno, a PIR motion sensor, a micro SD card, a USB cable, and a camera module. The PIR motion sensor is used to detect motion and the camera module is used to take pictures. The micro SD card is used to store the pictures and the USB cable is used to connect the Arduino to the computer or mobile device.
How It Works
The Arduino-powered ornament works by detecting motion and then taking a picture of the tree when it detects motion. The PIR motion sensor is used to detect motion and the camera module is used to take pictures. The pictures are then stored on the micro SD card and can be accessed by connecting the Arduino to a computer or mobile device using the USB cable. The pictures can then be viewed on the computer or mobile device.
Benefits of the Project
The Arduino-powered ornament provides a unique way to spy on the Christmas tree. It is a fun project that can be used to capture special moments during the holiday season. It also provides a way to monitor the tree for any intruders or mischief makers. The project is also a great way to learn about programming and electronics.
This project is a great way to add a bit of fun and excitement to the holiday season. With the help of an Arduino board, a servo motor, a camera, wheels, and lights, it is possible to build a robotic Christmas ornament that can be used to spy on presents under the Christmas tree. The ornament can be programmed to transform into a wheeled vehicle, allowing it to move around the tree and take pictures of the presents. Once the ornament is connected to Wi-Fi, the user will be able to control it remotely and view the live feed from the camera.
The Arduino-powered ornament is a great way to spy under the Christmas tree. With the help of Motion Gen, a sketch was created and prototyped in CAD. The mechanism works by having the trap doors open and the wheels drop down when the position servo activates. The blue position servo turns 180 degrees to lift the two segments up. The green motors are continuous rotation servo motors and a hole is included for the bearing. The Arduino-powered ornament is a great way to spy under the Christmas tree.
The Arduino-powered Ornament is an innovative device designed to spy under the Christmas tree. It is equipped with a camera and motion sensor, allowing it to take pictures or videos of the presents underneath the tree. Additionally, its infrared light allows it to take pictures or videos in low light conditions. Finally, its Bluetooth module allows it to be controlled remotely, making it an ideal tool for spying under the Christmas tree.
With the help of an Arduino-powered ornament, it is possible to spy under the Christmas tree. By constructing the ornament with hinges, a servo, and a rubber band, the trap doors can be opened and closed. The NI Vision Board is then connected to a computer and the live stream footage is sent over the internet. After testing, the ornament is ready to be placed under the tree and used to spy.
Creating an Arduino-powered Christmas ornament is a fun and rewarding project. It involves assembling a mechanical structure, installing LEDs, and programming the Arduino. Once the project is complete, the ornament can be used to spy under the Christmas tree and win prizes from the Element 14 Community.
The Arduino-powered ornament is a fun and creative project that can be used to spy on the Christmas tree. It is a great way to capture special moments during the holiday season and to monitor the tree for any intruders or mischief makers. The project is also a great way to learn about programming and electronics. With the code, components, and resources available on the link Down Below, anyone can create their own Arduino-powered ornament.