Home Hacking Projects for Geeks

73

Chapter 3, Remotely Monitor a Pet

Extensions

One of the nice things about using a script for a project like this is that

it’s easy to modify and extend. Some of the things you might want to do

include:

• Save both a JPEG snapshot and a few seconds of video. You could even

capture video until you receive the “off” signal from the motion detec-

tor indicating that movement is no longer being detected.

• Have the script send an email to your pager if no motion is detected

around feeding time.

• Archive pictures older than a week by shrinking them to 320

×240 and

increasing the JPEG compression.

• Organize the pictures for constant use by creating separate folders for

months and years.

If you check this book’s web site at http://www.homehacking.com, you’ll

probably discover that I’ve updated the script with some of these improve-

ments.

Exhibit A: Bill of Materials

Most parts are available from home automation web sites such as http://

www.smarthome.com. X10 wireless cameras are available only from http://

www.x10.com.

Item Quantity Approximate cost Part number

Serial Powerlinc computer

interface

1 $35 and up CM11A

X10 motion detector 3 $20 and up MS14A-C or

MS13A

X10 wireless cameras 3 $170 for all of

these items

XCam2

X10 wireless transceiver 1 4005X or 400s

Wireless video receiver 1 VR36A

Composite video input card 1 About $40 WinTV-GO-FM,

00191

X10 lamp module 3 $10-$15 each 2000

Kwik-Fix Stick-E-Tak poster

adhesive

1 $3 QSA2-01

Exhibit A

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