*Github link: [ Ссылка ]
This video shows a serial connection test between an RPi and Arduino using the python serial library, as well as the mechanical completeness of the feeding mechanism. Thanks to all of my friends who actually know something about engineering, as well as the Norman High School Botball Team who helped me work through the motor stall torque problems. The noise in the background is my very put-upon cat, who is not allowed out during feeder testing for obvious reasons.
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Ultimately, this system will be a twitter-powered cat feeder. A Raspberry Pi Python script executes a CRON-style set of jobs in which it sends a serial command to an Arduino to move a stepper motor which is connected by a 4:1 gearing ratio to a hopper full of cat food. Simultaneously, the RPi is scanning twitter mentions of (@nellysfood) for a set of hashtag keywords (currently #giveTreat, #updateSchedule or #addEveningMeal), which will modify or add CRON jobs that determine when the arduino feeder is activated. Currently in the serial communication testing and hardware prototyping stage; the final product will be mounted on a door or other high, inaccessible place and connected to a feeding bowl via a PVC pipe, due to my owning of the smartest, most food-obsessed cat in America.
