Android controlled cat feeder - Hardware

Hardware

Electronic cat feeder
Easily found on eBay, some of them are of the fixed portion type, a large bowl with a motorised cover that opens compartments sequentially. This is not ideal for me, as it only gives 4-5 servings. The other vital feature is the IR remote. Without it, interfacing could be challenging. I bought the Nursemaid feeder (and my software is programmed with its codes)

Arduino with an IR LED
Very little explanation is needed here, just wire up the LED via a 68 ohm resistor from port 3 to ground. I went for a little more power via a transistor, but a direct connection also works for up to about a metre. Erm yes...you should also make sure the Arduino and IR LED are in range of the cat feeder. At the moment I am dedicating an Arduino to this task, but normally once I have a prototype complete, I build a proper PCB with an AVR, freeing up the Arduino hardware for other prototypes. However I'm moving soon, so will leave it in the Arduino until I know what options I'll have for interfacing near the feeder in the new house.

IR receiver module
You may need this to discover the codes that the feeder uses. Details of how to hook it up are described on the IR library page. If you're using the Nursemaid feeder, my code already transmits for this feeder.

Linux device with USB port
You can use any linux box, as long as it has a USB port and recognises the FTDI serial/usb chip on the arduino. Dont forget to make sure you can enable incoming connections to this device from the outside.

Android phone
Or really, anything that can send an HTTP request.

That's pretty much it as far as hardware goes. Read the software page next.

I can be reached at bb @ cactii . net