Project:Trash Tracker: Difference between revisions
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NitramLegov (talk | contribs) m Müllampel already blinks in the correct colors :) |
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one ESP32 | one ESP32 | ||
|tools=Computer needed to flash the ESP32 | |tools=Computer needed to flash the ESP32 | ||
|software=[[Espresense]], [[ | |software=[[Espresense]], [[HomeAssistant]] | ||
|cost=67.77€ for 3x Tile Mate (2022) | |cost=67.77€ for 3x Tile Mate (2022) | ||
}}You probably know about our [[Trash]] situation in the space. In order to keep our space clean, it is necessary to bring the trash out so it can be collected. | }}You probably know about our [[Trash]] situation in the space. In order to keep our space clean, it is necessary to bring the trash out so it can be collected. | ||
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=== Concept === | === Concept === | ||
The concept is that each garbage bin has a specific BLE beacon and therefore MAC address which is frequently broadcasted by each tracker. The broadcasted signal can then be detected by any Bluetooth enabled device. In our case, we simply use an ESP32 with a software called [https://espresense.com/ Espresense]. Espresence simply collects statistics about the broadcasted signals and tries to determine a distance for each signal. The statistics are then pushed to an [[MQTT]] broker and collected in your [[Home Assistant]] instance. There, with the help of the [https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/mqtt_room MQTT room presence] integration, we can automate other things based on the state of each garbage bin (for example, toggle the [[Project:Müllampel]] or send reminders via Slack).[[File:trash location.jpg|thumb|the way from our backdoor to the trash can pickup/storage spot]]What makes this project quite straightforward and helps with one of the biggest problems in Bluetooth distance measurement is the fact that our pickup spot is quite far away from the [[Workshop]]. This simplifies distance measurement, because we only need to look if there is a signal at all and not how strong it is. Simply put: If we see the broadcasted signal from one tracker, it is in the Workshop or close by. If we do not detect a signal, the trash is either at the pickup spot or has been stolen. | The concept is that each garbage bin has a specific BLE beacon and therefore MAC address which is frequently broadcasted by each tracker. The broadcasted signal can then be detected by any Bluetooth enabled device. In our case, we simply use an ESP32 with a software called [https://espresense.com/ Espresense]. Espresence simply collects statistics about the broadcasted signals and tries to determine a distance for each signal. The statistics are then pushed to an [[MQTT]] broker and collected in your [[Home Assistant|HomeAssistant]] instance. There, with the help of the [https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/mqtt_room MQTT room presence] integration, we can automate other things based on the state of each garbage bin (for example, toggle the [[Project:Müllampel]] or send reminders via Slack).[[File:trash location.jpg|thumb|the way from our backdoor to the trash can pickup/storage spot]]What makes this project quite straightforward and helps with one of the biggest problems in Bluetooth distance measurement is the fact that our pickup spot is quite far away from the [[Workshop]]. This simplifies distance measurement, because we only need to look if there is a signal at all and not how strong it is. Simply put: If we see the broadcasted signal from one tracker, it is in the Workshop or close by. If we do not detect a signal, the trash is either at the pickup spot or has been stolen. | ||
=== Next steps === | === Next steps === | ||
While tracking and integration in Home Assistant is done, we still need to add the automations via Slack, Telegram | While tracking and integration in Home Assistant is done, we still need to add the automations via Slack, Telegram. | ||
[[Category:Recycling]] | [[Category:Recycling]] | ||
Revision as of 11:16, 24 March 2025
| ProjectInfoBox | |
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| Status: | Done |
| Release Date: | 23.03.2025 |
| Initiator: | Erik |
| Materials Used: | Generic BLE beacon (we use Tile Trackers), one for each garbage bin;
one ESP32 |
| Tools Used: | Computer needed to flash the ESP32 |
| Software Used: | Espresense, HomeAssistant |
| Approx. Cost: | 67.77€ for 3x Tile Mate (2022) |
You probably know about our Trash situation in the space. In order to keep our space clean, it is necessary to bring the trash out so it can be collected.
However, this key step is often missed, because during Friday Making Hours, no one thinks about Thursday the next week and even if someone does, it is hard to know which Trash must be brought out.
In order to motivate and remind ourselves, we recently introduced a sign (Project:Müllampel) which blinks at a specific time. The Trash Tracker helps us make the sign smarter and let it only blink while needed, as well as give us the possibility to communicate on Slack and in the Telegram Group that the Trash is still inside.
Concept
The concept is that each garbage bin has a specific BLE beacon and therefore MAC address which is frequently broadcasted by each tracker. The broadcasted signal can then be detected by any Bluetooth enabled device. In our case, we simply use an ESP32 with a software called Espresense. Espresence simply collects statistics about the broadcasted signals and tries to determine a distance for each signal. The statistics are then pushed to an MQTT broker and collected in your HomeAssistant instance. There, with the help of the MQTT room presence integration, we can automate other things based on the state of each garbage bin (for example, toggle the Project:Müllampel or send reminders via Slack).
What makes this project quite straightforward and helps with one of the biggest problems in Bluetooth distance measurement is the fact that our pickup spot is quite far away from the Workshop. This simplifies distance measurement, because we only need to look if there is a signal at all and not how strong it is. Simply put: If we see the broadcasted signal from one tracker, it is in the Workshop or close by. If we do not detect a signal, the trash is either at the pickup spot or has been stolen.
Next steps
While tracking and integration in Home Assistant is done, we still need to add the automations via Slack, Telegram.
