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IoT for coins

Summary of IoT for coins


Summary: An open-source IoT coin sorter using an Arduino MKR1000, coin acceptor, GLCD, Badger e-ink, ATX power, audio, and a solenoid door lock. It counts coins, displays status locally and via WiFi/Azure, plays sounds, and unlocks a door when a math puzzle is solved. The guide covers hardware, wiring, software setup, libraries, calibration, 3D-printed parts, PCB making, and enclosure assembly.

Parts used in the IoT for Coins:

  • Arduino MKR1000
  • ATX Power Supply
  • Adafruit coin acceptor
  • Adafruit Proto Screw Shield
  • Adafruit GRAPHIC ST7565 POSITIVE LCD (128X64) WITH RGB BACKLIGHT + EXTRAS
  • Adafruit LOCK-STYLE SOLENOID - 12VDC
  • Seeed BADGEr_v4 (e-ink display)
  • Resistor 330 ohm (×3)
  • Resistor 22.1 ohm
  • Capacitor 10 µF
  • Capacitor 100 nF (×2)
  • Rotary potentiometer (generic)
  • Texas Instruments lm386
  • Buzzer
  • Jumper wires (generic)
  • SD card reader and SD cards
  • Power cord extensions for ATX
  • 3D printed parts (corner, frame, door lock, coin separator)
  • Acrylic sheets for case
  • PCB (custom etched)

Need to organize your coins? Get some help with this project.

IoT for coins

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Arduino MKR1000
Arduino MKR1000
× 1
ATX Power Supply
× 1
Adafruit coin acceptor
× 1
Adafruit Proto Screw Shield
× 1
Adafruit GRAPHIC ST7565 POSITIVE LCD (128X64) WITH RGB BACKLIGHT + EXTRAS
× 1
Adafruit LOCK-STYLE SOLENOID – 12VDC
× 1
Seeed BADGEr_v4
× 1
Resistor 330 ohm
Resistor 330 ohm
× 3
Resistor 22.1 ohm
Resistor 22.1 ohm
× 1
Capacitor 10 µF
Capacitor 10 µF
× 1
Capacitor 100 nF
Capacitor 100 nF
× 2
Rotary potentiometer (generic)
Rotary potentiometer (generic)
× 1
Texas Instruments lm386
× 1
Buzzer
Buzzer
× 1
Jumper wires (generic)
Jumper wires (generic)
A lot of wire. and a lot of colors
× 1

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE
Arduino IDE
Visual Studio 2015
Microsoft Visual Studio 2015
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure
QR generator.
Circuit Maker
CircuitMaker by Altium Circuit Maker
Fritzing
EagleCAD
Seeed WyoLum for Badger
paint

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Laser cutter (generic)
Laser cutter (generic)
3D Printer (generic)
3D Printer (generic)
Soldering iron (generic)
Soldering iron (generic)
Hot glue gun (generic)
Hot glue gun (generic)
Dremel Rotary tool

Story

Quick Solutions to Questions related to IoT for Coins:

  • What is the main controller used in the project?
    The Arduino MKR1000 is used as the main controller.
  • How does the project power devices requiring different voltages?
    It uses an ATX power supply providing 12V, 5V, and 3.3V with a bridge from Enable to Ground.
  • Can the coin acceptor recognize multiple coin types?
    Yes, the coin acceptor can save up to 4 types of coins as indicated by its label.
  • How is remote interaction or unlocking handled?
    A web interface served by the MKR1000 over WiFi allows users to submit the math solution and trigger the locker solenoid.
  • What displays are used for local status and IoT info?
    An Adafruit ST7565 GLCD shows IP, cash collected, and messages; a Seeed Badger e-ink displays QR and images.
  • How are sounds produced in the project?
    Audio is played using an AudioZero setup with an audio amplifier and either .wav files from SD or PWM tunes.
  • How is the GLCD powered safely from 5V logic?
    The guide uses a power logic level method to convert 5V down to 3.3V for the GLCD, which can also be done with resistors.
  • What software and services are required?
    Arduino IDE, Wifi101 and Azure IoT libraries, Microsoft Azure IoT Hub, Visual Studio, and optional tools like Fritzing and CircuitMaker are used.
  • How is the coin acceptor pulse read in code?
    The code uses duration = pulseIn(CoinPin, HIGH) and increments cash when duration > 0.
  • Are there 3D printable parts available?
    Yes, 3D models for corners, frame, door lock, and coin separator are provided and linked in the project files.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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