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Arduino Lock Bar…sorta

Summary of Arduino Lock Bar…sorta


This article details the construction of a custom RFID-secured bar, highlighting the author's learning journey and partial success with code. The project involves building a wooden frame to house the electronics and integrating an Arduino system for locking mechanisms.

Parts used in the Arduino Lock Bar:

  • Arduino uno
  • RFID reader
  • RFID shield
  • RFID tags
  • Servo motor
  • 1/8 inch wood sheet
  • 1/2 inch wood sheet
  • Suitcase or trunk case

This project was tough but nothing worth doing is easy and i am ver proud that i was able to accomplish what i did. To know that my skills are further than they once were is a reward on their own…….but how did i get to where i am now? unfortunately i couldn’t get it to work in its entirety and this is also my first one so have mercy jk…sorta.

Photo showing the Arduino lock bar sorta build from the build guide

Step 1: Supplys

First off i had to get supplys…

(Arduino uno)- compliments of my teacher (RFID reader)- Spark fun (RFID sheild)- Spark fun (RFID tags)- Spark fun (Servo motor)- Spark fun ( 1 half sheet of 1/8 inch) – lowes ( 1 half sheet of 1/2 inch) – lowes (suitcase/ trunk)

I ordered my tech parts from Spark fun.com (awesome site) with regular shipping it should take a week to arrive at your house.

Step 2:

Project photo of the Arduino Lock Bar...sorta build

while those parts were on the way i went out and bought my 1/8 and 1/2 inch board along with the case im going to put it all in. For the wood dont worry about getting alot, half sheets should be enough for 3 projects, luckliy we are only doing one. as for my suit case i lucked out hard and found one on sale at walmart.

With half my supplys gathered i drew up plans.

Step 3:

i went on to instructables and got inspiration from a project on travel bars. i thought yeah i want to make a bar then put a lock i can only get into.

i based my rfid part of the project of another instructables project that had code and a file for a 3d print casing for the arduino. i down loaded that and had them printed while i waited for the other peices.

1 week goes by and my spark fun peices came….time to build.

i desided to work on the body( the bar) first then the brain( rfid)… (probably will reverse that next time)

Step 4: Lets Build a Frame

Lets Build a Frame

i used the 1/2 inch to make wall frames to brace the 1/8 peices that run across

after i made the walls i worked my way up, making the cubby for ice and then the place holder for the bottles and cups…this will also make the base for the lock

Step 5: Rfid

RFID reader and bottle holder base built for the Lock Bar project

after that was put down i made a small cubbie for sodas at the top. enough for about 15.

with that done lets work on the rfid.

i decided to sacrifice my bread board and placed everything on it for easy access and movement

unfortunaly for 3 days tried to make the code register my rfid as well as move the servo but with time running thin i had to choose one or the other so i chose servo movement (otherwise the whole point is null)

time to mount the servo, rfid, and final touches.

Step 6:

Photo showing the Arduino lock bar sorta build with servo motor

i had to use various peices to make my own gear that fit the servo and worked to fit it right so that it would work.

Step 7: Final

Finished Arduino Lock Bar...sorta after the build, with the servo motor in place

Source: Arduino Lock Bar…sorta

Quick Solutions to Questions related to Arduino Lock Bar:

  • How did I get my tech parts?
    I ordered them from Sparkfun.com with regular shipping.
  • Can I buy the wood at a hardware store?
    Yes, the author purchased half sheets of 1/8 and 1/2 inch board at Lowes.
  • Does the author have experience with this project?
    No, this was their first project and they could not get it to work in its entirety.
  • What inspired the design of the bar?
    The author found inspiration on Instructables from a travel bar project.
  • Where did the author find the suitcase case?
    The author found one on sale at Walmart.
  • Did the author successfully program the RFID code?
    No, the author chose to focus on servo movement instead of registering the RFID due to time constraints.
  • What material was used to make the wall frames?
    The author used the 1/2 inch wood to make wall frames to brace the 1/8 inch pieces.
  • How many sodas can the top cubby hold?
    The top cubby is designed to hold about 15 sodas.

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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