Washer and dryer sensor housing and RPi Zero case
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updated April 2, 2022

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This was my first completely original idea. I wanted a way to integrate my washer and dryer into my smart home setup without too much effort. 

I came across this blog post talking about using some cheap and sensitive vibration sensors  and an RPi Zero W, that would then push notifications via your flavor application of choice.

I set up an old RPi 2B (I suggest at least RPi3 for this) to run Home Assistant. I used NodeRED and MQTT notifications to broadcast when each device has started and ended. This (for the most part) has been extremely successful and makes the wife happy. If there is a want for the NodeRED setup, I can update with that information (I have very basic knowledge though). This setup creates an object in my Google Home for each appliance and treats them like a switch. Asking “Hey Google, is the washer on?” will get me a yes or no. Also configured a notification for a boadcast of “The washer has started/finished." from my Nest hub.

I printed them at .2mm layer height and I believe it was 20% infill but lower would work too. I oriented them upside-down for crisp letters and used supports. The design wasn't really optomised since it was my first design.

The sensors allow for two 8mm x 2mm round magnets. to be press-fit in them. The sensors have a mounting hole that I didn't think to include in the plate, so I just glued a small bolt to the slide mount and screwed a nut on it. I mounted the sensors as least-sensitive as possible and placed them in the center, lower sides of the appaliances.

I used this RPI Zero case because it has GPIO access and is compact.

If you want some more info, let me know!

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