Automatic Litterbox Central

by **KE5AFU** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:21 pm

Here it is, the discussion of how to create a replacement control for the CatGenie.
Of course this is for educational and entertainment only etc etc legal info goes here....

So far we have 2 main thoughts of how to rectify the issues with the CatGenie.

1. Reprogram the PIC and upload new firmware
2. Utilize an Arduino and create a new board from scratch with display capabilities.

All feel free to chime in, What would you like to see in an ideal CatGenie?

Ability to use any type of cleaning liquid.
More control over cycle times, both complete cycles and individual cleanings.
Ability to do a quick wash.
Statistical data on usage. (could come in handy if cat is sick and vet needs to know) (RFID tags could be implemented for multiple cats)

What else?

by **phil1001** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:51 pm

Is it possible to put the Arduino board with a LCD backlit display into a wall mounted project box and attach this to the main CG board with a 1 meter shielded harness such a old serial data cable ?
This would mean disabling or removing the CG PIC

I would like a simple level indicator for the sani solution
A scoop mode only
realtime timer to set full cleaning cycle
display for real error messages
linking to home automation

by **KE5AFU** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:57 pm

Maybe, I guess it would come down to which is easier. Trying to add onto the existing CG board, or building it from scratch reusing components from the CG board.
Personally I think it would be just as easy to create your own and have it all contained inside the CG.

Also I want to add an auto flush to the end of the cleaning cycle. Hook up a high torque servo the the handle of the toilet.

by **phil1001** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 3:26 am

While those who hook up the CG to the toilet instead of another waster water line probably need to auto flush, isnt it easier to use this complete unit with sensor? or even replace sensor with an output from the new board ? as opposed to creating a servo design ?
http://www.touchfreeconcepts.com/produc ... oilets.php

To create a replacement controller board we would need

Inputs:

water level
movement sensor in bowl (activate or suspend)
sani level

Outputs:

bowl motor
rake motor
heater element
heater fan
sani dosage pump
auxillary (toilet flush ?)
water in valve
waste out pump/impellor

Switch panel:
??

Program logic flow:
??

by **KE5AFU** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:31 am

I wish we could go back and edit posts after the fact. I would like to ceate a running list of the ideas instead of having to retype them each post.

Anyway,

So far we have

IDEAS:

Simple level indicator for the sani solution
A scoop mode only
Realtime timer to set full cleaning cycle
Display for real error messages
Linking to home automation
Ability to use any type of cleaning liquid.
More control over cycle times, both complete cycles and individual cleanings.
Ability to do a quick wash.
Statistical data on usage. (could come in handy if cat is sick and vet needs to know) (RFID tags could be implemented for multiple cats)
Auto-Flush

INPUTS:

Water level
Movement sensor in bowl (activate or suspend)
Sani level
Water Sensor
Car Sensor
A thermocouple somewhere to prevent overheating
Buttons for programming from unit

OUTPUTS:

Bowl motor
Rake motor
Heater element
Heater fan
Sani dosage pump
Auxillary (toilet flush ?)
Water in valve
Waste out pump/impellor
Buzzer
Display

In regards to the AutoFlush, yes it would be easier to use the pre-made unit, although the cost is a bit of a deterrent.
I've got servo's laying around, and I'm planning on staying under $100 for the total cost of everything, new board included.
Of course the only way to do that is to reuse existing parts from the old board, but that's what desoldering irons are for.

What I really need is to get my hands on a old/bad processing unit so I can build this and not take the CG offline since my 3 cats are very accustomed to having
a clean litter box (most if the time).

by **phil1001** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 5:27 pm

Agreed editing would be nice, not sure what web based software would allow this.

I personally suggest 2 phases ...

OpenGenie version 1 would be more like a "FrankenGenie" and entail removing the PIC and attaching a harness to suitable inputs/outputs plus additional relays, this will allow changes/tweaks/enhancements.

OpenGenie version 2 would be designing a complete board to the same size and getting it prototyped and tested locally.

So like KE5AFU who has old/not used/need of repair/ CG boards that will allow us to start work without taking our working units offline

BTW: which version of the Arduino board should be used and why ?

by **KE5AFU** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 5:37 pm

Agreed on the 2 versions

Due to the required number of inputs and outputs (especially for the stepper motors, 4 wires each) I'm leaning towards the Arduino Mega
http://cgi.ebay.com/ARDUINO-MEGA-ATMEGA1280-Board-Starter-Kit-Pack_W0QQitemZ130355263261QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e59c7771d#ht_3228wt_1167

$55 and it comes with the LCD shield and buttons ready to go, plus some other goodies.

If you wanted you could get a protoshield as well $12 and be done with the whole thing by reusing existing components off the CG board.

by **Colonel K0rn** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:23 pm

If you guys can get this working, I'd gladly be willing to modify my PU which is not working as intended... if I can't get it working

by **justinharlow** » Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:13 pm

I ran into someone on ths forum a while back who had a friend who was doing a complete replacement Genie controller, as follows:

Set up and control your CatGenie from your home network via a WiFi webpage
* Check the status of your CG via the internet
* Start a custom wash cycle
* Change the schedule of your wash cycles according to a 24hr clock. e.g. 1pm, 6pm, 11pm, 4am
* Create custom wash cycles or choose from these pre-programmed wash cycles;

***Scooping may be enabled or disabled for any of these programs***
1) Quick Wash - is a single wash with cleaning solution, followed by a rinse cycle & dry (No residue left)
2) Standard Wash - current CatGenie program with 3 washes & dry (cleaning solution dispensed in 1st wash followed by 2 rinse cycles - No residue left)
3) Rinse Only - No cleaning solution used, single rinse cycle & dry - no pre-scooping
4) Heavy Wash - Double cleaning solution dispensed during the 1st & 2nd wash cycles with 2 rinse cycles following, then drying - No residue left
5) CatActivated - Run your custom wash program after each use.
6) CatActivated Scooper - scoop only after each use then wash according to your programmed schedule e.g. 3pm, 9pm, 2am
7) Scoop & Flush - scoop & flush only after each use

* Web page will display remaining wash cycles, specific error messages, wash cycle progression and time remaining, wash schedule & program selected and more!
* Custom cleaning solution - set the exact dosage of your cleaning solution. e.g. 2 oz, and when the solution is dispensed e.g. 1st wash only, 1st & 2nd washes
* Future firmware updates will be available

This is not an exhaustive list and more features are currently in development and any ideas you have can be implemented!

My friend that is developing the custom microcontroller has said that the initial batch would most likely cost around $250. Once he has a customer base built up then he can send the device to production which would lower prices. I think the initial batch will be 15 microcontrollers.

I would like to see each Genie have its own wireless link (WiFi, Zigbee, etc.), and then have a master web site where you could observe, control, and coordinate a number of Genies in a local area, sort of like you do with surveillance cameras. I would also like a few more prosaic items:
- A "reset" function where you could shut off whatever the Genie is currently doing and return to a sane idle state.
- A power switch, for Gawd's sake, so you don't have to unplug the frickin' thing while holding down two buttons to get it into tech mode.
- Program by time, rather than X cycles per 24 hour period. (Cats do a lot more business after meal time than they do in the middle of the day...)
- Disable that stupid beeper that always comes on at 3 AM and will not shut up till you get up and hit the button. Beep a couple of times and then shut up! Keep the lights blinking, and I'll check it in the morning...

JEH

by **phil1001** » Fri Jan 01, 2010 11:42 pm

The programs and webpage are all great ideas, however I doubt anyone would buy a new untested controller for $250 with promises of firmware updates, the only way I can see this working is OpenGenie and by publishing the sourcecode of the controller program, and schematics of how to connect it to an existing CG60 or CG120. Later there might be schematics of a total replacement board.

I suppose we need next someone to
1) look over the board and create a schematic along with possible solder points for a harness if we remove the PIC
2) note the flow control of a complete cycle complete with timings and direction of bowl/arm etc...
3) create an initial start of program or find relevant samples from the playground http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Main/A ... reHardware

Is there any web based project managment software we can use for this? should we use sourceforge or something else ? I have a server running WAMP on 5Mb dedicated bandwidth on the West coast if this helps with creating a site.

by **MindBender** » Sat Jan 02, 2010 5:09 am

I think we first have to decide on what kind of controller we will make:
1. One that's make by-engineers-for-engineers.
2. One that can be installed by anybody who is able to remove and put back the standard controller.

The first one can be made fairly quickly by simply removing the PIC and soldering an Arduino board to the pads the PIC was attached to. The board can be glued and wires will be sticking out of the PCBs. You can even cut a hole and add a LCD. However, very few people will be interested in this because few people can install it, it's potentially unsafe and it's hardly a business class solution.

The second option is A LOT of work. As I said before, even the simples tasks such as selecting suitable relays will take a lot of time: The PCB is relatively small, but it requires 8 relays which must be able to switch up to 10 Amps, 20 Amps for the heater.
But this option offers a lot of possibilities it a serial port or even Ethernet is added. You can forget about WiFi because configuring the network parameters is rather hard to do with two buttons and 8 LEDs. However, wired Ethernet is feasible.

by **phil1001** » Sat Jan 02, 2010 1:56 pm

Ok, but I was looking at option 1 as a prototype and proof of concept, once its out there and not vaporware - then it can be publically announced.
If 10 people are interested then they can do the engineer mod.
if 250+ people are interested then a custom designed replacement PCB can be designed
if more people are interested then maybe the board gets totally redesigned including stepper motors, proper limit switches and decent sensors etc.

I was thinking of a builtin webserver and using DHCP which would allow access and a config page, so I started looking for embedded linux and buzybox used in routers when I came across this which has alot of parallels https://boconnor.is-a-geek.com/pmwiki/u ... orkbot.pdf

Now you have ethernet, wifi, a proper interface for those who want to configure it on-screen

by **phil1001** » Sat Jan 02, 2010 2:29 pm

Actually even easier is one of the wifi add on cards (shields) for the arduino
http://www.asynclabs.com/store?page=sho ... egory_id=6
or
https://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produ ... ts_id=9367

by **KE5AFU** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 1:50 pm

Relays are no problem, http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-st ... LAY/1.html
A quick glance and I found 3-4 different ones that would work, and some up to 40 amps.

I do agree that option #1 will be of relatively little use to the majority of those out there, but it is legally safe and those who are inclined to copy will.
However, given past precedent, is option #2 really viable, or is it just a C&D / Lawsuit waiting to happen?

by **KE5AFU** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 2:22 pm

I have created an online writeboard for all who are interested.
I will still be using the forums for the general information.
This will be for the actual technical details, parts, schematics, coding, etc.
It will be restricted to those who are actively working on a solution.

For those who are interested PM me for the password.

http://123.writeboard.com/fda52562c88c75f8a

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