Newbie to Pi looking to start a MM

[Torc]

Evening all.
So glad I found this forum as it certainly looks a well balanced site.

Done some basic bits and bobs with my Pi’s to date but first real project is going to be a Magic Mirror.
I have an old monitor on its way to mess around with before going up in size for the real thing.

I’m looking to do the usual stuff to start with but reckon on some of the following modifications over time.

1. Automatic timed shutdown and boot up (no point it being on at night when nobody is there to benefit).
2. motion sensor to activate display.
3. small LEDs on back of frame that change with certain outside temperature changes.
4. map display of selected mobile devices by clicking a button on another device (eg if I want to see where my kids mobiles are, click a button on mine and a map would appear in the mirror with their location)

I’m sure some of these have already been done but looking forward to them none the less.

Go safe.

D

[ninjabreadman]

Welcome, @torc! You might also check out this thread from @3DPrintedWaffles.

1. Automatic timed shutdown and boot up (no point it being on at night when nobody is there to benefit).

This requires added hardware, as the RPi doesn’t have the internal capacity. See this thread on StackExchange. Given you’ll already have the monitor going into standby, you’ll need to determine whether the added cost, work and potential complications are worth the effort.

2. motion sensor to activate display.

@cruunnerr is the village expert. Check out this very thorough walkthrough to get started.

3. small LEDs on back of frame that change with certain outside temperature changes.

You can start at this post and module. However, there are endless articles on how to connect an RBG LED light strip to an RPi, etc.

4. map display of selected mobile devices by clicking a button on another device (eg if I want to see where my kids mobiles are, click a button on mine and a map would appear in the mirror with theirs.

You can trigger displaying modules via a phone/tablet/computer with MMM-Remote-Control, or a button with MMM-Buttons – both by @Jopyth. The harder part will be the map. It’s true that Apple and Google have something like Find My Friends (or Find My Phone for devices connected to your account) but I don’t know of any available APIs for those services. (There are apparently some unofficial Node.js clients.)There is tracking software you can install on Android, but it tends to be insecure garbage.

[Torc]

@ninjabreadman.

I certainly didn’t expect such a comprehensive reply from anyone form my Hi post.

Thankyou very much indeed.

T