Folks:

I’ll try to keep this organized. If the mods believe this belongs elsewhere or would like to break this up into several posts so that it can be placed in different threads, please let me know.

For context, I’m building a MM for my college-aged daughter. I know nothing about linux or coding, but am not afraid of terminal as it reminds me of the old DOS days.

I set up my pi and installed MM. My file framework looks like this:
/Home/pi/MagicMirror/ …

First, I decided to start by installing MMPM. I copied the quick install text on Github and that resulted in an error. Install got up to “collecting MMPM” and then I got an error : “could not find a version that satisfies the requirement MMPM. No matching distribution found.”

The weird thing is the I have an mmpm folder in the modules folder. If I navigate to that folder and run “npm install”, it appears to install in that a bunch of stuff happens in terminal. However, when I run mmpm --guided-setup, I get “error-command not found.”

I’m dead in the water as I have no idea what I did wrong or how to fix it.

I then tried to install modules individually using the install commands on the GitHub page. Those don’t work either. However, if I run “Git clone”, it will populate a folder in my modules folder. However, when I try to run “npm install” in that folder, I get same appearance of installation, but when I try to run any commands, I get command not found.

Second, I’ve tried my hand at editing the config.js file and can’t figure that out either. For example, in calendar, I’d like it to show only 5 holidays. When I put "maximum entries:5 into the config.js under calendar, it breaks it. The example in the documentation page isn’t helpful because it’s a minimal installation. I need to see a full installation so that I can better understand where I’m getting syntax wrong.

TIA,
CheapDad

I’m trying to post a lengthy post in the Troubleshooting section and all I get is “Forbidden” in the bottom right corner in red. What am doing wrong?

CheapDad

I’m ready to start building. I’ve disassembled my monitor. The power button is a blister type. I plan to glue the entire strip of buttons on the back of the LCD and use a sharpie to mark what they are.

I plan to run the power cord for the monitor and the pi into a 3 into 1 adapter and then run an extension cord from the adapter to the outlet. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?

On the PIR sensors, I’ve got one in my Amazon cart, I’d like to get the pre-made wire harnesses for it, but it seems like the smallest number I can purchase is 120. I only need a few, in the event I make a mistake. Any suggestions/

CheapDad

I feel like I’m in a constant cycle of research out of fear that I miss something and have to start over. I’m ready to take a leap and start building.

For context, I’ve got a Dell 19" monitor that measures, with the bezel on, 16’ x 13".

My plan is to purchase:

1. A 16x20 wood frame from the local craft store that has a piece of glass in it. I’ll add 1"x2" wood around the back of the frame to hold the monitor, pi, etc.

2. I plan to mount the monitor on the top of the frame, leaving 7" of plain mirror at the bottom.

3. I plan to purchase a piece of two way acryllic from here:
   https://www.amazon.com/12-Acrylic-See-Through-Mirror/dp/B01CZ35XWY/ref=sr_1_1?m=A25VKIYYECJBLT&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1487249576&sr=1-1&th=1

4. I plan to sandwich the acryllic between the frame class and the monitor. I’m hoping that doing so will protect the acryllic from scratching and give it sufficient stiffening to prevent the funhouse effect.

5. I’ll add some speakers, likely on the bottom of the frame facing outward.

That leaves me with my last major decision. I’d like the mirror to go to wake up when someone walks in front of it. I think my options are a camera or a PIR sensor. I’m thinking I can drill a small hole for the PIR sensor to poke out of the top or bottom of the frame. I realize that I can do the same with a camera, but the hole would be much larger. For a clean appearance and because this will be in a bedroom, I’m leaning towards the PIR sensor.

Please tell me what I’m missing or not appropriately considering.

Thanks!

@bert269 said in Help me choose my hardware:

Hi.
I also have a Dell(not sure the model) with DVI, VGA and DP outputs. Since I use the rPi 4 I got a converter cable from mini HDMI to DVI cheaper than HDMI to DP. So I went that route and it works fine.
I would be really interested to learn how you manage to setup Google Assistant, once you reach that point, as I am really a hard time to do it. The problem that I found is that Google keep changing their device registration websites and I cannot find any updated guides to step one through this -really annoying. In regards to the microphone, I am using a USB model from Amazon which works just fine: https://www.amazon.com/your-orders/pop?ref=ppx_yo2_mob_b_pop__np_5_pp&orderId=111-3131203-6936200&lineItemId=lpkisvksqpotsny&shipmentId=DkND6yTsW&packageId=1&asin=B0779PKLV9
I have not decided if I want to go camera yet or not. Also, I went with the mirror film and are pretty happy with it. It was my first attempt and although it did not come out 100% smooth, I am still very happy with the result.
I am very curious to see how you manage to get Google Assistant installed and to learn from you, please. Thanks.

Thanks @bert269 !

@cowboysdude I’d like to set up my mirror that it wakes up when someone either walks up to it or speaks to it. (I intend to add the google assistant and alexa modules.) What is the best way to do this and do I need to purchase glass vs acryllic to accomplish that?

Apologies for my post in general, but the short version is that I’m looking to build a MM with a Dell 1905fp monitor. With the bezel on, the monitor is roughly 16”x13”. I’m thinking of using a 20”x16” frame and mounting the monitor at the top of the frame.

I’ve priced out both acrylic and glass options and I’m finding the cost to range between $75 and $150 (or more). That cost surprised me. Is that the correct range or am I making a mistake?

I also plan on using either a PIR sensor or similar solution to get the mirror to sleep and wake, but that’s for another post.

Perhaps I can put speaker components at the bottom of the frame with the monitor at the top.

Related to the monitor, it only has DVI and VGA connections. I’m wondering if I should use a Pi 3 for the full sized HDMI connection and use an adapter, or does a mini HDMI to dvi or vga adapter exist?

Wow! That’s good to know. With a 16x20 project, what do you recommend?

@woelfle2004

Thank you for the reply. As a financial middle ground between two way glass and acrylic, I’m planning on getting a piece of glass and using the two way film over top. Does anyone have thoughts on that?