Linux-Based Cat Feeder 420
prostoalex writes "Chris McAvoy is a UNIX administrator and an owner of two cats. So as a natural application of his work to his hobby he built this Linux-based cat feeder. A little hardware hacking and Python scripting can get you a device that would automatically disperse a yummy fish at specified intervals."
Word choice (Score:5, Insightful)
Just another way.. (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:the world needs more vets.... (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Just another way.. (Score:4, Insightful)
Absurd (Score:1, Insightful)
Is it really a good idea to project an image of I-don't-care bloatware, Linux-uber-alles insensibility, Linux just because it's Linux despite the application?
Re:Meow Meow (Score:1, Insightful)
Re:Now you need a cat exerciser (Score:2, Insightful)
"A method for inducing cats to exercise consists of directing a beam of invisible light produced by a hand-held laser apparatus onto the floor or wall or other opaque surface in the vicinity of the cat, then moving the laser so as to cause the bright pattern of light to move in an irregular way fascinating to cats, and to any other animal with a chase instinct."
So not only is a stupid idea patentable, somehow my cat is able to see "invisible light".
I'm from the government and I'm here to help (you patent some really stupid idea)
WTF? (Score:2, Insightful)
An animal food dispenser needs to run a simple script to release food at pre-programmed times. A cheap microcontroller is perfectly adequate for doing this. Heck, a 555 timer would be sufficient.
Requiring a Linux based system for this doesn't seem like much of an advantage. It's needless bloat, and complete overkill. Sometimes the simplest solution is the most elegant and reliable.
Who needs a multi-tasking operating system, complete with file system and memory managment support for something as simple as a food dispenser?
I'm pretty sure this guy could pick up an electronic animal feeder from any pet store for $50, and use his knowledge for something which is actually useful.
There is an easier way! (Score:3, Insightful)
1)Just use the parallel port. It's easy to write logic levels to it.
2)Use a usb->parallel adapter such as the DLP-245M ($25).
3)Use a PIC properly. Something like a PIC 16F84 or 16F871 will do it. A PIC + programmer will cost less than the Basic Stamp, (the PICs themselves are about $2), and really easy to program. They include many things like an ADC, PWM, Serial UART on chip, and run raw assembler.
Having seen the Stamp module, I dislike them intensely. They make the devices harder, rather than easier to use (essentially by programming a BASIC compatibility layer on top of PIC ASM), much more expensive (slower, less ports), and less functional (less internal functions available). Furthermore, the PIC Assembler is much easier than x86 or z80, or even, dare I say, Basic!
Re:the world needs more vets.... (Score:3, Insightful)
Just train the cat properly to know where it lives.
Re:the world needs more vets.... (Score:3, Insightful)