Process

I designed  the prototype using the techniques we learned in class.

1. I determined which sensors would be needed to collect data on machine usage. 

2. At first, I planned to use an accelerometer, as it has the ability to detect movement in any direction. 

3. I researched on sparkFun to find examples of code.

4. After building the circuits and writing the code, I needed to get a visual readout of the data being provided by the accelerometer, as it is not a simple on/off, but rather, a continuous stream of changing data.

5. With some help from Daragh and Robert, I was able to troubleshoot the serial monitor connection and get a visual readout of data from the accelerometer.

6. Unfortunately, the data provided was not precise enough to be used for this purpose - the readout fluctuated, and when testing it on a (vibrating) in-use washing machine, the readout offered very little difference than standalone "not-in-use" data, so I needed to re-think the sensor usage and go back to the drawing board.

7. Luckily, a fast-vibration sensor proved to be not only easier to wire, and code, but also more accurate for this particular use-case.

8. After adding a simple LED light as an indicator for the vibration sensor, I added particle.publish to the code to push the use data to the web

Original Code for Accelerometer:

Final code for vibration sensor:

Circuits