Modular Notification Project

A few years ago I wanted to build a portable device that let me monitor a liquor cabinet. The initial idea was to help someone who was trying to cut back consumption, but wanted some extra help. If the cabinet door opened, the device moved, it sent a notification to a friend, and then the friend could reach out for support.

I started to do some research and set out to build something. After some time I realized that any open source IOT device that can notify someone of movement has many applications. I therefor dubbed it the Modular Notification Project, and nicknamed it modufi.

The Device

Modufi devices are portable notification devices that can be placed almost anywhere. The device senses motion, so if it moves it will send a notification to you. You can be notified of this movement via email, text, phone call, etc.

Place a device on a surface that you would like to monitor, turn it on, and leave it there. It will trigger a response when it detects movement.

Connect a device to a network by simply uploading the WiFi credentials using the device application. Modufi works with the IFTTT maker service, allowing you to determine what kind of notification that you want to receive.

I have constantly revisited this project for various applications, and most recently decided to put it up for some extra security on a shed door. It also seems like a good idea to get up some extra instructions for people to use it.

Hardware Assembly

The device can most easily be assembled on a breadboard using this wiring:

Configure the Device

Getting the device set up includes adding WiFi credentials and configuring IFTTT. Detailed instructions can be followed here:

https://modufi.org/instructions/

Note: Once the firmware is uploaded, you can use a Python desktop device application to upload your credentials, or you can hardcode them. V2.0 is configured to store credentials on EEPROM, and the button will clear them from memory if you want to upload new credentials.

You can download an executable version of the application, or you can download the code and run it using the python CLI.

If hardcoding the credentials, comment out the code to store them in EEPROM.

Enclosures

I have played around with several types of enclosures, but haven't actually designed any specifically for this project. Reach out if anyone wants to pick this up and builds a cool enclosure!

Usingthe Device

Configuring the device for use is the challenging part. Once everything is set up, you simply:

1 - Place the device where you want to track motion

2 - Turn it on

3 - Wait for your notification!