NEW & IMPROVED - SpaPad II

by macgeek in Circuits > Apple

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NEW & IMPROVED - SpaPad II

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I *LOVE* soaking in my hot tub, and I love listening to music and watching movies while doing it.
But I also am lazy and love being able to turn lights on and off while sitting in my spa, And as long as I am boiling like a lobster, I don't want to get out of the spa to see who is at my front door or have to unlock the door to let them in.

The solution? (Besides therapy and drugs) The SpaPad

https://www.instructables.com/id/iSpa-Entertainment-for-Jacuzzi-Geeks/

As they say, laziness is the mother of invention, It was a pain having to hold the iPad all the time, and the hot water splashing on the screen was fooling the iPad into thinking a human was touching the screen and would go crazy.

So I (while, of course, soaked in the hot tub) redesigned the SpaPad to my
New and Improved version named: (yea, I need more imagination)

SPAPAD II

Here is a video of how it works.



A Little History ...

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If you look at the SpaPad (1) instructable I talk about how I built the induction charger for the iPad, and the problems I needed to solve to have the unit waterproofed, but still able to recharge and sync and update.

instead of rehashing it all, take a look at this first and come back here.

I'll wait.

https://www.instructables.com/id/iSpa-Entertainment-for-Jacuzzi-Geeks/

New Waterproof Enclosure

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The waterproof "bag" I got worked great, and I was able to use the iPad and charge it with no problems. 

My issues had to do with having no place to PUT the iPad, and hanging it around my neck or a hook was a pain.
I also was annoyed by the fact that to watch it I had to hold it above the waterline and kinda maneuver my body around it.
The splashing of the water would knock it over or I would drop it into the water, and have to wipe the screen clean,
then reposition it, yadda yadda yadda ...

The DNDistribution IPad Waterproof Case

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They are as imaginative with product names as I am, but they make a GREAT iPad waterproof enclosure.
It costs $80 and is worth every penny.

Here is a demonstration video of it (and the company link, below)



Company link:
http://www.ipad-waterproof-case.com/

Mounting the SpaPad

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Get your mind out of the gutter and back in the hot tub, sheesh!
I also bought the mounting bracket for the waterproof case ($30) and mounted it on a "Pool Saddle" which is $35 at any Leslie's or pool store. I picked this up because it has a wide area to fit the iPad, but also has space to hook your arms to keep it near you.

I may (may) put a indentation / cup holder in front in the future.

Assembly

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Click on the image - well this is Show and Tell!

Testing (in the Pool)

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The pool test.

Testing in the Hot Tub (Spa)

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How I love testing my inventions, esp when they are in my hot tub!!

Keeping It Up to Date

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I am using wireless syncing, so I can add music / movies / updates

Final Thoughts

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Airplay is a great way to stream music, and movies. It gives you great flexibility in applications (like this one) without spending a boatload of cash. The sound quality is incredible, and in a VERY wet environment it is 100% safe!