Presence Light for Lync 2013/Skype for Business 2015

Automatically update your Lync presence for all to see using RGB LEDs.

Those of you who use Lync/Skype along with a headset know that sometimes it's difficult for people around you to tell if you're busy (i.e. engaged in a meeting/conference call) or if you're available. That's where the LyncLight comes into play. This is a device which you can hang above your workstations/cubical for all to see you're current Lync presence status in the form of different LED colors.

Slow flashing RED - Busy (Can be changed to a solid red too using desktop app)

Fast flashing RED - Do not disturb

flashing Green - Available/Free (Can be changed to a solid green too using desktop app)

Flashing blue - Workstation locked / Away (can be disabled in desktop app)

Flashing White - Error connecting to arduino

Although the idea and product is not new, the commercial product starts at about $40USD. This is a simple, cost effective DIY implementation of that same commercial product.

Currently only supports PC, tested on Windows 10 with Skype 2015 for Business (i.e. Lync 2013). Not sure if it will work with any other version of Lync or Skype.

Enjoy.

• Arduino Nano clone: Amazon or AliExpress (cheaper)
• USB mini cable
• 4 female jumper wires
• RGB PWM LED (you can substitute a standard RGB LED like this ).
• 125 Ohm resistor

Connect the arduino clone to your pc and using arduino ide, upload the attached code. I'm not going into how to program the arduino. There are plenty of good tutorials on instructables on the topic.

• Cut one of the jumper wires and solder the resistor inline.
• Connect the jumper wires to the arduino using the attached diagram.
• LED connection to Arduino:
  • GND - Resistor - Cathode LED (wire with the inline resistor, one end of resistor to GND the other to the cathode on the LED)
  • D11 - Red LED Anode
  • D10 - Green LED Anode
  • D9 - Blue LED Anode

I realize that not everyone has access to a 3D printer. You may substitute what ever packaging you feel appropriate or use the supplied Torch model. (This is a modified version of the model found on Thingiverse)

• 3D print the "MineCraft Torch" - see attached STLs. I used white PLA for the base and clear for the top.
• Hot glue the LED in the center of the Top of the torch.
• Run arduino and wire down the center section.
• Run the usb cable up the bottom of the base.
• Assemble all three pieces and glue together if necessary.

My LyncWatcher application controls the LED torche based on your current Lync2013/Skype For Business 2015 presence status.

1. If your running they LyncWatcher application on a computer not previously used for Arduino development, you will need to install the appropriate driver. For the Arduino nano clone board you will need a CH340 driver found here.
2. You will need to extract and copy to a location of your choice on your PC (i.e. C:\Program Files (x86)\LyncWatcher) , then run.
3. You can configure it by right clicking the tray icon and selecting "Configuration".

This is an application I wrote. It is FREE for personal use or within a commercial setting (i.e. at your place of work). Please do not redistribute, sell, bundle or post for download without written permission. The application is still an alpha version. Use at your own risk. I'll post updates to the application here.