LittleBits SMS Doorbell

Receive a text notification when someone rings your doorbell! Whether you are in the backyard gardening, over at the neighbors house, or listening to music at full blast, you will always know when someone is at your door. Install this littleBits doorbell outside your home, and never miss a ring.

Make this project with littleBits. littleBits is the easiest and most extensive way to learn and prototype with electronics. We are making hardware limitless with our award-winning, ever-growing library of electronic modules, ranging from the very simple (power, sensors, LED) to the very complex (wireless, programmable). This project uses the littleBits cloudBitTM. The cloudBit lets you connect any device to the internet, turning any object into an internet connected device in a snap – no soldering, wiring or programming required. Instructions for setting up the cloudBit can be found here.

How it works: The button on the SMS doorbell sends a signal through the cloudBit to IFTTT, which is set (via the SMS channel) to send you a text message (i.e. Knock knock! Someone is at the door). IFTTT (If This Then That) is a service that lets you connect to different web apps through simple conditional statements.

Files you will need:

Wooden Case Template

3-D Printer File for Cap (units: mm)

3-D Printer File for Button Extension (units: mm

Bits Needed:

littleBits cloudBit (1)

littleBits USB power (1)

littleBits button (1)

littleBits long LED (1)

littleBits microUSB Wall Adapter (1)

Materials Needed:

¼” wood (we used walnut)

wood glue

#4 x ¼” wood screw

#4 x ⅜” wood screws

double sided tape

wood finish of your choice (we used Danish Oil)

Tools Used:

laser cutter

3d printer

screwdriver

sand paper

clamps

Visit the littleBits project page for more DIY project ideas

Instructions for setting up the cloudBit can be found here.

Add a little glue to the edges of A-1 through A-4 and press fit them together. You’ll want to use some masking tape or clamps to hold the plates together while the glue dries. Be sure to wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out when you press the plates together.

3d print all parts from the file in the project description. When the glue dries on the doorbell body, use the #4 x ¼” wood screw to fasten the 3-D printed cap to the pieces you just assembled (see image 2). You might want to pre-drill a pilot hole for the screw, but be careful not to go all the way through or you will have a hole on the front of your case.

The power cable can run through the hole in the base plate if you want to run power through the wall. Alternatively, you can run the power cable through the hole in the base of the case.

Position long LED so the light is pointing up toward the top of the circuit, then put the top of the box onto the base plate and screw in place.

Put a small piece of double sided tape on the bottom of the button extension and stick it to the button inside the case.