Video of me explaining the project and what I am trying to do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDXg9e9IdSI

I am looking for anyone with some free time who likes tackling electronics/programing projects to potentially lend me some guidance.

The project is basically turning a USB keyboard into a single button that can be triggered by a cat walking on it. and this button press would trigger a transmitter to send a signal to a plug-in door bell system. A cat door bell.

I made a video explaining my project I am working on because that is a little easier for me to show what I am trying to do.

But here are the main points:

  1. I need to know if the boards I have will work or if I need something else. Or what other components I may need. (y splitter?).

  2. I need help with wiring and programing for this project. I am a novice and this is my first program board project. (I realize this is asking a lot so looking for someone with free time who is bored. I am also willing to barter my skills for yours).

  3. I have considered alternative sensors like motion, microchip scanning, and Bluetooth tags to create a doorbell alert but these are not the best choice for my situation. I am looking to potentially having this doorbell sensor on the porch all year round so durability is also a concern.

  4. I want to find the best sensor type for this job. I believe a silicone keyboard would be perfect as the price is right, it’s waterproof-ish, cats like it, size is perfect and it works in all weather temperatures. I am open to other suggestions but see the video for my review of alternatives and why I don’t think they are the right choice.

Found one like this one on amazon. but on aliexpress its about $10. https://www.amazon.com/Sungwoo-Foldable-Silicone-Keyboard-Waterproof/dp/B06XHBQ4MB

  1. I have some skills with making things. A small amount of experience with programing and a little bit more with electronics though mostly that’s been powering small motors or LEDs directly without boards. -Also I can 3d model and have a 3d printer. I forgot to mention that in the video but I can make any housing for the components.

  2. I am asking quite a lot from a stranger and realize that most people wont have the time or energy to help me with a project that I have only been able to do the bare amount of work on. But I certainly appreciate anyone who can.

Perhaps we can make a trade arrangement of skills. I am decent at 3d design. Perhaps I could help you with something that needs housing or a case. I could design something to be 3d printed. I am a crafty person and know how to do a lot of things including leather repair, zipper repairs. I am also a hobby artist and have been since i was a kid so I know a decent amount about different mediums and am decent at making designs for things. I am also in academia and teach at college level so I can help with writing or any homework around psych topics. Idk, what do you need help with?

I realize im asking a lot for this project so I am offering something in return.

*in the video I kept forgetting what the meter thing was called. I was referring to a voltage meter.

I misspoke about the very last sensor type I mention. Amazon does sell a pressure pad door bell. Its over priced, apparently doesn’t work well and is not very responsive to pets. and lacks durability/longevity. It is not marketed as a pet doorbell per se but does have product images implying it can be used for dogs. but reviews say it is not reliable.

Other companies do sell Indoor pressure mats with alarms or notification systems for elderly care and such but these are $$$$ and also have poor reviews. I figured I would make my own. how hard could it be?

I think there is a demand for such devices. For dogs and cats. Assuming its not too hard to make and cost is low.

If this project is successful, I plan to post this on instructibles.com so other people can make one. I would be happy to mention your names as co-creators of the project.

  • daanniiOPEnglish
    1·
    1 month ago

    As I work on this project I’m going to post comments with updates so that if someone else wants to do something similar they can see what I tried or what did or didn’t work and hopefully save themselves some time.

    So update Sept 10th 2026.

    I managed to get a low profile USB keyboard from the goodwill today for half off. So $3. Nice.

    Haven’t taken it apart yet.

    While at the goodwill I saw used digital weight scales for sale. The small kitchen ones and the human ones.

    Made me wonder if I could basically jack in the doorbell transmitter to the connections for the screen. So when someone steps on it and triggers it to come on, it would trigger the transmitter. These scales usually take those button batteries. I think they are 1.3v.

    Unsure if a cat would trigger it to turn on. The smaller kitchen ones seem to require manually turning on.

    But thought maybe I could scrap it and use the sensors. Idk.

    Also a new idea. I say in the video why motion detection isn’t a good idea. But what about laser motion detection.

    You basically have a laser and a target receiver. When the laser is interrupted, it creates a signal.

    So if I put these flanking the door, and the cat walked into the laser path, it would trigger.

    I found two on AliExpress that might do the job. One set already has small power regulator boards inside making it easy to wire up. I’ll post pictures below.

    The egg shaped one also says it functions in the cold. I could easily made 3d printed or wood bracket I can slide up next to the door. It would go off every time I exited or entered the house because the front screen door opens outward. But still … Maybe that would work.