Hello Lemmings, Hope you guys are doing well.

Objective: Open the door automatically through HomeAssistant

My Plan:

  1. Use an ESP32 and flash ESPhome. Wire up Servo Motor (SG90) with ESP32. Tie a thread on between the Servo Motor Arm and the physical latch (physical latch that I can pull to unlock the door) such that when the servo motor turns from -100 to +100, the latch is being pulled to cause the door to be unlocked.

  2. I am planning to power this using AA Cells + DC DC Boost convertor.

Issue:

  1. How do I mount the Servo Motor on the door?
  2. Is there any other (read better) way to achieve the same result?
  3. Would you recommend any power source other than AA Cells?

Image for reference:

The latch has a keychain-like loop where the thread is tied. To unlock the door manually, I pull the latch towards right (---->) . This action is planned to be automated by Servo Motor.

  • @RandomUserEnglish
    2•1 month ago

    Butt your enclosure right up against the lock body, then you reduce shearing forces trying to pull it off the door. Extend the pull bar through your enclosure so you still have a manual override.

  • BigCanucK42English
    1•2 months ago

    Personally I love sho-goo. It holds great. And is also removable if needed. (Twist hard and it will come off then you can peel the stuff off). Stays flexible when cured and just use tape to get it to stay while curing

  • @RandomUserEnglish
    1•1 month ago

    While I’m not adverse to home automation, is this something you need in your life, or just want? I like my perimeter security too be simple and tight, extra complications make the security audit much harder.

    Will your insurance stand up to home made remote control unlocking?

    To answer your question, place the servo in a suitably large enclosure and practically any adhesive should work, e.g. 3mM command strips or even velcro or double sided sticky. When confident that this is what you want, use a screw.