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Hi HN! I commented about this project of mine a month ago [0] and decided to write a more in depth blog post about it. Feel free to ask any questions :) [0] h

Hi HN! I commented about this project of mine a month ago [0] and decided to write a more in depth blog post about it. Feel free to ask any questions :) [0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31024099 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31024099

gus_massa 4y ago
Are you going to add a second camera?
- maxmunzel 4y ago
  Interesting question! The geometry of my balcony kind of restricts the number of places that observe the pigeons without spying on my neighbors. Therefore I’m not sure where else I could put another camera. I’m thinking about a auto-aiming gun for the next iteration, though.
  - gus_massa 4y ago
    One in each corner of the window of the balcony? Just add two microphones and try to integrate the sound and video for extra style points?
    - maxmunzel 4y ago
      I wanted to add video recording in the future to gain some lol-points. But to be honest, the still images of the pigeons + my imagination had me jumping like a child in excitement already ;)
neopallium 4y ago
A motion activated sprinkler could work too. Or buy a motion detector and have it activate plant water sprayers (the kind used for automatic watering of potted plants).
- lostlogin 4y ago
  A cheap solenoid will work with garden watering systems and connections. I made an irrigation system that I added to Home Assistant and it’s great. https://www.bunnings.co.nz/pope-25mm-solenoid-valve-with-flow-control_p3120671 https://www.bunnings.co.nz/pope-25mm-solenoid-valve-with-flo... You can get attachments that allow all sorts of jets, drips and spray patterns. It would probably plug in nicely in place of the water gun. However drilling through the wall and messing with the plumbing isn’t for everyone.
- darkerside 4y ago
  Also works great for keeping kids off your lawn
amelius 4y ago
Did you see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbkLjjlMV8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbkLjjlMV8
- maxmunzel 4y ago
  Actually not, but it looks similar (minus the network insanity)
jandeboevrie 4y ago
So how do you aim the water gun? I see no servo motors? Or is it more like a wide spray nozzle?
- maxmunzel 4y ago
  I don’t aim it at all at the moment. The pigeons mostly land directly behind the railings, as documented by their… presents ;)
maccard 4y ago
What happens when you sit on the balcony?
thehappypm 4y ago
I love this project! In the spirit of sharing ideas, I would have probably done this full analog. I’d set up a rudimentary analog break beam detector (like what they use to detect if a garage door is cleared to close) beaming across the balcony, and if so, trigger the relay to shoot the gun!
mschuster91 4y ago
I'm curious, can you share a scan of that police leaflet please?

gus_massa 4y ago

Are you going to add a second camera?

maxmunzel 4y ago
Interesting question! The geometry of my balcony kind of restricts the number of places that observe the pigeons without spying on my neighbors. Therefore I’m not sure where else I could put another camera. I’m thinking about a auto-aiming gun for the next iteration, though.
- gus_massa 4y ago
  One in each corner of the window of the balcony? Just add two microphones and try to integrate the sound and video for extra style points?
  - maxmunzel 4y ago
    I wanted to add video recording in the future to gain some lol-points. But to be honest, the still images of the pigeons + my imagination had me jumping like a child in excitement already ;)

neopallium 4y ago

A motion activated sprinkler could work too. Or buy a motion detector and have it activate plant water sprayers (the kind used for automatic watering of potted plants).

lostlogin 4y ago
A cheap solenoid will work with garden watering systems and connections. I made an irrigation system that I added to Home Assistant and it’s great. https://www.bunnings.co.nz/pope-25mm-solenoid-valve-with-flow-control_p3120671 https://www.bunnings.co.nz/pope-25mm-solenoid-valve-with-flo... You can get attachments that allow all sorts of jets, drips and spray patterns. It would probably plug in nicely in place of the water gun. However drilling through the wall and messing with the plumbing isn’t for everyone.
darkerside 4y ago
Also works great for keeping kids off your lawn

amelius 4y ago

Did you see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbkLjjlMV8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbkLjjlMV8

maxmunzel 4y ago
Actually not, but it looks similar (minus the network insanity)

jandeboevrie 4y ago

So how do you aim the water gun? I see no servo motors? Or is it more like a wide spray nozzle?

maxmunzel 4y ago
I don’t aim it at all at the moment. The pigeons mostly land directly behind the railings, as documented by their… presents ;)

maccard 4y ago

What happens when you sit on the balcony?

thehappypm 4y ago

I love this project! In the spirit of sharing ideas, I would have probably done this full analog. I’d set up a rudimentary analog break beam detector (like what they use to detect if a garage door is cleared to close) beaming across the balcony, and if so, trigger the relay to shoot the gun!

mschuster91 4y ago

I'm curious, can you share a scan of that police leaflet please?