HOWTO.md

Build your own DISTRACTINATOR: The customizable, open source cubicle doorbell

Hardware Ingredients for 1 (one) Distractinator

• Arduino Nano w/ATmega 328 (or comparable)
• RF M4 Receiver - 315 MHz [https://www.adafruit.com/product/1096]
• 4-Button RF remote control [https://www.adafruit.com/product/1095]
• USB cable (to connect microcontroller -> computer)
• Some manner of container (project box, small tin, etc.)

Software Ingredients for 1 (one) Distractinator

• notify.ino sketch (can be found in distractinator/examples)
• Arduino IDE (to flash microcontroller with notify.ino sketch)
• This repository (pip install distractinator)

THE METHOD

Readying the Distractinator consists of 3 (three) main steps:

1.) Obtain the ingredients

2.) Build the hardware

3.) Configure the device

1.) Obtain the ingredients

Hardware

Acquire the requisite hardware!

Software (I assume you're running Linux)

• Install distractinator (see README.md)
• Install Arduino if you don't have it already [https://code.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/arduino]
  • On Ubuntu: sudo apt install arduino

2.) Build the Hardware

Connect the Arduino pins to the M4 Receiver:

Power:

• Arduino GND -> M4 GND
• Arduino 5V -> M4 5V

Data:

• Arduino Pin D12 -> M4 Pin D3 ("A" button)
• Arduino Pin D6 -> M4 Pin D2 ("B" button)
• Arduino Pin D9 -> M4 Pin D1 ("C" button)
• Arduino Pin D10 -> M4 Pin D0 ("D" button)

Solder or otherwise secure the connections.

Flash the microcontroller with the sketch:

• Connect the Arduino to your computer via USB
• Open the Arduino IDE and open the notify.ino sketch (in distractinator/examples)
• Select the correct board from Tools > Board
• Click Upload

Fit these two boards into your container.

3.) Configure the device

Connect your newly-built Distractinator to your computer.

Run distractd.

The installation wizard will guide you from there.

Enjoy!