Creating your own smart mirror may seem like a high-tech challenge, but with the right tools and a budget of less than $150, it’s very much possible. This detailed guide will walk you through the steps to build a budget-friendly smart mirror that seamlessly integrates with your daily routine.
To ensure our smart mirror is cost-effective, we’ll use a Raspberry Pi, an affordable microcomputer with a robust online community offering open-source resources. The total cost, including the Raspberry Pi, power supply, micro SD card, HDMI cable, monitor, two-way mirror, frame, and other minor items is less than $150.
Part 1: Gathering the Necessities
To start, let’s gather the hardware:
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Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 Model B: You can find this on various online platforms, running around $35.
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Power supply: This should be a 5V Micro USB power supply that generally costs around $8.
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Micro SD Card (16GB recommended): This will host the CODE and can cost about $6.
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HDMI cable and VGA Monitor: You can use any spare monitor. If it doesn’t have HDMI input, use an HDMI-to-VGA adapter. The cable and adapter will cost around $8.
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Two-way mirror: A 18×24 inches glass will cost somewhere between $30 and $50.
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Frame: It depends on the size of the mirror and its thickness, but we’ll budget approximately $30.
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Double-sided foam tape to mount the Raspberry Pi onto the monitor: $6
Hardware expenses should run close to $130, with a little wiggle room within the budget for minor unexpected costs.
On the software front, we need open source software called ‘MagicMirror²’. This is a modular smart mirror platform where you can add and customize modules according to your requirements.
Part 2: Setting Up Raspberry Pi
Start by downloading NOOBS (New Out Of Box Software) from the Raspberry Pi website and copy it to the Micro SD card. Insert the card into your Raspberry Pi, connect it to a screen, a keyboard, mouse, and power it on. Follow the instructions to install the Raspbian Operating System. You might need to connect it to Wi-Fi and update the software.
Part 3: Install MagicMirror²
Open Terminal, which you’ll find under the Raspberry Pi, and enter the MagicMirror²’s auto installer command: “bash -c “$(curl -sL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/MichMich/MagicMirror/master/installers/raspberry.sh)”. This may take some time; just follow the prompts on screen.
After successful installation, go to terminal, navigate to your MagicMirror’s module folder, and enter “npm start” to run your MagicMirror² interface in your browser.
Part 4: Configuring MagicMirror²
Reflection is clearer on a black background, so altering the interface’s colour makes sense. Navigate to the “css” folder in the MagicMirror folder and open the “main.css” file. Replace ‘#000’ to ‘#333’ under the body, and ‘.region.top.bar, .region.bottom.bar’ to adjust the background transparency.
Part 5: Set Up Auto Start
To set up MagicMirror² modules to start on boot, run the PM2 command: “pm2 startup”. Then save the current application state by running “pm2 save”. Now every time your Raspberry Pi boots, MagicMirror² will start automatically.
Part 6: Create Your Smart Mirror
Attach the Raspberry Pi to the back of your monitor with double-sided foam tape. Ensure the HDMI and power ports are accessible. Attach the two-way mirror to your monitor. Make sure you clean both mirror and monitor surfaces for a clear reflection. Lastly, place your custom or purchased frame onto your two-way mirror.
Each step is vital, so take your time. This ensures the smart mirror not only looks fabulous but also runs seamlessly.
Part 7: Customize Your Smart Mirror
With various modules available for MagicMirror², you can customize your new smart mirror to show desired information. Some popular modules include current weather, news feed, calendar events, compliments and more.
Part 8 : Final Touches
Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is strong where you plan to hang the mirror, and manage all the cables and table tidily behind the mirror. You might want to consider additional supports to hang the mirror if it’s heavier than anticipated.
In this DIY era, creating your own smart mirror is rewarding and surprisingly affordable. You not only learn about simple coding but also create a high-tech gadget for your home. Happy building!
