If your home or office has unique security challenges or you just want the geek cred you assemble a system to open a door via an RFID signal. At around $100 the parts aren't expensive, but in addition to basic electronics skills you'll need familiarity with Arduino Uno boards and access to a laser cutter.
If your home or office has unique security challenges or you just want the geek cred you assemble a system to open a door via an RFID signal. At around $100 the parts aren't expensive, but in addition to basic electronics skills you'll need familiarity with Arduino Uno boards and access to a laser cutter. MIT Researcher Valentin Heun created the RFID door opener as he was annoyed that he needed both his MIT ID card and a key to gain access to the MIT Media Lab. With this system his RFID-embedded ID card is read by an RFID evaluation shield connected to an Arduino Uno board. His RFID code is approved and a servo opens the door. A laser cut mounting board allows the servo and RFID evaluation shield to be attached to the door's handle and deadbolt.
See Valentine's site below for a ZIP file containing a full parts list, instructions, and the template for the laser-cut mounting board.
With more forms of identifications and credit cards getting RFID tags embedded in them, you might be in the market for a wallet that protects your data. If you're not interested in spending the cash, blogger Serge outlines a DIY method over at Embedded Edge.
We've talked about duct tape wallets in the past because they're free and, despite being hideously ugly, pretty awesome. On the flip side, a wallet made out of a coffee bag fits in the same DIY happy place, while actually looking nicer than something you might find sold in stores. Oh, and it smells really nice.
