Possible Raspberry Pi Project

Question

Hi Guys,

I have a project i'm trying to scope out and wonder if i'm going in the right direction?

I'm looking to create a video presentation using an mpeg file and at certain times set during the presentation i would like things to move e.g. fans, actuators, switches. (would need at least three outputs in all).

The presentation would run on a set time rotation or when a sensor detects someone has entered the room.

I've spotted something called Piface that might support this buddied up with Raspberry Pi, but am a new to all this. Is there anywhere that would be a good place to get help doing this also?

Thanks for your consideration. An enthusiast might even be interested in getting involved.

Paul

crosseyejack · Answer

What kind of voltages are we talking? Small "Could be powered by batteries" Fan's or Mains Powered Desk type fans?

The PiFace will easily allow you to control the power of low voltage devices but I wouldn't use it on high voltage stuff as it just doesn't have the creepage clearance on the pins. But if you were thinking of using mains powered fans you could use some Radio Control Sockets and send the command signals to control the power from the the Pi using some cheap components.

If everything is low powered you should be able to use the PiFace to do everything you want without too much issues, Your problem would be getting everything sync'ed up. I've never played with it myself but I'm sure you could use something like PyMedia to play the video and monitor the playback time to trigger the outputs on the PiFace at set times. After playback it can return to its "Start Positions" and way for a trigger either on a timer or a interrupt based off something like a PIR Sensor.

Good Luck.