Four weeks ago, we sent out an update to the Kickstarter backers of the Particle Electron to let them know that we’d completed shipping nearly 10,000 Electrons to over 80 countries around the world.
In the 27 days since then, we’ve been totally blown away by the number and quality of projects that have been created with the Electron, and wanted to take the opportunity to share some of our favorites with you all. For a full list of Electron projects, visit our project page at Hackster.io.
Not familiar with the Electron? It’s our latest project– a nifty IoT development kit with 2G/3G connectivity, SIM card, low-cost data plan, and some really great software for building cellular-connected products. It’s now available in our online store, and each Electron comes with 3 free months of our cellular data plan!
1. Track things with GPS + Cellular
If you’re a space cadet whose keys (or kids?) are constantly going missing, these projects are for you. One of the most exciting applications of cellular connectivity is location tracking with GSM + GPS, which allows you to know the precise location of your project within just a few feet at all times.
The Electron (along with the Asset Tracker) makes DIY asset tracking a breeze, and the following projects are a couple of the best GPS projects we’ve seen so far.
My Kids’ Driving Habits
Intermediate Project – View it on Hackster
What is it?
A couple of years ago, insurance companies started handing out connected sensors to their customers that evaluate your driving habits and award you with discounts for safe behavior. This project shows you how to build your own connected car sensor with location tracking as a cherry on top, combining a Particle Electron with GPS, an accelerometer, and distance sensor.
What do I need?
- Electron 2G or 3G Kit
- Asset Tracker Kit
- Sharp IR distance sensor
DroneHome
Intermediate Project – View it on Hackster
What is it?
DroneHome is an Internet-connected life jacket for drones that have gone missing. It provides you with updated real time location of your drone, and the ability to remotely trigger a high-volume buzzer to help you locate your missing friend. In addition to location, it can also be customized to provide you with some neat information about your drone, including position, angle, altitude, power level, directional heading, and more!
What do I need?
Some other cool GPS + Cellular projects
2. Monitor remote sensors
One of the most common inspirations for connected devices is to bring sensor data online. Whether you’re monitoring the temperature of your meat smoker or the acidity of your fishtank, it’s extremely convenient to keep tabs on the things in your life without needing to stand right next to them. The Electron, because it’s cellular-connected, makes it possible to bring sensors online even if they’re miles away from home (and Wi-Fi). We’ve seen some really cool remote sensor projects in the last month–here are a couple of our favorites:
Remote Motion Detection
Beginner Project – View it on Hackster
What is it?
A super simple circuit–this project will tell you when it detects motion using the connected PIR (motion sensor), an Electron, and Particle’s IFTTT integration. We love this project because it requires about 15 lines of code, and shows how easy it is to build useful things on the Particle platform.
What do I need?
High Current Alarm
Intermediate Project – View it on Hackster
What is it?
This connected current sensor will keep track of how much electricity your AC device is using, and also let you know if it’s pulling too much current (i.e. it has a shorted circuit). This project is perfect for industrial or agricultural applications like dehumidifiers, remote lighting, and aquaponics equipment.
What do I need?
Some other cool remote sensor projects
##3. Interact with mobile objects
Remote sensors are fun, but things get even more interesting when you add remote control. We’ve seen a bunch of cool projects built with the Electron designed to allow people and things separated across huge distances to interact in the physical world. Here’s one of our favorites:
Buzz Wolf
Beginner Project – View it on Hackster
What is it?
A remote-activated set of gentle vibration buzzers that remind your dog to check in with you. In the words of the project creator, Nancy, “it’s kind of like having somebody tap you on the shoulders. It’s a painless way to get his attention when he’s off leash and out of earshot.”
What do I need?
