Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks

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Chapter 9, How to Build a Cubicle Intrusion Detection System

Hardware Assembly Instructions

I recommend using the BasicStamp2 SuperCarrier board, which has space

for a BasicStamp2 controller (as well as a prototyping space for additional

electronics). I used this board to save some time when I built my cube intru-

sion system, but you can also build the project on a blank printed circuit

board (PCB). The schematic diagrams at the end of this chapter show all

the components you’ll need.

Radio Shack makes an entry alert product that includes all the optics and

infrared light transmission/detection electronics. This product may be

substituted for the laser and photo-detector we’ll be installing in this hack.

The main advantages of using the Radio Shack box are that its optics are

prealigned and that you won’t have to assemble this part of the system.

You will spend a little more money, however; the entry alert costs more

than $60.

The laser module I used is a small component you can buy at Radio Shack.

If you want to use a pen-style laser pointer, you will need to devise your

own mounting system to hold it in place. DigiKey’s laser diode module

costs about the same as an inexpensive laser pointer pen. I chose the

DigiKey module as it is smaller and easier to work with.

The following instructions apply whether you choose to build everything

yourself (with or without a SuperCarrier board) or you use an entry alert.

1. Assemble the electronics

For this step you will need to gather the

BasicStamp2 controller, the SuperCarrier board,

and the electronic components listed in either

Exhibit A or B, depending on what kind of system

you’re building.

Solder components to the circuit board (laser-

based)

This step is applicable to those assembling the

laser-based system. If you are not using the

SuperCarrier board, you will need the small,

blank PCB.

Mount the electronic components to the

SuperCarrier board prototyping area as specified

in Exhibit D. You can see a picture of the com-

pleted board in Figure 9-2.

When this task is completed, skip to Step 2.

Figure 9-2:

Controller board with components

Hardware Assembly Instructions

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