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544 Views 2 Replies Latest reply: May 6, 2013 12:46 PM by Richard_Comerford_Editor_Electronic_Products RSS
Josh_Baker Novice
Josh_Baker
Currently Being Moderated

May 3, 2013 1:16 AM

Microcontroller to build "smart dumbwatch"

Hi there all!

 

I have this idea of a project but I am brand new at this stuff so I don't really have any real idea how to start! Basically, what I am looking to do is modify an analog watch by adding an RGB LED in it, then have it controlled by an app (which I will have to program) on my Android via Bluetooth, so it would, for example, blink when I get notifications. An extra added functionality that would be awesome if possible is if I could have buttons on the side to control music.

 

It would be best if it was very low powered so it only needed to run off a watch battery if that is even possible.

 

Now, I am a complete noobie. Should I use a microcontroller for this? If so, would you have any suggestions as to which one?

 

Also, would you be able to point me in the right direction on how to learn more about them? I've searched a bit but because I'm so new to this, I think I just don't know where  the proper places to look are.

 

I am fairly electrically savvy (I'm actually a second-year computer and electrical engineering student) but I haven't attempted anything like this before! I hope you will be able to help me out! And if you need me to be more clear on anything, let me know .


Thanks!

Tags: microcontroller, wireless, bluetooth, android
  • MetMan Apprentice
    MetMan
    86 posts since
    Oct 24, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 6, 2013 11:46 AM (in response to Josh_Baker)
    Microcontroller to build "smart dumbwatch"

    Hi Josh,

     

    Sounds like a fun project!  Check out Texas Instruments CC2540, it is an 8051 microcontroller with a built in BlueTooth low energy radio.

     

    You might want to start with a developement kit like Texas Instruments CC2540DK-MINI or the EMMOCO EDB-BLE so you don't have to worry about laying out the PCB and radio at first and you can focus on getting your program working and your core functionallity tested out.  then after everything is working you could make your final watch device.

     

    The EMMOCO kit includes example code & apps for conrolling your device with Apple or Android phones & devices, so I would lean towards checking that one out.

     

    Good luck and have fun!!

  • Richard_Comerford_Editor_Electronic_Products Novice
    Richard_Comerford_Editor_Electronic_Products
    31 posts since
    Sep 7, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 6, 2013 12:46 PM (in response to Josh_Baker)
    Microcontroller to build "smart dumbwatch"

    I agree with MetMan that this sounds like a fun project, but before deciding on a microcontroller, you should decide how the phone will communicate with the watch. Will it use Bluetooth? Will it need to use a public wireless frequency like 2.4 GHz (in which sase you have to modify the phone)? Or will it need to work through a wireless router (which means you have to link the watch with the router)? Then you can select the radio circuit you'll need for the watch.

     

    Once you've looked at those options, then consider what you'd like the watch to be able to do. For an LED to light on a signal from the phone, you really don't need a microprocessor; the radio with simple circuitry could do it, and minimize power needs.

     

    Try and find an EE to work closely with you on this (I suggest you do it in private, not in a public forum like this, if you are considering making this a commercial endeavor) and you'll find that it will go a lot faster.

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