In this chapter, we will look at how to create a simplistic security system that will be able to monitor basic security sensors, such as door position sensors and passive infrared (PIR) sensors. These are common for standard home security systems and send e-mail alerts when certain combinations of sensors are triggered.
This is the list of the minimum parts you will need to complete this project by following the sample system setup, which is described in the first section of this chapter:
- The Raspberry Pi
- At least two nRF24L01 modules (http://imall.iteadstudio.com/im120606002.html)
- At least one Arduino Uno
- 0.1 inch female-to-female pin jumper wires
- 0.1 inch male-to-female pin jumper wires
- A selection of security sensors:
- The PIR sensor (www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Pir-Module-61-1516)
- Magnetic door sensors or reed switches (www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Surface-Mounting-Proximity-Switch-78-1672)
The number of sensors, Arduino boards, and RF modules you will need for this project will greatly depend on how many rooms you want the security system to cover and how many sensors will be used in each room. In this chapter, it would be worth reading at least the section on how to design your security system before you order any parts. Do this to ensure that you have enough requirements to build a system that will work well for your scenario.