Creating a smart mirror frame is an innovative way to integrate technology into your home’s essential furnishings, transforming a traditional mirror into a high-tech device. This device can display a variety of digital elements, such as the time, date, weather forecast, news headlines, and more, all while serving its primary function as a mirror. This article focuses on providing a step-by-step guide to creating your own smart mirror with a touch of DIY creativity.
Choosing the Right Mirror and Monitor
The best part about creating a smart mirror is that you can tailor it to your specific needs and preferences. The choice of mirror and monitor are critical and serve as the foundation of this project. The mirror should be a two-way mirror, also known as see-through, surveillance, or one-way mirror. It is transparent from one side and reflective on the other, serving the dual function required for a smart mirror.
Next, you need a monitor. A raspberry pi monitor is a popular choice due to its compact size and power efficiency. However, an old computer monitor can also suffice. Ideally, the monitor should be thinner and slightly smaller than the two-way mirror, allowing it to fit behind it perfectly.
Gathering Necessary Components
Additional components apart from the mirror and monitor include a Raspberry Pi, a Raspberry Pi compatible Power supply, a Micro SD card (a minimum of 8GB), an HDMI cable, a Micro USB cable, a Wi-Fi adapter (only if the Raspberry Pi model you’ve chosen doesn’t have in-built WiFi), and wood to build the frame.
Framing the Mirror
The initial step involves making the mirror frame. Measure your monitor and cut four pieces of wood accordingly to form a box that will house the monitor. Consider adding a few extra inches to each dimension to create an ‘inner’ frame within the larger box where your monitor will nestle. Assemble the wooden frame and ensure the monitor snugly fits into the space created.
Next, paint the frame to match your desired aesthetic. Most people prefer black as it helps the illusion of the mirror being a part of the tech. Once the paint is dry, fit the two-way mirror into the frame.
Configuring Your Raspberry Pi
Once the physical frame is ready, it’s time to move on to the tech part of the DIY project. Insert your Micro SD card into your computer. Download and install an SD Card Formatter to clear out any old data on your card. Then, download the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS and install it onto your SD card.
Enable SSH on your Raspberry Pi to enable remote logins into your Pi. Use a software like Putty to log in remotely. Use default credentials for initial login (Username: pi, Password: raspberry).
Update your Pi by typing sudo apt-get update then sudo apt-get upgrade in the terminal window. Install unclutter, a utility that hides your mouse cursor, by typing sudo apt-get install unclutter in the terminal window.
Installing MagicMirror²
The MagicMirror² platform serves as the main software running the smart mirror. It is an open-source software specifically designed for smart mirrors, offering numerous widgets or ‘modules’ with different functionalities.
To install MagicMirror², enter these commands:
bash -c "$(curl -sL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sdetweil/MagicMirror_scripts/master/raspberry.sh)"To prevent the Pi from going to sleep, you need to modify the Pi’s autostart script. Use these commands:
sudo nano /etc/xdg/lxsession/LXDE-pi/autostartAdd:
@xset s noblank
@xset s off
@xset -dpmsSave and close.
After configuring your Raspberry Pi and installing the MagicMirror² software, it’s time to connect your Pi to your monitor. Connect the HDMI cable to both the monitor and Raspberry Pi. Power the Pi using the MicroUSB cable connected to your PiCompatible power supply.
Customizing Your Smart Mirror
MagicMirror² has a variety of modules you can display on your smart mirror. Features like clock, calendar, weather forecast, news feed, and more are available out-of-the-box. To access and modify these, you need to access the MagicMirror² module configuration file via command:
nano ~/MagicMirror/config/config.jsYou can add, remove, and rearrange these modules to customize your mirror’s display. You can also set up third-party modules.
Completing the DIY Project
After all the configurations and software installations, carefully insert the monitor with the Pi attached into the wooden frame. Ensure that your cords can neatly run out from the bottom or top of the frame, depending on where the outlets reside.
Congratulations! You have converted a simple mirror into a smart mirror. Use the Wi-Fi to connect your mirror online, and all the features will begin displaying on your mirror. Next time you look into your mirror to fix your hair, you will also receive the day’s weather forecast and the trending news headlines.
