Home automation is one of the most discussed topics nowadays. While some people have their homes fully automated, others can only dream about it. If you are among the second category, think about what doesn’t let you automate your home. If you just are unwilling to do so, it is one thing. But if you believe that it is not affordable for you, consider some DIY home automation projects. To build your wished automation devices, you need linear actuators. You can choose them depending on a project:
- Make sure your actuators have enough power to perform their function. So, if you are choosing an actuator or a lifting system for a TV lift, the system shall be able to move the device, and so on.
- The stroke length is important for your project to succeed. If the stroke length is insufficient, your automated system won’t move the item to the place where you can use it. A too big stroke length will require some additional tools such as limit switches or sensors.
- What about ingress protection? If you are going to automate something outside, consider getting at least weather-proof actuators. If needed, you might even need to buy water-proof ones.
- Noise generation level is another feature that is important especially for interior projects. So, if you are working and need to lift your standing desk, you shall not be bothered by excessive noise too much.
- If you need accessories to actuators, say, linear actuator controllers, limit switches, or whatever, make sure they are of the same brand or are compatible with your items.
Now, when the main features are discussed, you might want to learn some details about the most popular automation projects. Here, we have prepared some tips and instructions that might be useful for your first DIY automation projects. We are sure that with time, you will be able to handle any of them
Kitchen Automation Projects
It always happens that in the kitchen, you always need more space than it is available. To solve the issue, you can automate your kitchen furniture.
One of the first projects we would advise is a lifting column hidden in one of the kitchen cabinets. It allows you to save space that you would otherwise use to store your food processor, coffee machine or another big device.
To make a lifting column, you need:
- A lifting column;
- A platform;
- Woodcutting tools and a set of wrenches.
Once the column is there, start with the installation.
- Fix the column inside of the selected kitchen cabinet. If needed, reinforce the cabinet bottom to make sure it can support the column and the device safely.
- Now, cut out a hole in the cabinet surface. It shall be aligned with the column and let the device pass.
- On the column, install a platform (you can make it from a piece of wood or MDF or order one).
- Fix the device on the platform.
- Test whether the device passes through the opening properly and whether everything works smoothly.
- Make the cap to close the opening when the device is hidden. It will enable you to use the cabinet surface freely.
This installation is beneficial for those who want to have a fully-equipped kitchen without sacrificing its space. If you want, you can automate shelves, install drop-down racks, change the dining table for a height-adjustable one, and similar.
Home Office Automation
If you work from home, you have plenty of automation opportunities. First of all, your desk: are you still using a traditional desk? It is time to change it!
Yes, a standing desk is not cheap. However, once more, you can choose a DIY project and make an automated desk on your own.
To do so, you need just a lifting frame and a desk top. You can even use the desk top from your old traditional desk, especially if you liked it.
To make your own standing desk, you need to install the desk top on the frame, and that’s it. All the accessories such as screws, controls, etc., are included in the set with the frame. So, you need to fix the desk top, to test whether everything works, to adjust if needed, and that’s it, your new desk is ready.
Don’t forget to check accessories that you can buy to boost the comfort of your working place. So, a CPU holder, a drawer, an ergonomic carpet, an adjustable screen support are needed to make your working place perfect and maximally functional.
Bottom Line
On the web, there are plenty of DIY automation projects. We have described just the most popular and the easiest ones. If you can manage these projects, you can move to more complex automation ideas. In the end, you will become an expert and will be able to automate your home completely.
