Addons
From KegbotWiki
Here's a list of devices, gadgets, and novelties you could add on to a kegbot system. Some may already be added!
Contents |
Sound System
Connect speakers to the Kegbot control PC, use it to play sounds at specific events (eg 12 ounces poured, key inserted, access denied_
(Mike 01:35, 5 Aug 2005 (EDT): Present in original Kegbot!)
Dollar Bill Acceptor
May your drinkers pay off their debt! Require X% of their outstanding tab before a pour is allowed. Or permit keyless dirnkers to 'buy a pint'!
(Mike 01:35, 5 Aug 2005 (EDT): I have the hardware to do this but have yet to hook it up.)
Drinker Cam
Attach a cheapo USB webcam to the kegerator somewhere, record images when drinks are in progress. Update the web site with the live images and/or save for posterity (build a 'flipbook' of a night).
Party Lights
Actuate fun lights on certain events.
Slot Machine Wheels
I bought a slot machine wheel device on eBay for <$30. Integrate this with the kegbot and dollar bill acceptor, and you have a beer-dispensing slot machine (how many types of sin is that?)
Reed Switch Alarm
When fridge door is open or has been opened, shut down the kegbot and refuse to pour. Probably only interesting to the super-paranoid.
Intelligent Pint Glasses
I remember this project from a while back: a 'glass is empty' sensor for a pint glass. I hope I am crediting the original inventors, as there now seems to be several:
- Wireless Pitcher at Cornell
- iGlassware at "Merl", a division of Mitsubishi
Possible uses:
- Accurate drink finish-time detection (for BAC decay calculation)
- Detection of pours when last drink not finished
Touch Panel Access Control
An easy to clean touch sensitive panel for access control. Touch pickup will be accomplished by the QT touch sensors from Quantum Research.
http://www.qprox.com/products/touch.php
Construction details to follow.
More details @ http://wiki.kegbot.org/Touch_Panel
Fingerprint Scanner
Instead of using a bunch of iButtons, why not just have one fingerprint scanner?
Microsoft sells an inexpensive Fingerprint reader.
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=036
Unfortunately, it's a USB device, as are most biometric readers, and that would mean adding a new technology to the kegbot.
To anyone building a kegbot board, that would mean adding a USB host controller. To anyone using a Serial-over-IP solution, that would mean installing a USB-over-IP device.
The question is then, Does anybody know of a fingerprint reader with a serial/RS-232 interface?
