Summary

  • Norman Jester’s home security system has a built-in trap for possums that dig up his garden, but the problem is that the trap often catches rats which are lighter, so when the trap goes off it doesn’t necessarily catch anything, just alerts Norman via his smartphone that there could be an issue.
  • To prevent rats from escaping he has implemented a Meshtastic node device, using a 3.5mm audio jack as a trap sensor, which is connected to the trap’s door.
  • When the trap is activated, the closing door pulls out the plug from the jack, alerting the node, and if it isn’t a possum triggering the alarm, it can easily be reset.
  • Possums are different from Australian Possums, and actually help control Lyme disease, eat waste and don’t cause too much disruption to humans.

By Bryan Cockfield

Original Article