Vending Machine
Description
Create a new, or hack an existing vending machine to use at the HS. It will replace the current system which does not employ a RFID scanner, remotely accessible control panel, and online statistics. Above all, the current system has many flaws (it can be easily exploited, it does not differentiate between CHF and EUR coins, etc).
Goal
The goal is to get a functioning vending machine, which will be able to dispense various drinks and snacks without destroying them. We could also add some basic electronics such as Arduino's, protoboards and other components that can take a while to get to Switzerland. The vending machine must have these minimum requirements:
- Fit within the existing fridge or replace the entire fridge
- Make it function like a normal vending machine, but replace coin system with RFID system, rechargeable with PayPal/BTC/whatever
- Have a remotely accessible control panel (private), and a statistics page (public)
- Make sure that this doesn't happen
- Have a small markup to keep machine running (Something similar to Coop Pronto, but not as excessive as the ones at the train stations)
Obstacle
Some of the obstacles that will be needed to overcome are the following:
- There have been very few DIY vending machines made
- It will have to be redundant, and not susceptible to software updates *cough*Tron_Restore*cough*
- Parts may be incompatible with one another if existing vending machine parts will be bought
Components
The component list is non-exhaustive and will probs be modified without prior notice.
- Arduino + Ethernet, Motor shields, and RFID module
- Genuine vending machine spirals, or DIY ones
- Genuine motors or simply high-torque ones of ebay
- LEDs. No project is complete without LEDs - they could be used to indicate if item is in stock, etc
- Bits of wood/metal/etc to build the housing
- 3D printed buttons and misc components
- A coing counting mechanism, we already have one without protocol lying around.
Schedule
There is as per now no planned schedule, however generally speaking, this should be built as soon as possible. Funds can be raised for this project using money currently earned from fridge, or money which will be earned in the future from the vending machine.
