Linux-Based Cat Feeder
prostoalex writes "Chris McAvoy is a UNIX administrator and an owner of two cats. So as a natural application of his work to his hobby he built this Linux-based cat feeder. A little hardware hacking and Python scripting can get you a device that would automatically disperse a yummy fish at specified intervals."
Actually, we recently bought a (used) litterbox that cleans itself. Found out why they got rid of it - the electronics were fried (something about a +5v regulator, sans heatsink, that croaked). Anyways, Vikki mapped out all the connections, replaced the regulator and a handful of semiconductors, then wrote code for a PIC. She also designed and etched the circuit board, and put it all together. It now works great!
:)
While it doesn't run Linux, all the work was done using tools she has for her Gentoo Linux box. The cats really like it, too - they often crowd around to watch the magic litterbox at work. This makes my life, as litterbox shoveller, a lot easier
Lemon curry?