How to Build a DIY Smart Mirror

Introduction

A smart mirror is a two-way mirror that can display useful information while still allowing you to see your reflection. They can be used to show the time, weather, and other information. You can also use them to control smart devices in your home, such as turning on the lights or changing the temperature. Smart mirrors can be expensive to buy, but you can save money by building your own. This project will show you how to build a smart mirror using a two-way mirror, a frame, a Raspberry Pi, and a few other components.

What You’ll Need

To build your own smart mirror, you will need the following:

• A two-way mirror
• A frame
• A Raspberry Pi
• A monitor
• A camera
• A microphone
• Speakers
• A power supply for the Raspberry Pi
• An SD card for the Raspberry Pi

Instructions

1. Prepare the mirror

Start by measuring the mirror and cutting it to size if necessary. Then, use a drill to make a hole in the mirror for the camera. The hole should be big enough for the camera to fit through, but small enough that it will be hidden by the frame. Next, use a drill to make a hole for the power supply. Again, the hole should be big enough for the power supply to fit through but small enough that it will be hidden by the frame.

2. Assemble the frame

Assemble the frame according to the instructions that came with it. Once the frame is assembled, place the mirror inside it.

3. Connect the components

Connect the monitor, camera, microphone, and speakers to the Raspberry Pi. Then, connect the power supply to the Raspberry Pi. Finally, insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi.

4. Configure the software

Now you need to configure the software on the Raspberry Pi. Start by installing the operating system. Then, install the software for the smart mirror. There are a few different options available, but we recommend using Magic Mirror. Once the software is installed, you can customize it to display the information that you want to see on your smart mirror. For example, you can add modules for the time, weather, news, and more.

5. Enjoy your smart mirror!

You’re now ready to use your smart mirror. Stand back and enjoy seeing your reflection along with all the useful information that it can display.

Now that you have all the hardware set up, it’s time to start working on the software. The first thing you’ll need to do is install the MagicMirror² software on your Raspberry Pi. You can find full instructions on how to do this on the MagicMirror² website.

Once you have the MagicMirror² software installed, you’ll need to install the MMM-Remote-Control module. This module will allow you to control your mirror using a web browser or a mobile phone app. To install the module, log into your Raspberry Pi and enter the following command:

cd MagicMirror/modules
git clone https://github.com/Jopyth/MMM-Remote-Control.git

This will clone the MMM-Remote-Control module into your MagicMirror/modules directory.

Next, you’ll need to edit the MagicMirror/config/config.js file to add the MMM-Remote-Control module. Add the following lines to the file:

{
module: ‘MMM-Remote-Control’,
config: {
api_key: ‘YOUR_API_KEY’
}
},

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with a unique key that you generate. This key will be used to authenticate your devices when they connect to the mirror.

You’ll also need to edit the MagicMirror/config/config.js file to enable the web server. Add the following line to the file:

{
module: ‘webserver’,
config: {
port: 80,
}
},

This will enable the web server on port 80.

Now you can start the MagicMirror² software by running the following command:

cd MagicMirror
npm start

Once the software is running, you can access the mirror’s web interface by going to http://YOUR_MIRROR_IP in a web browser. The default username is “admin” and the default password is “secret”.

From the web interface, you can add and remove modules, change the configuration, and control the mirror. You can also use the web interface to upload images and videos to the mirror.

To control the mirror using a mobile phone, you can install the MagicMirror² Remote Control app from the App Store or Google Play. Once the app is installed, you’ll need to enter the mirror’s IP address, the username and password for the web interface, and the API key that you generated earlier.

With the MagicMirror² software and the MMM-Remote-Control module, you can now build a fully-functional smart mirror.

You will need:

-A two-way mirror
-A frame
-A monitor
-A computer
-A webcam
-A microphone
-Some speakers

Optional:

-A light sensor
-A motion sensor

1.Start by finding a two-way mirror. You can usually find these at your local hardware store.

2.Then, build or buy a frame for the mirror. This can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.

3.Next, mount the monitor inside the frame. Make sure that the monitor is facing the reflective side of the mirror.

4.Now, attach the webcam and the microphone to the back of the monitor.

5.Finally, connect the computer to the monitor and the speakers.

6.Now, you can start adding optional features, like a light sensor or a motion sensor.

How to Build a DIY Smart Mirror

Supplies

• 2-way mirror
• Raspberry Pi
• Touchscreen display
• Frame
• Wood glue
• Cable ties
• Microphone
• Speaker

Instructions

1. Start by measuring the mirror and cutting the frame to size. Make sure the frame is slightly smaller than the mirror so that it will fit snugly.
2. Assemble the frame using wood glue and clamps. Let the glue dry overnight.
3. Next, attach the touchscreen display to the Raspberry Pi. You may need to use a case or stand to prop up the display.
4. Now it’s time to attach the mirror to the frame. Use a few drops of wood glue to adhere the mirror to the frame.
5. Finally, add the microphone and speaker. These can be mounted on the frame or hidden behind the mirror.

Conclusion

Your smart mirror is now complete! You can use it to check the weather, read the news, or even control your smart home devices.