Smart Mirror (with Optional Alexa)

Hardware components:
Pi 3 02
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
× 1
Lapel Mic
× 1
USB Sound Card
× 1
16GB MicroSD Card
× 1
Gorilla Glue Original
× 1
STROMBY Picture Frame (50 x 70 cm)
× 1
Extension Cord
× 1
21″ Computer Monitor
Lots of bargains for buying used. Try to make sure the ports are pointing down (parallel to screen) instead of out (perpendicular) to make wall mounting easier.
× 1
3″x1″ Lumber (12 ft)
Simply require lumber to build case around monitor. You can go off script here.
× 1
Gila Mirrored Window Film
× 1
Wood Screws
× 1
USB Speaker
× 1
Angle Brackets
Any 90 degree angle bracket less than 2″ in length should work.
× 6
Software apps and online services:
MagicMirror
Raspberry Pi Raspbian Jessie
Dp image kit 02
Amazon Alexa Alexa Skills Kit
Hand tools and fabrication machines:
Hand Saw
Exacto Knife
Spray Bottle
Drill or Screw Driver
Squeegee

Story smart mirror with optional alexa

This Smart Mirror build is aimed at being low cost, and made from readily available parts.

It all relies on the use of a regular picture frame, and mirrored window film to turn the glass into a two way mirror. Then you enclose a monitor in a wooden frame, and attach the monitor to your mirror. Finally, you get the software running on a raspberry pi, and put it behind the monitor.

This project also includes a bonus Alexa installation. Your smart mirror will be great without this, but it's nice to have a voice assistant in your mirror to ask tough questions or control home automation.

Step 1: Creating the Two Way Mirror

The two way mirror is the most essential part of this build. To create this component, you just apply Gila Mirrored Window Film to any piece of glass or acrylic. This works equally well for glass and acrylic, and only takes about 15 minutes.

Applying the film:

  • Fill the squirt bottle with water and add about 0.5 tablespoons of dish soap. Basically just one squirt.
  • Cut off a piece of reflective film about 1 inch larger than your surface in all directions.
  • Clean your surface, and then spray generously with dish soap mixture.
  • Put scotch tape on both corners of the film, and pull it apart to remove the plastic protective liner. Peel the liner, spraying dish soap mixture between protective liner and the film sheet.
  • With the film sheet generously coated in soap mixture, lay it flat on your surface.
  • Squeegee down the middle, and then from the middle out to the sides. Keep spraying and smoothing until all the air bubbles are gone.
  • Use scissors or the exacto knife to trim excess materials from edge.

You're done! Let it sit for a while before moving, as it hasn't really stuck in place until all the soap mixture dries.

Step 2: Building the Wood Monitor Enclosure

The goal here is to get 4 pieces of wood around your monitor.

Start by removing the monitors bezel by removing screws and jabbing a knife or paint scraper in the seam of the monitor. If there are loose monitor controls, cover the exposed backside of the circuit board with electrical tape, and tape it to the back of your monitor.smart mirror

Now it's time to build the frame. Use your most basic woodworking skills to size the wood frame, and then use the 90 angle brackets to attached the inner corners. Then screw 4 small screws in the front and back corners to hold the monitor in place.

For more detail: Smart Mirror (with Optional Alexa)


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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