30. Jan. 2024 v1.9:

• New examples of scripts with variables, ranges and random values.

16. Okt. 2023, V1.8:

• Fewer parts and bolts, combined parts to a new socket base
• Larger holes for servo cables added (less jamming, larger motion range)
• Replaced all other cable holes on the socket base

A remix of: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1799905

I designed the extra parts and did some research, and here we are. A cat laser toy, easy to print, easy to program, sturdy and remote controlled.

As soon as my cat hears the sound of the servos, she runs into the living room looking for the red dot. That sounds like "cat automation" to me ;)

My CatOmater is mounted on the ceiling, activated by a zigbee button lying around.

Next step: teach the cat to push the button ;)

You need M2 screws and a few extra small screws for the original parts as I didn't change the original holes and cutouts.

What you need:

• 2x SG90 servos
• 1x ESP8266 (e.g. Wemos D1 mini, as it has an USB port with built-in UART which also acts as 5V power source)
• Home Assistant + ESPHome Addon
• LASERFUCHS 650nm 1mW 3-12VDC - 70103984 (certified class 2 laser)

Printing:

The 3MF file is intended for combining the print-ready aligned parts. Activate supports as required.

ESPHome & Homeassistant:

I used this instruction as a template: https://siytek.com/esphome-servo-example/

I have found a much better way to use the ESPHome service directly and using variables in scripts . (see script example below)

ESPHome example configuration (ESPHomeconfiguration.txt):

transition_length:

• This value defines the time the motor needs to perform a complete movement from 0%-100%. A higher value reduces the movement speed.

auto_detach_time:

• This value defines the time after which the motors are "released" to avoid the clicking noise when the system is switched on but not in operation.
   

Examples of scripts in Homeassistant:
Of course you need to adjust the values, but should give you a feel for how you can automate patterns (now with variables).

See how to use variables, ranges, random values and the ESPHome services directly.

• Go to the park position and switch off the laser (HA_park_position.txt)
• The laser moves randomly within the defined coordinates (HA_random.txt).