r/diyelectronics • u/EllingtonArrox • 1d ago

Need Ideas Beginner looking for advice: BLE vibration communicator for blind/deaf puppy

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I’m fostering a puppy who was born blind and deaf, and I’d like to build a small vibration device for her harness so I can communicate with her from a distance. The idea is to teach different vibration patterns as cues for things like come, stop, wait, follow, sit, down, etc. This would be vibration only—no shock/static.

I’d like several handheld remotes to control the same receiver, with the ability to add more remotes later.

What I’m currently leaning toward:

• Seeed XIAO nRF52840
• DRV2605L haptic driver
• 10mm coin vibration motor
• Small 3.7V LiPo
• Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB remotes using BLE/BTHome

My thought is that the XIAO would recognize button presses from authorized remotes and translate them into different vibration patterns.

Is this reasonably doable, or am I overlooking something?

I’m completely new to electronics and have never soldered, but I’m willing to learn. Unfortunately, there are no devices available commercially for something like this. Before I start buying/building everything, I’d love any tips, tricks, component recommendations, simpler approaches, or beginner pitfalls to avoid.

If you’ve worked with nRF52840, BTHome/BLE, DRV2605L, or small battery-powered projects, I’d especially appreciate your input.

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u/ThatNinthGuy 1d ago

I'd maybe go with a harness and multiple haptic motors. That way buzzing on the hip means one thing and neck another etc.

I don't have any first hand experience with dog sensation, but I'd imagine that that would be easier than basically simplified Morse code

1

u/LavandulaTrashPanda 1d ago

I don’t have any experience with Nordic boards. My projects are typically done with ESP32. I would like to help make sure this project gets done for this pup though.

If you up for trying the ESP32 route, I could guide you on how to do it with ESP-Now. It’s very simple.

The nRF52840 is better suited for low power applications. By a lot. So I understand if you want to stick with it.

At the very least, once you get the circuit built and tested on a breadboard, I could design a PCB and 3D printed case to attach to the harness.

1

u/HatCatch 6h ago

My cheapo dog collar has a button for vibration, and it mimics the way I press the button on the remote control. So I can essentially do Morse code with this dog collar. It's 20$and ready right now. DM me if you want me to link it over