Congratulations Travis!
Applied Sensor Co. is proud to announce the second-place winner of the TrampleTek Blue Challenge: Travis, a smart home enthusiast, caught the home automation bug the same way many of us do 😅, experimenting with a few smart lights. Although he actively uses Home Assistant, he avoids solutions requiring custom programming. Due to TrampleTek Blues’ ease of integration, Travis was able to develop a creative solution to improve his dogs’ access control without having to be a Home Assistant wizard.
Here Travis’s TrampleTek Blue mat is hidden under his dog mat.
A Customizable Solution for Canine Control
Travis’ project originated from a simple desire to let his dogs come and go freely while still controlling their outdoor access. His early attempts with DIY pressure mats and sensors from Amazon often resulted in unreliable performance and frequent maintenance. However, once he discovered TrampleTek Blue, everything changed.
“I needed a sensitive, customizable pressure sensor that I wouldn’t have to maintain constantly,” Travis shared. “This just works and has since the day I got it.”
His final setup was elegantly simple. Using TrampleTek Blue with Home Assistant, he created an automation that unlocks the automated dog door when his dogs step on the mat, but only if a toggle button on his Home Assistant dashboard is activated. This setup ensures the dogs can enjoy their freedom while also ensuring they don’t disturb the neighbors.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
One minor issue he noted was achieving consistent sensitivity when placing the mat under other mats. For now, he uses the TrampleTek Blue mat without additional coverings.
When asked how long he’s been looking for a solution to this problem, Travis said, “This has been a years-long endeavor, but once I got TrampleTek Blue, I had everything up and running reliably within days.”
Looking to the Future
While Travis is pleased with his current setup, he intends to keep using TrampleTek Blue in other applications as new ideas come up. He’s especially excited about the evolution of smart home technology. “I’m looking forward to seeing automations become more seamless and less labor-intensive,” he said.
He also offered feedback for future improvements, suggesting better out-of-the-box sensitivity calibration for use under different types of mats.
When asked if he had anything to add about TrampleTek Blue, he responded, “It’s a great product, one of the leaders in its field, give it a try.”
About the TrampleTek Blue Challenge
The TrampleTek Blue Challenge invited smart home enthusiasts and tinkerers to create unique solutions using the TrampleTek Blue mat, with cash prizes for the most creative and impactful ideas. Travis’ project earned him the $250 second-place prize, with first and third-place winners also receiving recognition for their innovative entries.
“I’m grateful Travis shared his setup,” said Raymond King, founder of Applied Sensor Co. “His solution not only solved a real-world problem but also demonstrated how versatile TrampleTek Blue can be in smart home applications.”
Applied Sensor Co. congratulates all participants and looks forward to seeing how these creative solutions continue to evolve. Interested in exploring your own creative automation ideas? Check out TrampleTek Blue today and stay tuned for future offers and updates!
For more information about TrampleTek Blue or to explore the smart home possibilities it offers, visit ASC’s website.
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