Building a better mousetrap

I wanted a mousetrap that would notify me when it had been tripped so I designed and built one. Now I can dispose of mice promptly instead of discovering them days later.

Design Goals:

• Must connect to wifi to send an email

• Needs to have a long battery life

• Should be an addition to an existing mousetrap

• Powered by AA batteries

I chose a Thing Plus C microcontroller from Sparkfun to send emails. It’s powered by four AA batteries. As the trap closes it moves a magnet away from a magnetic reed switch. The presence of the magnet keeps the switch open and prevents any current from being drawn from the batteries. When the switch closes it powers the board and sends me an email.

Here’s the prototype.

I will be 3D printing a case that can be secured to the base of the trap that will house the batteries and microcontroller.

If you’re interested in getting one or more of these for yourself please contact me.