XBee Scent Generator
by Rob Faludi
4) Prepare the Air Freshener
- We’ll be using the Glade Sense & Spray in this example. This device runs on two AA batteries. Hacking it for our purposes is very easy. There’s a light sensor that triggers a spray every 20 minutes when it detects motion. We’ll disable that feature because we want full remote control only. There’s also a “boost” button that triggers additional sprays. We’ll attach a couple wires to extend that switch outside the case, to where our XBee is. Let’s do it!
- Here’s the Sense & Spray, out of its packaging. Notice the white button at the bottom.
- This is the pushbutton activator that will “boost” spray when pressed. The button also has a hole that allows a photocell to detect rapid changes in lighting. We need to open the case to disable the photocell and attach a couple wires to the boost button.
- Open the case by separating it at the top. Inside you’ll see the scent canister and two AA batteries. Remove the back cover by popping out the white hinge pins at the top. You can do this pretty easily with your fingers.
- Use a phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws on the back of the internal casing.
- Lift off the back gearing and motor so that you can see the circuit board. Also remove the batteries at this time. Don’t worry if the gearing falls off, we’ll show you how to replace it later.
- The circuit board is held on by two white clips that you can release with your fingertips. Pull up on the spring terminals for the batteries so that the whole assembly slides up and out as shown.
- Use black tape to cover up the photocell so that it no longer responds to light/motion. You could also clip it out entirely if you’re sure you never want to use it again.
- Solder two wires to the back of the circuit board as shown. These will extend the connection for the tactile switch so you can operate it externally. The blue wire in this case is connected to the Ground side of the switch.
Replace the circuit board, sliding the battery spring terminals into their slots and popping the board back into its white retainer clips. Then replace the motor and gearbox assembly as shown.
- Place the smaller of the two round gears on the spindle nearest the motor, with its inner gearing facing up as shown. The semi-circular cam gear should also be placed on its spindle as seen here.
- Place the larger round gear on the center spindle with its inner gearing facing down, as shown. The activator lever can also be placed at this time. It interlocks with the cam gear’s pin. That’s what moves it up and down to so the motor can activate the sprayer!
- Now simply reverse the initial steps. Screw the rear inner casing back on, threading the wires you soldered on at a convenient place between the halves of the casing. Insert the AA batteries again. Then replace the outer cover by snapping the top white hinge pins back into the outer case and flipping it closed. Again, thread the wires between the outer casing halves in a place where they are not being pinched. (You could also drill a small hole in the backs of the inner and outer casing and run the wire out of that, but only if you want to be fancy.)
- We made it easier to attach the other end of the scent dispenser wires to the breadboard by soldering some male headers onto it as shown. With batteries in the air freshener, it will fire any time you connect the two pins together. You’re done with the hack and much closer to the sweet smell of success!
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