Programming the BeagleBone Black with Python

Building a surveillance system with a PIR sensor, the BeagleBone Black and Python.The BeagleBone Black is an outstanding tool for projects that involve the Internet. Access is easy (simply connect it to the router through an Ethernet cable ), and both Python and JavaScript feature libraries that greatly simplifies matters.

PIR sensors are quite neat devices that are able to detect motion. Their output pin, which will be connected to the BeagleBone Black * sends a digital signal HIGH whenever somebody passes by, and is LOW whenever else. Automatic lights in public places are built on this concept.

The project sends you an email whenever motion is detected.

Parts Required

Here’s a list with everything you need:

• BeagleBone Black (Click to see on Amazon.com *)
• PIR Motion Sensor

Schematics

NOTE: You can read my tutorial on how to modify a cheap PIR motion sensor to operate at 3.3V.

Python Code

You can click here to download this Python script.

NOTE: You can only use this example with Gmail. And don’t forget to replace the example below with your own credentials…

#!/usr/bin/python
 
#import libraries
import smtplib

import Adafruit_BBIO.GPIO as GPIO
import time
 
#create a variable called PIR, which refers to the P8_11 pin
PIR = "P8_11"
 
#initialize the pin as an INPUT
GPIO.setup(PIR, GPIO.IN)
GPIO.add_event_detect(PIR, GPIO.RISING)

def send_email():
    server = smtplib.SMTP('smtp.gmail.com', 587)
    server.ehlo()
    server.starttls()
    server.ehlo()
    my_email = "[email protected]"
    my_password = "REPLACE_WITH_YOUR_PASSWORD"
    destination = "[email protected]"
    text = "Motion has been detected at your house!"
    
    server.login(my_email, my_password)
    server.sendmail(my_email, destination, text)
    server.quit()
    print("Your email has been sent!")
       
#loop forever
while True:
    #sends an email when motion has been detected
    if GPIO.event_detected(PIR):
        send_email() 
    time.sleep(0.05) #loop every 50 miliseconds to not overburden the CPU

View raw code

Conclusion

Now you’ve built your own surveillance system that sends you an email when the PIR sensor detects movement!

If you have any questions post them in the comments below. Special thanks to Luís Perestrelo for helping Rui Santos putting this series together!

Want to learn more about the BeagleBone Black?

You can buy our book BeagleBone For Dummies * on Amazon!

* We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.