Digital Mirror: How to Build a Super-Slim Smart One

Creating a smart mirror is an exciting DIY project that combines technology with creativity. It’s a stylish addition to any home, providing functionality beyond just reflecting your image. This guide will walk you through building your own digital mirror, using an ultra-thin display and a Raspberry Pi. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, this project is designed to be approachable, requiring basic DIY skills.

How Does a Smart Digital Mirror Work?

A smart mirror is essentially a two-way mirror combined with a digital display. Behind the mirror, the display shows various information like the time, weather, calendar events, and even news headlines. This seamless integration of technology allows you to check essential information while getting ready in the morning or preparing for your day.

At the heart of this project is the Raspberry Pi, a compact microcomputer that runs the software for your digital mirror. It connects to the display and pulls data from the internet to showcase on your reflective screen. The most popular software for this is MagicMirror², which allows for easy customization through various Magic Mirror modules.

Supplies and Tools Needed

Supplies

To build your smart mirror, you’ll need the following supplies:

Tools Required

You will need a few basic tools for this project:

Choosing the Right Components

Raspberry Pi

When selecting a Raspberry Pi, the model you choose can significantly affect the performance of your smart mirror. The Raspberry Pi 4 offers better processing power and RAM options than older models, making it the best choice for running MagicMirror² smoothly.

Power Supply

Make sure to choose a power supply that can provide sufficient power. The Raspberry Pi 4 requires a 5V/3A power supply to function correctly. A stable power source ensures that your mirror operates without interruptions.

HDMI Cable

Select an HDMI cable that matches your needs. Depending on your monitor, you might require a mini HDMI or angled HDMI cable for easier connections. The quality of the cable can also affect the signal integrity, so opt for a well-reviewed product.

Display

The display you choose will determine the quality of your smart mirror. A lightweight screen or portable monitor with a resolution of at least 1080p is ideal for clear visibility. IPS panels are preferred for better viewing angles, ensuring that your display looks great from different perspectives.

Raspberry Pi Setup and Configuration

Initial Setup

Configure Wi-Fi and SSH Access

To enable remote access and manage your smart mirror, you’ll need to set up Wi-Fi and SSH access:

Open the terminal and type the following commands to connect to Wi-Fi:
bash
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sudo raspi-config

SSH Connection

Using SSH allows you to connect to your Raspberry Pi from another computer on the same network. Here’s how to establish an SSH connection:

Find your Raspberry Pi’s IP address using:
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hostname -I

Use an SSH client like PuTTY (for Windows) or Terminal (for macOS/Linux) to connect:
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ssh pi@<your_ip_address>

3. Enter the default password (raspberry) unless you’ve changed it.

Constructing Your Smart Mirror Hardware

Disassemble the Monitor

To prepare the monitor for installation behind the mirror:

Preparing the Frame and Mirror

Mounting Components

Drilling Holes

Drill holes in the frame for mounting your display and Raspberry Pi. Use precise measurements to avoid misalignment.

Attaching the Display

Final Assembly

After securing all components, perform a final assembly check:

Note: Check for any electrical shorts before powering on to prevent damage.

Programming the Smart Mirror

Installing MagicMirror²

Update your Raspberry Pi:
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sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

Install Node.js: To run MagicMirror², you’ll need to install Node.js:
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curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_14.x | sudo -E bash –

sudo apt install -y nodejs

Clone the MagicMirror² Repository:
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git clone https://github.com/MichMich/MagicMirror

cd MagicMirror

Install Dependencies:
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npm install

Start MagicMirror²:
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npm start

Configuring Modules

The MagicMirror² configuration file allows for customization. Here’s how to edit it:

Example Configuration

Here’s a sample configuration snippet for a weather module:

javascript

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{

  module: ‘weather’,

  position: ‘top_right’,

  config: {

    weatherProvider: ‘openweathermap’,

    apiKey: ‘YOUR_API_KEY’,

    location: ‘YOUR_LOCATION’,

    units: ‘metric’,

  }

}

Personalizing the Digital Mirror

Optimizing the Display

Setting the Display Orientation

If you want to use the mirror in a vertical orientation, adjust the display settings:

Edit the config/config.js file to rotate the display:
javascript
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display: {

   width: 1920,

   height: 1080,

   orientation: ‘landscape’,

}

Automatically Starting MagicMirror²

To have MagicMirror² start automatically when the Raspberry Pi boots:

Install PM2 (process manager):
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sudo npm install -g pm2

Start MagicMirror with PM2:
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pm2 start npm — start

Set PM2 to start on boot:
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pm2 startup

pm2 save

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Common Issues

Regular Updates

To keep your smart mirror functioning optimally:

Regularly update the software by running:
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cd ~/MagicMirror

git pull

npm install

Power Management

Ensure that your power supply is reliable to prevent interruptions. Consider using a power adapter with surge protection to safeguard your components.

Conclusion

Building a smart mirror is a rewarding project that showcases your DIY skills and offers a unique addition to your home. By following this guide, you’ve created a functional piece of technology that not only reflects your image but also provides valuable information.

Experiment with different Magic Mirror modules and personalize your mirror to suit your needs. The possibilities are endless, and with a bit of creativity, you can make your smart mirror a centerpiece of your daily routine. Whether for your bathroom, hallway, or living room, your digital mirror is sure to impress.