This Oregon Sea Grant project focused on emergency readiness for coastal communities. The device was designed to attach to a community emergency cache, detect major seismic activity, activate a visible beacon, unlock a key box, and help people access supplies more quickly when timing matters.
Full assembled system showing the weatherproof enclosure, mounted beacon, and external power connection.
Enclosure layout showing the power input, LED connection, and solenoid connection inside the assembled unit.
System schematic connecting the ESP8266 feather board, IMU, LED output, solenoid output, and power inputs.
3D-printed keybox used to store the key or access code and release it when the system is triggered.
Populated control board integrating the ESP8266 feather, IMU interface, and connector points for the rest of the system.
The system was built to improve emergency cache access after a major Cascadia event. Using a 3-axis accelerometer and an ESP8266-based controller, it monitors for significant shaking and can trigger a solenoid-released key box, flash an LED beacon, and send an email alert when Wi-Fi is available.
Beyond the hardware itself, the project also produced operational documentation for setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safe use in the field. That made the project more than a prototype and helped turn it into something that could be maintained, tested, and handed off clearly.
Poster summarizing the problem, system design, and final project presentation.
Operations manual covering setup, safety, maintenance, troubleshooting, and field use.
Arduino/C++ code for the Wi-Fi-enabled version of the device, including IMU sensing, solenoid actuation, LED control, and email alerts.
Gerbers, drill files, and assembly outputs for the custom circuit board used in the project.
Article highlighting the project work and its connection to tsunami preparedness and community resilience.
Federal funding announcement covering OSU's coastal disaster preparedness and innovation work connected to projects like this one.