Northeastern University students build web-syncing, home-automating DPAC alarm clock
By Donald Melanson 
posted May 6th 2010 4:51PM
posted May 6th 2010 4:51PM
It may not actually be available for sale, but it looks like some students from Northeastern University are giving devices like the Chumby and Sony Dash a run for their money. They've built this so-called Dynamically Programmable Alarm Clock, or DPAC, which can sync up with your Google Calendar to automatically set alarms, get traffic, weather and other information, and even integrate with a home automation system to turn on the lights, open the blinds, and start your coffee maker as part of a wake-up cycle. What's more, the whole thing can also be configured using a web interface, and it of course packs a built-in FM radio and an iPod dock for good measure. Hit up the source link below for a look at the months-long build process, and head on past the break to check it out in action.
...but the system will fail when I toss it across the room. :)
@One Love
The first thing I'd do is change the alarm to radio/ipod otherwise I'd smash that device the very first time it woke me up with an alarm like that! :)
Great effort overall! Maybe I'm missing something but... can't all this be done using an app on a smartphone except the fm radio alarm and lights?
@who said what You are correct, some people like discrete internet-enabled devices. And it wouldn't have been much of an electrical engineering project on a smartphone. We're looking at bringing the predictive alarm technology to smartphone platforms as an additional option.
Very cool Sr. project.
I would def. buy something like this.
I would never use this.
Representing the [H]!!!
Goodjob!
@Bowhuntr11
LETS GO HUSKIES! I love the fact that NU has been featured twice on tech blogs in the last month!
@wack
What was the other?
One more step closer to a full on Jarvis system. Hooray Northeastern University!
@ytilanigiroon
Skynet is pleased.
Aaaaand I've found a project for my vacation; namely: do it better (well, at least I'll try. I'm not an engineer for nothing)
The UI is very, very functional. They've even made it so they could tweak its parameters and get new functionality. I didn't find how many geeks worked on it, which would be an important factor deciding between giving them Superb or a lowly Amazing.
@pavlindrom There were 4 geeks on the project, a core system guy, a UI guy, an audio guy, and a web guy. I'm the core guy.
Looks pretty cool but nothing anybody couldn't do with a tablet (windows tablet that is), a X10 module, and a smarter than average joe to put it together and write some code.
@UnsilentMajority Yea, but you didn't.
@egaertner
ummmm yes I did.
Tite bro now u gotta get this in the market!....I rlly want 1 badly....
hehe FM.... hehehe
Whoa, this is where I'm starting in the fall. Go Northeastern!
@TheyDidItFirst
As a current student...welcome! haha
And good for Northeastern, I was happy to see this here. And no, I don't know anyone involved in the project - I'm a finance major hah.
I want one.....
Go Wildcats!
@rubisco on second thought, Northeastern != Northwestern.
Title sounds redundant. "DPAC alarm clock"
Whoa! I also got third in the very same competition a few years back, spending a TON of time in the Hayden basement :) Definitely not an engadget-worthy device though... Way to go Huskies!
@rjgeek It feels strange to not be living in Hayden anymore, serious detachment issues.
This is for guys like me. It's exactly in-line with my thinking on what should be housed in a stationary "alarm clock." It should also start my car on an appropriate AC or defrost setting (i should also have power window control and power off control).
I love the whole design. And let me tell you rookies something about home automation:
if you want to see true synergy, buy a complete deluxe home automation kit. including all lights, appliances, thermostat, blinds, decor, towel heating...
Because, seriously home automation is fun no matter where you start (i started with three light switching modules and a remote control)... but it experiences amazing synergy -- the more you automate your home, the MUCH NICER it becomes to live there. and at the very top of this list are people with absolutely everything automated to run from one portable touchscreen hacked into a touch remote for *.
@Dan Fruzzetti I wish we could also send your route and / or detours directly to the car. or monitor during your whole trip and send ahead info of wrecks etc.
wheres the sub?
This thing looks like it belongs in a space elevator.
This is a wonderful opinion. The things mentioned are Great and needs to be appreciated by everyone.
Furniture Packages Bulgaria