Project Overview

A weather-responsive clothes shelter that automatically moves your drying laundry under cover when it rains, and returns it back once the skies clear—all managed via IoT.

Components & Tools

• Controller: NodeMCU (ESP8266)

• Sensing: Rain sensor module

• Actuation: Servo motor (or DC motor / actuator) controlling the shelter mechanism

• Connectivity: Blynk IoT app for remote monitoring and notification

• Structure: A mechanical frame (e.g. sliding or folding shelter) attached to the motor and clothesline 

Optional additions in similar designs include LDR light sensors, temperature/humidity sensors, and solar power modules 

 Working Principle

1. Rain Detection: A rain sensor continuously monitors for drops.

2. Signal Processing: When rain is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the NodeMCU.

3. Motor Activation: The NodeMCU commands the servo/motor to move the clothesline and/or shift a protective roof or cover over the clothes.

4. Reversal: Once the rain stops, the system reverts to its initial position to resume drying.

5. Notifications: Alerts and real-time status can be sent to and monitored via the Blynk mobile app

This setup ensures the clothes are protected automatically without manual intervention, reducing the risk of re-washing or clothes getting soaked unexpectedly 

 Step-by-Step Construction Guide

1. Setup Hardware

• Mount NodeMCU on a breadboard or PCB.

• Wire the rain sensor: VCC to 3.3 V, GND, signal to a GPIO pin (e.g. D2).

• Wire the servo motor: 5 V (or external supply), GND, signal to a PWM-capable pin (e.g. D9).

• Secure a mechanical frame that supports covering/uncovering the clothesline via motor motion. Use linkage rods, hinges, or actuators depending on design.

2. Embed Software & IoT

• Install Arduino IDE with ESP8266 board support.

• Write code to:

  • Read rain sensor digital input.

  • Drive servo/motor (e.g. 0° = open, 90° = closed).

  • Send real-time status to the Blynk cloud.

• Upload the script to NodeMCU.

• Use Blynk to create a mobile interface: buttons, status LEDs, push notifications for weather-triggered actions.

3. Test & Refine

• Simulate rain by dripping water; observe how quickly and accurately the shelter moves.

• Tune servo angles and delays for smooth operation.

• Use Blynk to manually control or override auto behavior if needed.

4. Optional Enhancements

• Solar power to run autonomously.

• LDR sensor to factor in sunlight—prevent bringing clothes in just because it’s rainy at night Additional sensors (humidity, temperature) to improve context-aware automation.

• Weather forecast integration via APIs to preemptively retract clothes ahead of forecasted rain.

 Key Benefits

Similar Arduino-based prototypes using rain sensors and servos achieve this functionality using affordable hobby electronics .

 Inspiration from Related Projects

• Arduino Uno + Rain sensor + Servo Motor — many hobby builds rely on this basic configuration for rain-activated shelter systems. Arduino Nano version— drops in easily; servo moves clothesline under a protective cover automatically

• Smart Clothesline with Blynk, LDR & Rain Sensor— controls sun and rain protection with real-time mobile contro.

 Summary

This project integrates IoT (NodeMCU) with rain sensing, motor control, and app connectivity (Blynk) to build a smart cover system for clothes drying. It automatically protects your laundry from rain and restores its drying position when weather improves—all without manual effort.

If you'd like, I can also help you with:

• Sample Arduino + Blynk code snippets

• Mechanical design ideas (e.g. hinge layout, pulley arrangement)

• Selecting appropriate sensors and motor specifications

• Expanding features like solar power or predictive weather logic

Let me know which direction you'd like to dive deeper into!