A simple DIY project using Arduino and LED matrix. It may not stop your kids from disrupting you, but it may make them feel bad when doing so.
The solution
The idea is pretty simple, a sign that can be located in a way that potential interrupters (AKA: kids) can see and using some voodoo magic will know if I am in a call and reflect this status is way they cannot ignore.
The one I built has two parts: An Arduino-controlled LED matrix and a monitoring software running on your working computer. The monitoring software is checking the status of your microphone and speakers (or any other audio device you are using) and is telling the Arduino component if you are currently listening or talking, so the Arduino displays a very visible animation on the LED matrix, and everyone can be aware that you are “on-air”.
I made a short video showing how it works, which is unfortunately only available in Hebrew, but should be fairly easy to understand even so.
How to build one of your own
The code and design are publicly available, so if you have some basic technical skill (or just enough motivation), you can build your own On-Air sign and are certainly welcome to do so.
I have made a detailed step by step guide to build it, prepare and burn the correct software, you can find it along with the code here: The complete guide
If you also have better sense for visual design than me (most likely) I strongly encourage to build / 3d print or figure a way to make a more compact and aesthetic packaging. If you do – I’d appreciate if you send me an image to publish here.