Animatronic Control Systems - Arduino Programming Basics - Part 1

David Covarrubias

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Learn to animate mechanical characters & props using Arduino technology! In Part 1 of his 3-part course series on Arduino Programming Basics, Master FX Mechanic David Covarrubias (Pacific Rim, Iron Man, The Lost World: Jurassic Park) introduces you to Arduino's open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. 

Whether you're brand new to programming animatronics or an experienced professional, Arduino is an indispensable tool to add to your character mechanic's toolbox.

Intermediate Level
2h 23m of duration
Persian, English (auto), Spanish (auto)

Curriculum

    Materials

    ATTENTION: This course will cover techniques that can be applied to a variety of projects. You do not need to buy everything listed. It’s RECOMMENDED you watch the course first, then buy the materials that pertain to your own projects.

     

    Dave has provided multiple links for the materials in this course - please click on the items below to find what you are looking for. 

    Anything that is not linked should be easily found with a little internet scouring. 

     

    ARDUINO

    Arduino Nano 3.0

    The Arduino UNO R3 is the most common and readily available version, but if you buy that it may be harder to follow along with the course

    Arduino Terminal Block

    This is recommended, not required. This allows for screw terminals instead of soldering to the board

    Mini USB Cable

    If you choose a different Arduino be sure to check the USB port, they may be different

    ELECTRICAL BUILD EQUIPMENT

    Soldering iron

    Solder

    Heatshrink

    Hobby wire

    Multitester

    Helping hands

    Experimenter breadboard

    Jumper wires for breadboard

    POWER SUPPLY

    The gun runs on 12v and 5v

    12 Volt High Amp Power Supply

    CC BEC: 6S - Will convert 12v to 5v

    PROGRAMMABLE COMPONENTS

    AUDIO

    Sound FX Module

    2 Speakers

    Speakers need to be 2W or less, you can use small speakers from any electronics store

    LCD SCREEN

    5v screen for text displays

    Screen

    Connector for Easy Wiring

    LED LIGHTS

    Dave will be covering Programmable, High Powered, and Standard LEDs

    If you buy programmable LEDs, you don’t need to buy the suggested material, just make sure they are called NEOPIXELS

    Programmable LEDs

    High Power LEDs

    Driver Board for High Powered LED (Controls 3 High Power LEDs)

    Standard LEDs 

    If you do not what to buy the suggested, then any Standard LEDs will do  

    Resistor for Standard LED - 120 Ohm 1/4 watt (Available at any Radio Shack)

    SERVOS

    RC Servos

    David uses a JR brand DS3421 on the mechanical gun but which one you use will depend on your specific needs. The linked one is a nice inexpensive one to experiment with if you don’t already have an old RC car or plane to pull one from.

    Robotic Servos

    Choose Mounting Hardware (from same site) based off your needs

    Arduino Controller designed for Robotic Servos

    These can get pricey when getting started and are optional.

    CONTROLLER

    In the course, Dave will create a Push Button Controller. It is recommended to buy switches to test the code even if you do not buy added components. 

    FTDI Cable (Controller to PC Cable)

    6 Push Button Switches 

    Breadboard (Controller Panel)

    EXTRAS

    These are non-programmable items that Dave used to add detail. Completely Optional!

    Laser Sights

    Nerf Gun (Model type is up to you)

    HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

    When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

    ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

    ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

    ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

    ALWAYS protect your skin

    ALWAYS wear eye protection

    Artist BiographyDavid Covarrubias

    Mechanical Designer David Covarrubias builds robots for commercials, films..and also to improve people's lives.
    See Full Bio

    Additional Purchasing Options

    Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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