Animatronic effects supervisor, inventor and Stan Winston Studio veteran, Rick Galinson, shares tips and techniques to help you utilize basic LED and SERVO controls to create stunning on-screen effects.

From the art of motherboard design and circuit board schematics to best practices with soldering equipment & programming code, Galinson's expert knowledge will guide you as you delve into the fascinating world of robots, creatures and code.

Beginner Level

2h 39m of duration

English, Spanish (Latin America)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. An Introduction to Circuit Boards - 3min

3. Safety Precautions - 2min

4. System Setup Overview - 3min

5. Understanding Basic Circuit Theory - 5min

6. Acquiring a Good Soldering Station - 2min

7. Multimeter - 2min

8. A Dedicated Power Supply - 1min

9. Choosing Your Micro Controller - 5min

10. A Rundown of the Kit Setup - 2min

11. Basic. Basic Programming - 3min

12. How to Run an LED - 3min

13. Writing Software for the LED - 2min

14. Controlling Multiple LEDs - 8min

15. Controlling an LED Sequence - 3min

16. Pre-Tinning - 3min

17. Soldering the Wires - 4min

18. Adding the Ground Line - 1min

19. Attaching the Resistors - 3min

20. Wiring in the LED Array - 5min

21. Soldering the Wires to the LED Array - 2min

22. Writing Code for the LED Array - 7min

23. Ordering Your Own Circuit Board - 2min

24. An Overview of the ExpressPCB Software - 10min

25. A Pre-Designed Circuit Board - 6min

26. A Brief Aside on Constructing A Compact D89 Connector - 5min

27. Soldering the DB9 Connector - 3min

28. Back to the Pre-Designed Circuit Board - 6min

29. Test Ordering A Circuit Board - 3min

30. Constructing Your Own Circuit Board - 32s

31. Components For the Control Logic and Servos - 9min

32. Common Ground - 2min

33. Soldering the Remaining Pins - 4min

34. Attaching the Communication Components - 4min

35. Attaching the Power Supply - 9min

36. Plugging In the Basic Stamp - 3min

37. Basic Stamp Debugging - 4min

38. Remote Control Options - 6min

39. Adding Analog Values - 5min

40. Adding a Second Servo - 3min

41. Running Four Servos At Once - 2min

42. Remote Controlling Your Servo Array - 1min

43. Space Constraints and Placing Your Circuit Boards - 2min

44. Wrap Up - 2min

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

McMaster Carr

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Computer

Dedicated Power Supply

Futaba Radio Receiver

Futaba Radio Transmitter

TOOLS

Crimping, Pliers & Gripping Tools

Helping Hands Vise Clamp

Larger Vise

Pliers

Cutting Tools

Wire Cutters

Wire Strippers

Measuring Tools

Digital Multimeter

Screwdrivers

Flat Head Screwdriver

Torches, Solder & Accessories

Rosin Core Solder

Soldering Station

Wrenches

Allen Wrenches

SOFTWARE

Express PCB.com

Parallax Website

SUPPLIES

24 Pin Socket

330-OHM Resistors

4 10k Trim Potentiometers (Pots)

4/40 Socket Head Cap Screw

9 Volt Battery Clip – Power Supply

Airtronics 94358 Servo - Pulley

Analog/Digital Converter MCP3204-B I/P

Batteries

Electrolytic Capacitors

Futaba Servo – Propeller

Gold-Plated Pin Headers

Heat Sink

LED Lights and 100-OHM Resistors

LED Light Strip

Mono-Radial Capacitors

Nylock Nut (nut w/nylon insert)

On/Off Switch

Parallax Basic Stamp 2SX Chip

Print Circuit Boards

Reset Switch

Ribbon Cable

Sample Kit Circuit Board – Board of Education from Parallax

Sealed Lead Acid 6 Volt Battery

Terminal Block

Voltage Regulator – 5 Volts

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 BiographyRick Galinson

Animatronic Effects Supervisor, Rick Galinson, master of servo, LED control and bending circuit boards to his will.

See Full Bio

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