Fun Panel with Secret Activation Method

I put together this fun panel at HeatSync Labs a long time ago. I won't reveal the secret about how to activate them. It is part of a bigger donation bin / fidget box. I never got around to adding the coin slots to this part. Last night I spent some time testing using an IR sensor for detecting coins. I figured out how to adjust the signal the way I wanted.

I'm testing out the Elegoo Most Complete Starter Kit for Arduino Uno R3. Everything is too simple. Just wire things up the way they show and run the example code. I figure it would be more fun to add more things to the donation bin. This will give me reasons to dive into changing the code.

Anyway I have a couple not very good photos of the lights on the FUN panel. That day I just decided I need to work on something fun. It worked. I enjoyed doing it.

Classes at HeatSync Labs during December

I've got a lot of classes scheduled at HeatSync Labs during December.

Build-A-Bot has been scheduled for two Saturdays. Read up on that here.

Designing with Inkscape - Sat 12/07/24 @2pm

Solder A Robot! - Saturday 12/14/24

Light Up Graham Cracker Houses is scheduled for 2 different dates. Pick which works best for you.

Sunday 12/08/24 @2pm

Saturday 12/21/24 @2pm

There are two laser certification classes because I know people will want to plan to laser cut some presents for the holidays.

Thursday 12/05/24 @7pm

Sunday 12/15/24 @11am

Example Screws and Bits

Last time we did Tech Tear Apart at HeatSync Labs I had Kyle help me make this 3d printed example of different plus shaped screws and bits. While the models we found were not exact it does help people understand that there are differences between Phillips, JIS, and Pozidriv.

The scale of this model is confusing it's a lot bigger than you'd think. Probably about 8-10 inches wide I think. We scaled everything by 4 times.

R&D on some workshops

I've designed a laser cut version of the cardboard electronic pinball program I've done in the past. I've got more testing to do on the process. Previously the class was multiple days and still felt rushed to get it all done. With an easier build process I can get to the electronics and programming sooner.

Often I have people at HeatSync Labs helping me to test and prototype things. I've decided I should make the invitation to help with that more broadly shared. Look for events where I invite from just a few people to a small group to trial ideas. Sign up if you are interested. Share if you know others who would like it.

Cardboard Pinball Prototyping ($30).

2 Wednesdays 08/07 and 08/14 from 6pm - 8pm. (register here)

LEGO Boats Prototyping on Saturday 08/10. From 3pm - 5pm
(register here)

Felt feet project for HeatSync Labs

I've been working putting felt feet on the tables and chairs at HeatSync Labs. This is something to help reduce scratching on the floors. We had a lot of hard working volunteers install the floor and since then clean, buff, and treat the floors.

It's a small thing to show appreciation to the volunteers who installed it and clean the floor. As a bonus I was able to practice my Blender 3d design skills.

The first try didn't work because the stickiness of the felt pads (even the name brand ones) did not hold. Bob suggested a recessed spot for the felt which worked like a charm.

For the tables I opted to laser cut 3 pieces of wood and glue them together for a similar result. More work, but it was done in a single evening.

Yay for quieter chairs and tables that can more easily be moved without damaging the floor!

Fun and Games Day - Saturday 03-09

Yesterday I had a pretty productive day preparing some things for Fun and Games Day which will be at HeatSync Labs on Saturday March 9th from 11am -5pm.

The hexagonal game is called Iso-Path. The tile game is called leaves. Also a simple balance game, and spinner upgraded with LED's.

Halloween Earring experiments

My sister's been asking me to make various earrings for Halloween season. The initial earrings turned out great but we don't have a lot of colored acrylic.

Several attempts that designing this cat failed. Designing a mouse skeleton turned out to be challenging. Not enough space for the detail I needed and also it just made the cat look pregnant.

Switching to a computer mouse was the perfect choice.