Arduino, Alexa etc.
In time for Halloween, an Arduino controlled, WiFi-enabled, creepy animated doll. The doll can be controlled manually using a mobile device or set to 1 of 3 automatic modes in order to surprise your friends! Enjoy the video below for now, more details to follow here shortly…
For now, the 3D printable parts to enable control of the eyes can be found here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3152317
The micro servos required to control movement of the head and eyes can be purchased here:
First step, remove the head and attach a motor.
Two options were considered, a stepper (above) and a servo. I wanted the head to be able to turn 360 degrees but the stepper motor was too slow. Even though the servo can only rotate 180 degrees, the speed is good and it was also easier to attach so this is what I decided upon.
With the head back in the dolls body (thanks to a lot of hot glue!) it’s time to test, next up will be programming some sort of routine and maybe add some additional theatrics…
Adding a strobe using a transistor and animating specific moves…
With the following additional features depending on how much success I have:
I started out using an Arduino Uno and a cheap 5V motor in order to determine if it could be powered from the USB alone and provide sufficient power to pump water over a distance of approximately 1m. I connected as follows:
Once this was successfully pumping water, I attached an ESP-01 and configured it to connect with Blynk to enable remote control.
This enabled me to start the pump from my phone but unfortunately Blynk would then suddenly disconnect and I would have to recycle power to the ESP-01 to get it going again. So thinking this may be due to the fact the ESP devices are very sensitive to their supply I am attempting to isolate it from both the Arduino and the pump using an external power supply and a relay switch.
I’ll let you know how I get on…
Before:
After:
Attempt 1.
For my first attempt I tried a push pin type connector, the resulting design snapped together but broke when I then tried to separate the two parts.
Attempt 2.
For my second attempt I am trying a dovetail join and have cropped the print such that I can test the joint before printing the piece entirely (should have thought of this the first time round!).
Success!
A demonstration of my automatic blind controller using Alexa via the remote. All parts were designed and 3D printed. Control is via an Arduino nano and RF switch. See my other videos for assembly. Further details and 3D printable parts available via thingiverse:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2631414
As well as the 3D printed parts, you will need the following items:
1 x L298N 2 Channel DC Motor Driver
https://www.banggood.com/Dual-Channel-L298N-DC-Motor-Driver-Board-PWM-Speed-Dual-H-Bridge-Stepper-Module-p-1162946.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x DC 12V Worm Gear and Motor (10-50 rpm)
https://www.banggood.com/DC-12V-356065110220rpm-Worm-Gear-Box-Reduction-Motor-p-1197020.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x Arduino Nano
https://www.banggood.com/ATmega328P-Nano-V3-Controller-Board-Compatible-Arduino-p-940937.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
2 x DC Female Jacks
https://www.banggood.com/10pcs-5_5-x-2_1mm-DC-Power-Supply-Female-Jack-Socket-p-1062018.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x IC2262 RF Transmitter/Reciever (433/315MHz depending on country)
https://www.banggood.com/IC2262-2272-M4-4-Channel-Wireless-Remote-Lock-Receiving-Board-With-Remote-Control-p-1031857.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x Small PCB Board
https://www.banggood.com/40pcs-FR-4-Double-Side-Prototype-PCB-Printed-Circuit-Board-p-995732.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x 12V DC PSU
Various M3 Bolts
Ribbon Cables and Dupont Connectors
1 x Yellow LED
1 x Green LED
2 x Plastic Square Buttons
6/7 Resistors
1 x Photo Resistor (Optional)
A brief assembly video for my self designed and 3D printed automatic blind controller. Uses an Arduino nano and RF switch. Further details and videos to follow, in the meantime please post any questions in the comments below.
3D designs available via thingiverse:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2631414
As well as the 3D printed parts, you will need the following items:
1 x L298N 2 Channel DC Motor Driver
https://www.banggood.com/Dual-Channel-L298N-DC-Motor-Driver-Board-PWM-Speed-Dual-H-Bridge-Stepper-Module-p-1162946.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x DC 12V Worm Gear and Motor (10-50 rpm)
https://www.banggood.com/DC-12V-356065110220rpm-Worm-Gear-Box-Reduction-Motor-p-1197020.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x Arduino Nano
https://www.banggood.com/ATmega328P-Nano-V3-Controller-Board-Compatible-Arduino-p-940937.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
2 x DC Female Jacks
https://www.banggood.com/10pcs-5_5-x-2_1mm-DC-Power-Supply-Female-Jack-Socket-p-1062018.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x IC2262 RF Transmitter/Reciever (433/315MHz depending on country)
https://www.banggood.com/IC2262-2272-M4-4-Channel-Wireless-Remote-Lock-Receiving-Board-With-Remote-Control-p-1031857.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x Small PCB Board
https://www.banggood.com/40pcs-FR-4-Double-Side-Prototype-PCB-Printed-Circuit-Board-p-995732.html?p=KF2715792233201409DJ
1 x 12V DC PSU
Various M3 Bolts
Ribbon Cables and Dupont Connectors
1 x Yellow LED
1 x Green LED
2 x Plastic Square Buttons
6/7 Resistors
1 x Photo Resistor (Optional)
