Servo themed evening

[Andrew Thomas]

Hi,

I've now got all the parts (except some resistors) for the servo evening I promised, and written some arduino code to go with it. So, as it isn't in the fizzpop calendar, I wondered if anyone thinks the last hack session in September would be a good time?

The idea is to show how to connect a servo to an arduino, so anyone interested would need an arduino, breadboard (or soldering skills) and computer. The code shows how to set the servo angle, using a light sensor to make a light gauge, as well as how to communicate with it using serial communications (maybe even some processing coding on the night for anyone interested).

It looks like the cost, excluding fizzpop subs, will be under £3.50, which includes:

1) A mini servo and some connecting wires.

2) Two light dependant resistors and two normal resistors. Only one ldr/resistor pair is needed, but the extra ones are to facilitate going further, like making a light following gauge.

3) A 5V regulator chip, in case anyone wants to make an external servo power supply (for more advanced experimenters).

4) Some sticky-tak, to stick dials and pointers onto the servo.

I've got enough servos for 10 people, so it would be nice to know who's interested? Also, any feedback on the above plan is welcome :)

Assuming there's still interest I'll write a webpage in advance?

Best wishes,

Andrew T.

[plai...@gmail.com]

What date would that be? Provisionally I'm in (my first fizzpop session as well) but if it turns out to be in my freshers week I may have to duck out.

Dave.

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[Andrew Thomas]

Hi. According to the fizzpop calendar it's the 29th. Best wishes, Andrew.

[plai...@gmail.com]

Damn and blast it, it's in the middle of freshers for me, I'm out now sorry.

Is there any chance you can upload or email me the code you use on the night please? I'd be interested in adapting it into a temp gauge.

[Andrew Thomas]

I've got 10 sets of parts, so there might be some left over: if so, I'll make them available. Depending on what others say it might be a different date anyway.

[genzaichi]

As far as I'm aware no-one's offered to take over the opening up after
Ant stops doing it, so there may be more fundamental issues that need
sorting, such as getting into the building. Ant, when do you stop?

I'm interested in taking part in the servo session. I can bring my own
servo and wires if that helps free stuff up for others to use.

nikki

[Aaron Shrimpton]

Hi Andrew,

I'm in as well, the 29th is fine by me.

Aaron

[Andrew Thomas]

Hi Nikki and Aaron,

Excellent, thanks, at least I know there'll be at least three of us :) To make it more interesting I've now added a light-following mode to the arduino code: it's quite fun making the servo move using just a torch! The code should work just as well with other sensors by the way (e.g. lm35, thermistors, even qtc for a pressure meter).

If you want to see my very non-arty prototype for demo on the evening I've started a webpage with some photos at:

http://www.geocomputing.co.uk/getpage.php?type=page&page=servoguage

Hopefully we won't have to do it in the car park ;)

Best wishes,

Andrew.

[G Bulmer]

Andrew

29th is looking okay for me too, so, now we are four!

(Swelling of music, as the four ride on, to become ... Seven
Servorai :-)

GB

[Andrew Thomas]

Garry,

Excellent news, thanks. Now we are the fantastic four, maybe soon the famous five. Sorry, can't think of anything for six, so hopefully we'll move straight onto your magnificent seven samurai :)