Anamatronics circuit builders?

[Gigatrix]

Hi there,
I am new here and was wondering, I have a project in its starting phase and I need some electronics for movement and light. I have 6 R/C servos 4 swiches, a load of LED's and a solenoid. I need someone who can make a circuit to a specification. It is a complex ask but I wondered how you guys do your animatronics and recommend me the people you use.
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Gixxerfool]

That's pretty complex for someone just to build for you. I'm sure people would be more than happy to help with a design, but to just do it is pretty heady. Depending on what interactions you require, traditional circuitry could work or something like an Arduino may be an option.

Good luck

 

[modeljag]

Briefly describe what you want the circuit to do (inputs and outputs). Sounds like an Arduino would do what you need.

 

[Yeats]

Take a look at Xrobots on YouTube he might help you learn how to do it...

 

[Gigatrix]

Thanks for getting back so fast,
I will have a look at Arduino as I know that has some great potential but I am worried that I wouldn't be compatible with the components that I have already bought. (but that is just the inexperienced noob talking there) As for a description of what I want this to do would take up a few paragraphs but the crux of it is to replicate the ASHPD in Portal Stories: Mel, lights and movement. The servos control the 'prongs' and the solenoid retracts the barrel to 'fire' the gun and lights for the show.

 

[Gixxerfool]

I am in the process of building an ASHPD myself and the electronics have been a lot of trial and error as once you build one circuit then integrate another, interactions bring complications. I am currently adding an Arduino board to control some of the lighting and trying to teach myself coding on the fly. As soon as I get one aspect working the next one breaks the first. There's a lot at multi-tasking involved in what you need which will require a good amount of traditional electronic design, prototyping, building, troubleshooting, and refining. This is a great time for you to learn something new. It's a part of the fun for sure. I am sure many here, including myself, would be happy to help in the process, but to be able to do it is a full time job.

 

[xl97]

@Gixxerfool -

I might be able to help with Arduino stuff.. hardware/coding.. if you ever want to chit-chat..hit me up!



@Gigatrix - without specs.. and a specific directive on what it is you want to happen and how.. (not a lot of useful advice can be given)..

my first thought is with your initial post is.. that you will need some serious/specific power requirements.

6 x servos? each one can take up to 1amp under load at times.. (what servos? specs/link? what will they be doing/operating/moving?)

4 x switches.. anything special about them? what will they be doing/controlling?

'loads' of leds? what kind? specs? links to datasheets? (are these high powered leds? or just 'accent' leds?) what do they need to be doing? (just simple on/off type stuff? or is there fading/pulsing involved?)

1 x solenoid.. specs? what power requirements does it have? what does it need to operate? what is it going to be doing? (and how?)

once we have a list of the components.. we can start puting together the power requirements needed to ruin things.. as well as what needs regulation and to what voltages..etc.

 

[Gigatrix]

Since you asked, and thanks btw, this is what I have so far
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...2sec_4_3g.html
these are the servos I have bought, I am an R/C modelist and I wanted to stick to what I know and love.
I am unsure about the solenoid as I am a little out of my league but I think this will do
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linear-Motion-Stroke-Solenoid-Electromagnet/dp/B00JR6JITM
I have 3 momentary switches for blue and orange fire and pick up item and a on off toggle for activation. also have a 3v motor.
If you are familiar with the ASHPD the 6 servos will be in pairs each controlling the movement of each of the 3 prongs.

So on activation, flicking the on/off switch I want the LED's to light up on glow and then brighten to max then dim to glow, the 3v motor to rotate a small turbine and the servos to twitch. Then pressing the blue button and the barrel retracts with the solenoid and LED's to brighten and dim to glow in the respective colour, the same with the orange button. Then the pick up button will just move the prongs in.
In a sort version replicating the ASHPD form Portal Stories: Mel.
Not much I know.

 

[Gixxerfool]

Since you asked, and thanks btw, this is what I have so far
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...2sec_4_3g.html
these are the servos I have bought, I am an R/C modelist and I wanted to stick to what I know and love.
I am unsure about the solenoid as I am a little out of my league but I think this will do
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linear-Motion-Stroke-Solenoid-Electromagnet/dp/B00JR6JITM
I have 3 momentary switches for blue and orange fire and pick up item and a on off toggle for activation. also have a 3v motor.
If you are familiar with the ASHPD the 6 servos will be in pairs each controlling the movement of each of the 3 prongs.

So on activation, flicking the on/off switch I want the LED's to light up on glow and then brighten to max then dim to glow, the 3v motor to rotate a small turbine and the servos to twitch. Then pressing the blue button and the barrel retracts with the solenoid and LED's to brighten and dim to glow in the respective colour, the same with the orange button. Then the pick up button will just move the prongs in.
In a sort version replicating the ASHPD form Portal Stories: Mel.
Not much I know.

Did you have a materials thought on this? Weight will be a factor in this. What are your power options? Li-Po may work, but as I am to understand it, they do not last long.

 

[Gigatrix]

All the components do in theory work, on paper the servos will do there job and the solenoid will work but that is on paper and I am prepared to spend a little more on the servos and solenoid for metal gears or a more powerful type. I also have all the component materials ready to be cut to size. I haven't thought of power yet because I just want to make the circuit work and then review my options based on power consumption but I do have a few LiPo bats lying about.

 

[Gixxerfool]

All the components do in theory work, on paper the servos will do there job and the solenoid will work but that is on paper and I am prepared to spend a little more on the servos and solenoid for metal gears or a more powerful type. I also have all the component materials ready to be cut to size. I haven't thought of power yet because I just want to make the circuit work and then review my options based on power consumption but I do have a few LiPo bats lying about.

I've learned the hard way that theory and reality rarely match up. Material properties, and electrical interactions can all throw a wrench in it. Good luck.

 

[Gigatrix]

Thanks Gixxerfool, and I hear that that's why I am taking this electronics part with a big pinch of salt. I too know the struggle of theory and reality but I can only work with what I have so maybe the cheepo servos will bite me in the bum but I have factored in buying some beefier ones if they don't work out. All you guys have helped a great deal, the Arduino site isn't that helpful but I know some people who are well versed in the art and I think that may be the way to go.

 

[Gixxerfool]

Thanks Gixxerfool, and I hear that that's why I am taking this electronics part with a big pinch of salt. I too know the struggle of theory and reality but I can only work with what I have so maybe the cheepo servos will bite me in the bum but I have factored in buying some beefier ones if they don't work out. All you guys have helped a great deal, the Arduino site isn't that helpful but I know some people who are well versed in the art and I think that may be the way to go.

I find the Arduino site very sketchy on help and a lot of the forum posters are typically very rude. Since you know what you want to do action wise, I highly recommend checking out Adafruit. They have a gigantic learning center with extremely helpful forum members. I'm willing to bet they will have the Info you need. You can also find series of courses on YouTube. All good sources of info. I would start with the basics to get the terms down and watch the videos to familiarize yourself with the parts of a sketch and such. This way you can be concise in any help you may need.

 

[Gigatrix]

I did hear of Adafruit in the raspberry pi zero article I have read but I have never seen this. Ill do some research as a branded Arduino starter kit is £80, I still have no clue as to what I am doing but ill clear that up with some research. I have also been looking at raspberry pi and that integrates well with the Adafruit. You have been more than help, all of you and I may blog back with some finished article or something. thanks again.

 

[xl97]

LOVE Arduino stuff... (IMHO.. its something everyone should take up.. even if not wanting to get serious with it.. it teaches some basics, and opens up all sorts of doors for future projects.. and you kinda get to play an EE, without having to spend 4+ years in college!) lol


The Arduino site is great.. but yes there are some vets who are very 'snarky'.. they either:

a.) forget where they came from.. and take their knowledge for granted and feel their 'common knowledge' is also everybody else's
b.) nit pick on details and the info you provide..

I understand their point though.. spoon feeding doesnt 'teach' anyone anything.. and provide all info is crucial (especially when you dont understand things.. and omitting certain details can make or break the advice given)

not everyone is like that they.. and once you conform.. more people will chip in to help.

Adafruit (as mentioned) has beginner tutorials.. as well as a forum.. (although they really only like to help out on their products.. and nothing else, which is quite annoying)
Jeremy Blum site has a nice collection of tutorials
TronixStuf also has a great collection of tutorials..

the thing is.. as the tutorials grow.. so does your need for complenents to test/play with..

RFID reader/writer...
Accelerometer
Relays
..etc..etc

cant really -do- all those tuts without the required pieces....right?

If you look around.. all parts can usually be acquired for a few bucks (USD)

Arduinos (Pro-Minis) are only a couple bucks. (same power as an Uno. but roughly 1in long only)

same with servos and resistors, capacitors...etc..

IMHO.. an Arduino Uno (for testing/prototyping)
a couple Arduino Pro-Mini's (to actually put in and leave in your projects)
a resistor pack (mixed values)
a capacitor pack (mixed values)
a breadboard
jumper wires
(TTL/FTDI programmer to upload sketches to the Pro-Mini's)...
some leds

is all you need to start playing around.. after that, you need specific components to meet your project requirements.

(ie: servos, solenoid ..etc)


I suggest starting off small.. and with individual steps/aspects.. then work on combining them all.

I'm not sure if will; be able to run all 6 servos from the Arduino.. you may need a dedicated servo board to control all 6.

I dont play Portal,... nor know 'much' about it.

So you'll have to be ready to type things out.. and be CLEAR on what you want and how things should behave..etc

I have it as:

1 x on/off button
1 x blue button
1 x orange button
1 x 'pick up' button
X x servos (we might need to re-think this...but we're not there yet)
X x leds.. (still not sure how many or what kind.. which is important)
** what does the solenoid do?

you power on the prop..

and you say this: "I want the LED's to light up on glow and then brighten to max then dim to glow" what does that mean? What is light up to glow? are you saying that they should fade in 'partially'? and not to full brightness? then go full brightness.. then back to say 50% brightness? This is all one event/behavior?

How long does it wait until going full brightness? how long before it goes back to 50% brightness?

Small 3V motor? what one? link? specs? Are y ou sure tis type of motor will have enough torque to move whatever it is you want 'spun'/moved? (motors under load take A LOT more current than normal usage...just an FYI)

This turly is a huge project/undertaking.... and I dont think I'm willing to just 'do it for you'... but I dont mind helping if you get stuck or need direction.

If I was to do this myself.. I'd make a kit and sell it!

it would be in your best interest to gather up the details.. (as these are things anyone helping will need to know.. even for yourself when seeking answers)

- - - Updated - - -

I did hear of Adafruit in the raspberry pi zero article I have read but I have never seen this. Ill do some research as a branded Arduino starter kit is £80, I still have no clue as to what I am doing but ill clear that up with some research. I have also been looking at raspberry pi and that integrates well with the Adafruit. You have been more than help, all of you and I may blog back with some finished article or something. thanks again.

Adafruit is a 'store'...

they sell products.

Arduino's
RasPi's..
and a slew of other things..

led strips. MCU's...components..etc..

they also have a help forum (mostly for their own product purchase support)..

and a bunch of tutorials (on many topics)

I think a RasPi would NOT be needed here.. and in fact would be overkill..

 

[Gigatrix]

OK so.
Red= servos
Yellow= motor
Green= solenoid
Light green= Led's
Purple= moved by solenoid
Pink= moved by motor
Turquois= moved by servos
Image 1 is cut away, image 2 is what I should look like finished, image 3 is up close of servo and motor mech, Image 4 is overall exploded view.
hope this helps.

now I know I need to be more specific on the components list i.e the LED's and such as for the 6 servos, you can break them down to 3 as they will be in pairs and both servo in that pair will have the same command as its counterpart. I have done this to keep costs down and to even the design out as one big servo didn't fit as well.
as for the effect of the LED's the glow is 30-40% brightness approx. from full honestly I want to play with this when I have the circuit because I want to 'feel it', also the full brightness pulse will be for half a second but that will all be toyed with during programming I guess and as for the 3v motor, scratch that this is what I think might work: http://www.hobbyking.co.uk/hobbyking/store/__42098__0716_Replacement_Brushed_Set_HobbyKing_Pocket_Quad_V1_1_Quadcopter_4pc_.html
Thank you all for your time.

 

[xl97]

1.) you can not break them 'into 3'.. they still have power requirements.. they still have commands that need to be sent to it..etc it is really no different than another servo.. regardless of what you want to do with it.

(although I'm not sure/clear what they will be doing/purpose they play... unless you have some sort of 'wire system' going to control the 'small' (feet/finger) portion of the arm??)

are any of these actions supposed to be done together?


moving the servo and animating the leds? are the switches used to 'only' trigger that behavior?

I can help you set up some psudeo code to get you started.. but this is only the code/arduino aspect part of things..

* the mechanical design and how you connect things (ie: the parts you want to move) is up to you.
* ensuring you have the right components connected correctly with the proper power requirements will also be up to you (since we dont those things yet/havent been posted)


is the off switch supposed to do anything? or that just kills power to the circuit?

1.) on switch starts the prop.. and hence, the code on the board....
----- which fade 50% leds in barrel... then full 100% brightness.. then back to 50% brightness..
2.) a blue switch that when pressed 'retracts' the barrel... then plays some leds animation/routine (how/when does the barrel go 'back'? what triggers the solenoid to move the other direction? hi moves one way? low moves another? what makes it stop?.. questions.. questions.. )

3.) an orange switch that does the above.. but use orange leds? or changes RGB leds to orange? (no clue.. leds unspecified)

4.) another button/switch that when pressed....moves the arms? (how so? does it just move (one position) while the button is being pressed/held?.. or is it a one press deal where it does an 'action/movement'?? (what about opening it again? does it open after closing automatically.. after a few seconds? or is this another button/event?)

 

[Gigatrix]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWIzPGqV0PM

Skip to 1;30 to see what I want when the toggle switch is activated. he also fires the gun shortly after i.e. the blue/ orange button and skip to 5;00 to see the pick up button movements.
I see the leds as a bone of contention I have found this: http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/SMD-RGB-Power-LED-Stars-517640 and this: http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/1W-High-Luminosity-Power-LED-Stars-200093 but again this is way out of my league.
Thanks for your patience.

 

[Gixxerfool]

Gigatrix I would highly recommend to put a full plan together of what you want the ASHPD to do on button press. How many buttons and such. Work your way backwards into implementation from there. With something of this complication a full plan will be needed. Even with my plan, I still have had to make compromises and changes along the way.

 

[xl97]

^ ditto...

I'm finding it hard to go back and pick out the pieces of the desired behavior.

I thought I had a list going... was it incorrect?