This week we were told to bring in broken electronics and I chose an old bike computer to sacrifice. It was both old and obsolete. First I took apart the casing revealing an LCD screen and two silver contacts/buttons. The circuit board consisted of lots of little resistors,a capacitor, the…

Are math tests getting you down? Do you freeze up when you are asked to factor? Welcome to the De-Stress-Pen.  The stress pen is a biofeedback device that measures signs of stress such as clammy or cold hands.  Embedded within the device are humidity and temperature sensors (strategically placed for both left and…

Object: Pen for standardized testing

Twist: It tells you when you need to relax

Big lessons:

1. You can make your own sensors.  See http://www.gogoboard.org/node/12 (thanks Claire)

2. Heat guns can be used to adjust polymer vacuum casts but is best done as a two-man job (thanks Alicja)

The spoon is out.  A pen that tells you to chill out is in.  This morning I was given a ruler and stress testing card that is…

Last Friday the 13th inspired me to look at safety in everyday objects.  I spent yesterday analyzing objects that I normally take for granted and wondering how the sensors and output devices available to us can augment these things. 

Available materials:

sensors: temperature, magnetic fields, light and...?

output devices: sounds (just beeps), leds, motors and...?

Ideas I have so far:

1. Spoon for toddlers (or others who could use assistance)…

 I made a diorama of Oakland inside the case of the Ikea clock. It has a gritty and nondescript outside, but if you look through the clock face (my eyes) there is a lot of beauty, including a skyline, people of all shapes, colors and sizes, and space for circuit-board dogs to roam and play.  

I had…

Ikea confirms that the clock is made of white polypropylene, transparent polystyrene (laserable according to a google search, but settings tbd) and ABS hands. A quick check of the laser's effect on the polypro shows it is a good to go (5/40/5000). Since I am etching and cutting the actual 3-D clock, I can't do a practice on cardboard. I double-checked my geometries, used the calipers twice, pinned my pieces in place and flipped the laser on.

Next time: Zero the…

I decided to "get to know" my materials. It is $0.99, so it's okay to take a closer look.  The innards were the most beautiful part of the clock. The minimalist exterior masked circuit board green, yards of fine copper strands and silver solder. I took out every piece, documenting their placement with pictures. The speakers, switches and stands were all simple in shape, beautifully serving their function. It was gorgeous. And, it was broken.…