What is the best way to get into animatronics-type stuff if you have never done electronics before?

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Sep 27, 2009. 4:24 PMbethehammer says:

Study puppets and puppetry, study robots, once you understand the mechanics of how to make things move, then look at the electronics and controls. You can do a lot with a simple motor without a lot of circuitry.

Jan 31, 2009. 2:09 PMtoelle says:

Get some experience with electronics. By a soldering iron, and start disassembling some old electronics. See what parts you can use, and then built something from them. Go to the library and find a book about electronics. When you've got enough experience with electronics, there's a lot of instructables here showing what you can make with electronics. You'll soon be able to built your own animatronic :P

Feb 2, 2009. 4:53 PMbuchd (author) says:

Thanks! Can you suggest any good beginners books in particular?

Feb 3, 2009. 6:03 AMtoelle says:

Sorry I can't, but you should be able to find some beginners books at the library. If you dont have much experience with electricity either, i would suggest to learn some of the laws of physics about electricity (Ohm's law for instance).

Feb 3, 2009. 9:15 AMbuchd (author) says:

I've taken a few physics courses (AP highschool, 2 college level), I'm just more concerned about the fact I've never done anything hands-on. =) Thanks!

Feb 3, 2009. 11:25 AMtoelle says:

Okay, that's good. If you know the theory you can concentrate on your soldering and stuff like that. I would suggest that you buy a good soldering iron (Weller is a good brand in soldering irons). No problem.

Feb 3, 2009. 6:24 PMbuchd (author) says:

Thanks!