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Inspired by Bleep Labs' Thingamakit and Thingamagoop synthesizer noise maker creations, I set about making a plush version for my two-year-old daughter. My goal was to create something that was safer and easier to use for her, while remaining just as fun and quirky as the original Thingama' synths.
The electronics in the Thingamaplush are based on the Thingamakit design, available on Bleep Labs' website. I tweaked the design a bit to fit my own purposes, ending up with a sort of hybrid between the Thingamakit and the Thingamagoop. The electronics are stuffed into a plush robot I designed myself, and assembled with the help of my mother (how's that for some geeky mother-son bonding?)
This instructable will detail sewing the robot body, and stuffing it with my custom made board. Of course, you may remix any part of it to suit your own needs. You could design a different body, or install different electronics. Maybe an Atari Punk Console? Or a Robot Voice Modulator? It's up to you! You could even omit the electronics completely, to create a cute little robot toy.
EDIT: New videos added! See Step 11...
Please note that I made every effort to make my design safe for a toddler to use, but I can't guarantee its safety. If you're a parent you know how hard kids are on their toys - they are dropped, sat on, stepped on, chewed on, drooled on, and generally abused in ways that the Underwriters Laboratory can't even imagine. With this in mind, observe your child when they are playing with their Thingamaplush and make sure they remain safe. Unsupervised, I'd say the minimum age is 6.
The electronics in the Thingamaplush are based on the Thingamakit design, available on Bleep Labs' website. I tweaked the design a bit to fit my own purposes, ending up with a sort of hybrid between the Thingamakit and the Thingamagoop. The electronics are stuffed into a plush robot I designed myself, and assembled with the help of my mother (how's that for some geeky mother-son bonding?)
This instructable will detail sewing the robot body, and stuffing it with my custom made board. Of course, you may remix any part of it to suit your own needs. You could design a different body, or install different electronics. Maybe an Atari Punk Console? Or a Robot Voice Modulator? It's up to you! You could even omit the electronics completely, to create a cute little robot toy.
EDIT: New videos added! See Step 11...
Please note that I made every effort to make my design safe for a toddler to use, but I can't guarantee its safety. If you're a parent you know how hard kids are on their toys - they are dropped, sat on, stepped on, chewed on, drooled on, and generally abused in ways that the Underwriters Laboratory can't even imagine. With this in mind, observe your child when they are playing with their Thingamaplush and make sure they remain safe. Unsupervised, I'd say the minimum age is 6.
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Signing UpStep 1Parts and Tools
You'll need to hit two entirely different stores for this project!
The Body:
- Fleece, felt or fabric of your choice. It doesn't really matter what you use. If your robot is being made for a child, use nice bright colours. They like that.
- Thread, suitable for the fabric you're using.
- Various buttons and other accents for your robot (optional)
- stuffing, preferably flame and heat resistant (just in case the electronics short out somehow)
- a short zipper or snaps (optional, for easy battery replacement)
The Electronics:
- custom PCB (etched or perfboard - I recommend etched because it's more durable)
- blank perfboard
- components as listed in the parts list
- two 500kohm 10mm wide photocells
- three single pole double throw (SPDT) mini toggle switches
- four 22mm long hex threaded standoffs, and matching screws (probably 6-32 size)
- one mini 1.5"-2" speaker
- stranded wire
- lead-free solder (just in case)
- a 9V battery and 9V battery clip
- heat shrink tubing
- wire wrap tubing or aquarium tubing
Tools:
- a sewing machine (optional - you can do it all by hand if you like)
- a sewing needle
- PCB etching equipment
- soldering iron
- assorted circuit assembly tools
- glue suitable for fabric, for attaching accessories
The Body:
- Fleece, felt or fabric of your choice. It doesn't really matter what you use. If your robot is being made for a child, use nice bright colours. They like that.
- Thread, suitable for the fabric you're using.
- Various buttons and other accents for your robot (optional)
- stuffing, preferably flame and heat resistant (just in case the electronics short out somehow)
- a short zipper or snaps (optional, for easy battery replacement)
The Electronics:
- custom PCB (etched or perfboard - I recommend etched because it's more durable)
- blank perfboard
- components as listed in the parts list
- two 500kohm 10mm wide photocells
- three single pole double throw (SPDT) mini toggle switches
- four 22mm long hex threaded standoffs, and matching screws (probably 6-32 size)
- one mini 1.5"-2" speaker
- stranded wire
- lead-free solder (just in case)
- a 9V battery and 9V battery clip
- heat shrink tubing
- wire wrap tubing or aquarium tubing
Tools:
- a sewing machine (optional - you can do it all by hand if you like)
- a sewing needle
- PCB etching equipment
- soldering iron
- assorted circuit assembly tools
- glue suitable for fabric, for attaching accessories
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No, it doesn't move. It does beep, though!
What IC corresponds to U2?
The answer that i esperate xD
can someone send me a PDF of the pcb
I'd be really grateful if someone emailed me them
rayads786@hotmail.com
Though I have to be honest, when I first watched the video I thought "Dang I hate to be caught with that thing in my carry on at an air port.".