ambient temperature tapestry

Should you wear a scarf today? Hang this piece of tapestry on a (drafty) window, and the embedded lights will tell you at a glance what the temperatures could feel like. The piece contains 6 lights: 2 red, 2 green, and 2 white. A smart temperature sensing module turns on the appropriate lights without any extra programming. I really think Grandma could get into this :-)

For the temperature range we chose (early Fall), the green lights stay on around 60 degrees, the red ones are lit when it's warm outside, and the white ones flash when it gets cold.

You set the temperature range by pressing a "calibrate" switch (sewn to the underside), and the flashing pattern with a mimeolight, shown in this previous instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/10-minute-electronic-leather-band

You can get the higher resolutions pictures in this zip file (19MB):
http://www.aniomagic.com/examples/example9/temp_tapestry.zip

We're experimenting with some cute 3V lithium battery holders too: yes, the butterfly :-)

If we were to do this project all over again, we' d find a way to set it up so the temperature sensor could be outside, while all the lights would stay inside. It works pretty well as it is though.

Disclaimer: we make and sell some of the components on Aniomagic's website http:///www.aniomagic.com. We hope you find the instructions useful as you can make your own interactive fabrics.

Step 1 Ingredients

For this tapestry, you'll need:

- temperature learning sensor
- mimeolight
- 6 lightboards: ruby, emerald, diamond
- push switch
- velcro switch
- conductive thread
- large 3-volt battery
- large, soft battery holder
- a piece of fabric to work on

You'll also need:
- a needle
- fabric paint (for insulation)
- fabric glue (to prevent thread unravelling)
- a pair of scissors

You can get the smart modules from http://www.aniomagic.com
Conductive velcro, thread fabric from LessEMF or Aniomagic
Fabric, paint, glue from any local craft store. We got ours at JoAnn's.
There are many other places to get your components online too.

Comments

[fashiongeek]

Fabulous idea :D I am amazed about the creative use of the Aniomagic modules and the butterfly battery older is amazing.

[canida]

Cool! Neat idea.