Discover an enchanting world of electronics and craftsmanship with Mark as he guides you through the creation of a magical hat! In this DIY project, you'll delve into the realms of animatronics, electronics, and mechanical design, culminating in a hat that comes to life. From intricate wiring and servo mechanisms to the art of paper and glue, Mark's tutorial unveils the secrets behind crafting this interactive wizard's accessory. Whether you're a seasoned maker or a novice in the world of electronics, this project offers a fun and educational journey into the fusion of technology and imagination, perfect for cosplay enthusiasts, educators, and curious minds alike.
Watch the Video:
In this element14 presents episode, Mark takes us on an exciting journey into the creation of a magical hat! It combines electronics, software, and mechanical components. The setup begins with a power supply, either a 9- or 12-volt battery. A diode is used for reverse polarity protection. A voltage converter transforms the input to 5 volts. A microcontroller is connected to a microSD card, an amplifier board, three servos, an OLED display for showing an eye, and an input for remote control. The components are meticulously assembled on a PCB.
Next, Mark delves into the mechanical parts, starting with the creation of a "uni-brow" that attaches above the eye. He’s interested in making the top of the hat movable, with a complex mouth mechanism, decisions he’ll make as he gets further along with the build.
The construction of the hat itself is an engaging process involving glue and paper. Mark shares a variety of tips on using glue and various paper types to create a firm and smooth surface. Once the hat's structure is complete, Mark integrates the electronics. He mounts the servo for the "uni-brow," the eye display, the speaker, and the mouth mechanism, taking care to explain their placement and connections.
The software aspect of the project involves utilizing the microcontroller’s dual cores efficiently, in this case an ESP32 microcontroller. Mark splits tasks between the cores to ensure smooth operation, covering servo movement, audio playback, and display updates. He provides a brief overview of the code, including essential libraries and ESP32 board setup. For those who want to replicate this project, Mark offers valuable advice on installing necessary libraries and configuring the ESP32 board. He emphasizes using stable library versions for a reliable outcome.
In conclusion, Mark showcases his magical hat, encouraging viewers to share their ideas for sound effects and what kinds of costumes the hat could be used for. Mark's comprehensive walkthrough of this project, from electronics to mechanics and software, provides a valuable resource for makers and electronics enthusiasts looking to embark on similar creative endeavours.
Read the Blogs
- Animated and Talking Wizard Hat!
- Step 1: Research. Getting a jump start from previous designs
- Step 2: Designing Mechanical Parts
- Step 3: Creation of the Hat
Supplemental Content
- Resource Files
- ESP32 Board Library (json format)
Bill of Materials
| Product Name | Manufacturer | Quantity | Buy Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power switch | TE Connectivity | 1 | Buy Now |
| Elco 470uF 16V | RUBYCON | 1 | Buy Now |
| pin headers | Molex | 4 | Buy Now |
| PCB Receptacle sockets | SAMTEC | 4 | Buy Now |
| Speaker | VISATON | 1 | Buy Now |
| Battery clip | BUD INDUSTRIES | 1 | Buy Now |
| SD card | DELKIN DVICES | 1 | Buy Now |
| servo's SG90. | |||
| 3d printed parts: print of use your local printservice, files are included | |||
| some nuts and bolts mostly M2,5 and M3 | |||
| ESP32 DOIT DEVKIT 1,0 | |||
| "Remote Module | |||
| PCB-> use the included pcb production files to order a pcb at your prefered manufacturer | |||
| "I2S Audio Board bases on MAX98357 | |||
| "OLED Display 128 * 128 pixels | |||
