SAC-300: Laser Cut/NeoPixel Project - Build A Glowing Alien Artifact
What You'll Learn
Take your skills to the next level with this intensive multi-skill build session and walk away with a sweet looking laser cut prop with animated lights and sound.
This class will cover the entire design life cycle touching on each of the following themes:
- Computer based design tools to digitally construct our artifact
- Physical measurement and prepping of materials used in creating the artifact
- Design selection of patterns/templates you can utilize to further customize your artifact
- Using the Laser Cutter and getting hands on experience utilizing the laser cutter
- Assembly/Gluing/Sanding - basic hand assembly of the individual components to achieve the desired shape/form
- Basic electronics overview - I'll provide an overview of the Circuit Playground Micro-controller hardware and features while the glue dries on your artifact
- Test device - We'll power up the device and look for status indicators
- Test USB - verify the device connects to your computer and establish communication with the device
- Intro to Programming with CircuitPython and MakeCode (internet required) - How to use browser based and block editing/programming, NO PRIOR CODING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Programming of this device can be accomplished with any computer or chromebook (Apple, PC or Linux) with USB and a web browser. No additional software is required (but some windows drivers may be required)
- Stretch goal - depending on how far the class gets, we can add software functionality to make the glowing cube be sound activated and include sound FX -- imagine an alien artifact that you can activate with a clap!
Skills
- Working with Laser Cutter
- Programming on Arduino / Micro-controller
- Block programming for easier programming
- Work with Neo-pixel LED's
- Learn basics of working with Python
- Assembling finished project
Important Information
This is a family-friendly class. Children from age 10 and older are welcome to accompany their parents to this class. (One device per signup. Only one signup is required per family, more than one is fine!)
Please bring your own laptop if you have one. Otherwise, computers are available at Hacker Lab if they are needed.
There is a $35 materials fee for this class included in the price.
About The Instructor
Curtis Soldano