First post here. I have used the search bar and Google, with no real results. I have no experience with Arduino, but i'm eager to learn. Here is what Im working on, using MicroCenter Inland branded kits, as well as stand alone components. As I said, I want to learn these small electronics.
I am adapting toys for special needs kids, using 2-pin headphone jacks. The female connector is on the toy and the male connector is an oversized 3d printed button. I am working on a wobble switch now that can be mounted to a wheelchair for kids with limited movements, so they can play with the toys as well. This works fine for most toys but there are a couple that I want to try to adapt that move mostly one way, for a couple seconds or so.
I am trying different ideas and maybe this is too much to start with, without really knowing a whole lot about Arduino. I would appreciate any thoughts on this and make these projects a reality for these kids.
Your ideas are honorable but way to unprecise to comment more closely.
Start plaing and exploring Arduino boards in general. Check up the IDE examples folder.
switches wired to the toys via headphone jacks/connectors to control the toys
Switch <---2pin connector > <--- cable ----> <-- 2pin jack ---> Toy
A wobble switch is a device that consists of e.g. a long padded rod that can be moved freely in several directions to close a switch. It allows people with handicaps to control devices.
This works fine for most toys but there are a couple that I want to try to adapt that move mostly one way, for a couple seconds or so.
Your requirement:
Do you want the toy activity to be limited to a certain time or
Do you want the toy activity to go on for to a certain time even when the switch has been released?
or ... ?
Can you tell me if my understanding is ok or wrong and clarify?
Basically the toys have the buttons for whatever task it does, generally sings or moves, with lights and sound. One button triggers it all. I solder the two wires to a button circuit and reassemble. I want to keep the original button operation the same, just adding the secondary trigger. The toys are typical one or two button toys, but some are a little more complex and will interact with one another.
The concept is turn the toy on, place the switch in reach for the student, when they hit the switch the toy does what it does.
I just received my wobble switches today, so I will be adapting one with a jack and Im wanting to do the other bluetooth or something like that. That one will wait until I get a better understanding of what Im doing with this Arduino stuff and how to make it all work.
The current switches are momentary so they activate the task and it runs until the sequence is completed. I really would like to keep it to that operation.
No worries. I had no idea what it was either until I found myself inside in the hobby/stem area. I always thought it was just a computer store. https://www.microcenter.com
I really appreciate it. I am trying to learn and understand how these systems work and how I can integrate them into different things. I figured starting with these toys would be a great start. I guess I need to turn my attention more to the initial application and design of the circuits. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming, so a little push may be needed. Thanks again.
