I am planning to use Arduino for my 1:6 scale props (compatible w Replicade) and I am gonna need some reccomendations on how to program the electronics such as the 1:6 scale arcade games, 1:6 scale kiddie rides, 1:6 scale animatronic show, 1:6 scale stage curtains, 1:6 scale CRT TVs, marquee lighting, light-up signage, etc.
Any reccomendations on those, please let me know
First step is to detail for us your Arduino hardware and software experience, and any other software and hardware background. So much depends on that, for general guidance.
You need to flesh this out a bit more for us.
Always show us a good schematic of your proposed circuit.
Show us good images of your ‘actual’ wiring.
Give links to components.
What have you done with electronics and in writing Arduino sketches ?
Designing my schematics for my Arduino circuits is a great start even for me
Also, wiring diagrams in Arduino is ok as well
And as for wiring the electronic components, that is even a great reccomendation as well
So basically, you refuse to answer specific questions, but want precise information provided.
Yeah, no. I’m out.
I highly you get a copy of the Arduino Cookbook and read it. Then follow the suggestions of @camsysca and @LarryD and provide the requested information.
My Process:
When I see a question, I spend a moment assessing it. If it’s missing critical information, I might ask for it. However, if it's repeatedly lacking important details, I may assume the questioner is not serious and move on to another query.
What You Need to Consider:
We don’t know your skill level or what resources you have available. If you’re missing key technical details or seem unprepared, it may indicate that you need to spend more time learning the basics before starting your project.
Providing the right information upfront will help you get the best possible assistance and avoid the frustration of running into dead ends. Let us help you by sharing what you have clearly and completely!
Try reading this: How to get the best out of this forum
I am planning to create my animatronic chatacter show that will have 6 full size characters. Their mechs will be a blend of steel metal parts, 3D printed plastic parts, and fiberglas shells. Their movements will be all pneumatic cylinder relays since they're heavily inspired by Chuck E. Cheese animatronics from the 1980's & 90's. And I am planning to use Arduino encoding (Manchester?) to program the animatronics, props, sliding curtain motor relays, and stage lighting fixtures using midi piano keyboard, and in sync w digital mp4 video files on microSD memory cards (or USB thumb drives?) playing the CyberStar video files since the Sprite media players (from Fright Props) easily support Arduino, and its amazing idea for my DIY animatronic show project for my home arcade someday.
Having reviewed your six topics on this forum, I see little engagement by others, due to little engagement or information from you. Not a good start, for sure.
So, if you really want us to engage, start by reviewing
And realizing that your grandiose scheming will be for naught until you start to engage with the real, physical world.
Starting with Arduino: My Recommended Approach
It seems to me you might not be fully ready to start the project just yet, but that’s perfectly okay! We don't know your skill set or what resources you have at your disposal, so I recommend starting with some online tutorials. While the quality varies, many tutorials are excellent and will help you build a solid foundation.
Here’s How to Get Started:
Learn the Basics: Begin with the fundamentals, such as controlling outputs (like LEDs) and interpreting inputs (such as reading a switch or receiving a message). LEDs are a great starting point since they’re inexpensive and most Arduino boards come with a built-in LED.
Explore Basic Electronics Tutorials: Look for beginner-friendly tutorials on electronics concepts. These will help you understand key principles that you’ll need as you progress.
Recommended Resources:
Additional Help:
Please keep us updated on your journey, and don’t hesitate to ask questions as you learn. We’re here to help and guide you along the way!
Since you'll have MIDI anyway, you might want to use it to control all of the pneumatic valves. i.e. Each animatronic character would be similar to a MIDI instrument but responding with movement rather than by generating sound.
Normally, something like that would more-likely use DMX (a theater lighting & effects standard) but MIDI and DMX are somewhat "similar".
I assume you'll need to have a separate MP4 and control files and start them at the same time to keep them synchronized. I'm also assuming that the MP4 microSD or plugs-into the Sprite player, and the Arduino would have its own memory for the animatronic sequence.
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I actually worked at the Chuck E. Cheese factory where those things were made. The most fun job I ever had!!! I remember the pneumatics but I don't know exactly how the control worked. I believe it was "analog" tape. Probably "stereo" with the audio on one channel and the control signals on the other channel. There are (were) ways of putting digital on analog tape, similar to how the old modems worked over the phone line. Around the same time I had a Commodore computer and a cassette player/recorder was standard for storage, but I had a floppy drive.
@fanrodent1994, please do not crosspost. Threads merged.
Hello dear forum user
The best way to start a project is to draw a block diagram.
This block diagram can be used to identify the physical and logical properties of the interfaces used.
The next step is to design a circuit diagram and a basic software framework with basic functions such as timers and I/O handling.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D8VSVTN6
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Other tiny stuff...
This link has library and example code...