I'm actually spending some times in a fablab and I want to do that project there.
It's about creating a (physical) construction kit that is recognize by a computer and generate the 3D model of the object made.
My idea is to use a different value of resistors in each different pieces and power the construction so each time you add a new pieces, the intensity variate and the new piece is add in the 3d model.
Or maybe use the same principles as a LED cube to get the value of each resistors in each positions ?
The process then is Resistors/power -> Arduino -> Serial communication -> Firefly (read the serial for grasshopper)-> Grasshopper ->Rhino 3D.
So my questions is about getting any advices, things I should look (and learn), similar project or any others reactions !
I heard about the Ipod/Iphone power supply that use resistors to know wich kind of device is connected, so i'm looking for some examples in the same field, possibly using multiple resistors.
When I first started gettting into electronics I just ordered a smattering of resistors and capacitors and just "stuff" to do things with. Ordered a little tube thing of 555's and one of CMOS 555's. I now know that maybe one does not need 20 555 chips.
Don't feel bad. I bought 166 LM-307 Hi-performance Op Amps (normally $3.95) for 25 cents each and at the time I had no clue what an op amp was. All I knew was that it was some kind of chip that was so versatile that people wrote thick books about it with seemly endless variety of circuits possible with the little buggers. I was a restaurant cook trying to learn electronics at home on my off time so I thought $40 or so bucks for a lifetime supply of op amps sounded like a good deal. Thirty years and about 50 or 60 op amp circuits later I only had 66 of the little round critters (round can) left and gave them away to some young student learning electronics. I told him "See this little thing ? You can do anything with this. It's like magic. Here's a lifetime supply. Enjoy !"
