Hello! Here is my very preliminary draft. I will update this to reflect some of the very helpful feedback I got.
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LEAVE A MESSAGE AT THE GOOSE
Audio recorder and playback system in the shape of a goose
INSPIRATION
My partner and I operate on very different and constantly changing schedules. He is a first year resident in Internal Medicine; I am a design grad student. Although we live together, we can go days without seeing each other. We would like to leave each other notes, but video messages on the computer and hand-written notes aren’t working for us. This device is mounted at my door and is an easy way to record a brief message on my way out that he can playback when he gets home.
FUNCTIONALITY
Record audio
Playback audio
Clear audio recordings
Indicate new message with LEDs
PARTS
Electronic parts:
Arduino Uno
Adafruit Wave Shield for Arduino Kit – v1.1
Electret Microphone Amplifier – MAX4466 with Adjustable Gain
AC Adaptor
Arcade buttons
LEDs
Wires
Resistors
Housing:
MDF
Glue
Screws
Paint
ASSEMBLY
Step 1: Put the parts together
Follow Wave Shield assembly instructions here
Mount the microphone and speakers (more TK)
Create a circuit for the LEDs and push buttons
Step 2: Write the code
Load the WaveRP Library
Write code to link the functions for recording and playing back to button functionality
Write code to create connection between message status and LEDs
Step 3: Build housing
Cut out the GOOSE PANEL (or your choice of image) from MDF using the scroll saw (or laser cut if you are doing something complex)
Create shallow box to attach to the back
Sand and finish with paint*
* The housing can certainly be made of many materials—I just used MDF for this example because it is easy to work with and generally accessible
Step 4: Putting it all together
Mount the board to the back of the goose in the box
Thread the button and LED elements into the front of the goose in the designated places
PLUG IN!