My goal for this project was to create a staff/walking stick/spear based on Spinel from Steven Universe. I wanted it to be something fun to carry around to Halloween parties for the rest of the week. Something striking and eye catching, creating it in my own style while keeping the tone of Spinel’s [dark + twisted love].
I really enjoy how this project came out, it feels really true to me and I was able to experiment with a few different techniques [laser. cutting, 3d printing]. I’m super interested in making more variations of this object, maybe based on different characters or moods.
Struggles My biggest struggle was probably the 3d printing. While trying to print I ended up going through multiple versions of my design in order to troubleshoot the most efficient way to include the supports. I really enjoyed exploring the 3d printing community files, I have some printing experience but it was never something that really excited me. However, I found it really fun looking through all of the 3d print files that people upload to places like Thingiverse.
++ clearing out the supports out of something so narrow + long like the gem was way more tricky than I was expecting.
++ I did have to re-solder my Gemma 3 times because I kept messing up the ins/outs. Shoutout to Mallika + Tristan for helping me figure out what was wrong.
void loop() { // two quick pulses then rest heartbeat(); delay(1000); }
void heartbeat() { for (int i = 0; i < 2; i++) { pulse(255, 20, 100, 600, 200); // pinkish pulse: r,g,b, rise ms, fall ms delay(150); } }
void pulse(int r, int g, int b, int riseTime, int fallTime) { int steps = 30; for (int i = 0; i <= steps; i++) { float bLevel = (float)i / steps; strip.fill(strip.Color(r * bLevel, g * bLevel, b * bLevel)); strip.show(); delay(riseTime / steps); } for (int i = steps; i >= 0; i–) { float bLevel = (float)i / steps; strip.fill(strip.Color(r * bLevel, g * bLevel, b * bLevel)); strip.show(); delay(fallTime / steps); } }
**I do feel like the photographer that was in the VFL got more progress shots than I did of this project so I’m hoping we get access to those. This was the least amount of documenting I’ve done for a project, which was surprising because initially i felt like I was capturing every step.
Bring the serenity of nature into your home with Caeruleo. Designed as both a calming decor piece and an interactive art installation, this project features a single light source that glides gracefully along the inner perimeter, creating mesmerizing glimmers and dynamic patterns. Its sound-responsive LEDs adjust to their surroundings—brightening and accelerating in noisy environments, and dimming and slowing down in quiet spaces—bringing a sense of harmony to your living area.
Building the code and circuit for our project from scratch was definitely a steep learning curve, but it was rewarding to see the project come to life
Process management is key for a project with so many steps: always planning ahead to avoid material delay/ burnouts, and keep things moving
Iterative thinking: prepare to tackle unexpected changes (eg: the frame)
What to Improve
I’d like to refine the frame’s finish with a mixed medium of air-dry clay and sand to experiment material mixes and achieve a more texturized, organic look
With fewer commitments from other classes, I’d love to create a more polished video to show the product in use + reaccentuate the design concept
Ready to build your very own synth but don’t know where to start? No worries – you’re in the right place!
Welcome to the Fish Synth Docs, your step-by-step guide to creating the Fish Synth! This unique synth comes with a convenient strap, making it easy to take your sound on the go for all your events.
It features 3 adjustable dials, sound-controlling buttons, and a headphone jack for personal listening. Plus, it has a pedal plug for connecting other effects and creating a daisy-chain setup. Let’s dive in and get started!
Step 1: Order the DaisySeed and Wait for Delivery The first step in building your Fish Synth is to order the DaisySeed online. This component, which acts as the “brain” of your synth, is where all the code will be loaded. Be patient as it will take some time to arrive from California.
Step 2: Choose Your Effects While waiting for the DaisySeed to arrive, start planning what effects you want your synth to have. Explore the DaisySeed coding library to find the effects that suit your needs. Once you’ve selected the desired effects, you’ll need to wire them to the appropriate switches.
Dial 1 – Switch Sound Effect
Dial 2 – Volume
Dial 3 – Miscellaneous / Tone
Button 1 – On/Off
Button 2 – Chord C major 7
Button 3 – Chord G major 7
Button 4 – E major 7
Step 2.5: Set Up Daisy Seed and Code
When using Arduino for coding, it is essential to follow the DaisyDuino Set-Up Guide. A variety of video tutorials are available on the ElectroSmith YouTube channel, as well as a comprehensive Start-Up guide on GitHub.
Start-Up Tips:
Ensure the “Extra Step” STM32 package is downloaded, as it is crucial for the setup. If unable to obtain it, request it from another source.
In Arduino, select “DFU” as the upload method.
It may be necessary to press and hold the Boot button while pressing the Reset button a few times to allow Arduino to properly recognize the board.
To code the effects, start by reviewing the multiple Daisy Seed examples available in the Arduino environment.
The goal is to combine the relevant portions of each example into a single, cohesive file.
By doing this, you’ll be able to tailor the code to your specific needs and create the desired effects. The example code is available through the link provided below, offering a starting point to help guide the process.
Step 3: Solder Buttons, Dials, and Plugs Begin by soldering the various buttons, dials, and plugs onto the board. Ensure you connect the correct wires to the outside dials so they correspond to the effects you wish to control. Take your time to ensure each connection is accurate.
Step 4: Create the Case You have two options for the case:
3D Print the Case: Use the provided file to 3D print your case. If you don’t have access to a 3D printer, check with your local public library to see if they offer printing services. This file was made with TinkerCAD.
Cardboard Case: Alternatively, you can fold a custom cardboard case. If you choose this route, follow the instructions for cardboard assembly provided below. Note that, regardless of the case type, only the placement of knobs and buttons matters.
Step 5: Wire the External Components Solder the switches, dials, and other external components using wires. Ensure that all switches and dials are connected properly to the board and that they align with the designated holes in the case.
Step 6: Assemble the Synth Case Once everything is wired correctly, screw the components into the case. Double-check that all connections are secure before moving on.
Step 7: Test the Synth Before sealing the case by drilling or gluing it shut, test the synth to ensure everything is working properly. This is your last chance to make adjustments if needed.
Step 8: Add a Strap For convenience, sew a bag strap using any fabric you have available. A jewelry chain was used in this example!
Step 9: Final Steps Congratulations! The Fish Synth is now complete. You should have a better understanding of musical synthesizers and can start creating music! Enjoy the process and the sounds you create!
Retrospective:
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Find way to attach buttons to case
Cut breadboard to fit in case
Adjust code to actually sound good
Company Pitch:
The Fish Synth is a DIY, portable synthesizer designed for on-the-go music creation and exploration. This compact, user-friendly device allows enthusiasts to build their own unique synth by assembling the components, offering a hands-on experience for both beginners and experienced creators. With its battery-powered design, the Fish Synth is perfect for spontaneous jam sessions, street performances, or personal audio experimentation, providing a versatile range of sounds and effects. Its easy-to-customize features and portable nature make it an ideal tool for music lovers who want to enjoy creative synthesis anytime and anywhere.
🎶✨ Introducing the Fish Synth! 🎹 A DIY, portable synthesizer that lets you build your own unique sound and take it on the go. Perfect for spontaneous jams, street performances, or just vibing wherever you are! 🚀🔊
Easy to assemble, fun to customize, and ready for any adventure. Get yours and start creating music on the move! 🎧💡
