E
F
and mount each bracket to a loop of cut rubber and epoxy the other end to a servo horn
(Figure E). Lay out the 2 assemblies with the
battery in between (Figure F). The mechanism
is done.
3. PROGRAM THE ARDUINO
Download and install the Arduino IDE from
arduino.cc. Download the Tacit project code
from
gist.github.com/1175994.
Open the project code in the Arduino IDE.
In the Tools → Board menu, choose your
model of Arduino, and under Tools → Serial
Port select the COM port, the highest number
if you see more than one.
Plug the USB-TTL cable (or USB cable and
FTDI Friend) between your computer and the
Pro Mini. Click Verify and Upload to compile
the code and burn it to the controller chip.
4. MAKE THE GAUNTLET
Download the template for the gauntlet at
makeprojects.com/v/29 and use scissors
to cut the shape out of neoprene.
Cut and sew velcro strips onto the neoprene where indicated, and sew on a loop
of bias tape to fit the middle finger in front
of where the Arduino sits.
TIP: Neoprene is a challenge to sew. It drops stitches like
crazy on a sewing machine, so you should use the biggest
needle you can, with thick thread, and cover the neoprene
wherever you sew with a piece of thin scrap cloth. (Thanks
to Bethany Shorb of Cyberoptix Tie Lab for the tip!)
Use super glue to attach the corresponding
velcro pieces to the electronics and the plastic
brackets. The velcro lets you remove the electronics and launder the neoprene. Stuff that’s
near the hand can get dirty surprisingly fast.
Electronics sewn into wearable material
will inevitably flex, but solder joints can’t take
much bending before they break. So wherever
possible, you should loop the wire through
holes and use zip ties to give each connection
plenty of play. I learned this lesson the hard
way when I made my Rock Paper Scissors
Playing Glove (that’s another story, at
makezine.com/go/rpsglove).
IMPROVEMENTS
Now I’m working on Tacit 2.0, refining the
software, shrinking the hardware, and using
a rechargeable battery with some kind of
blind-friendly charging method, either wireless or a magnetically-aligning power plug. ;
Download the Tacit project code at
gist.github.com/1175994 and the neoprene
cutting template at
makeprojects.com/v/29.
Many thanks to the designers at Device Design Day, who gave
me tons of positive feedback on earlier versions of Tacit.
The circuit and software are released under a Creative
Commons BY-NC-SA license.
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