Summary of Telecran (Etch a Sketch) + Arduino = Telecranduino ! using arduino
This project transforms a traditional Telecran (Etch-a-Sketch) into a motorized, Arduino-controlled drawing device called Telecranduino. Using two stepper motors connected to the Telecran's knobs via modified cogs, the system enables automated control for drawing. The motors are driven by EasyDriver boards and managed by an Arduino Uno, with options for manual control via push buttons or a Nintendo Wii Nunchuck controller. The mechanical setup involves Fishertechnik parts, and an emergency stop button is incorporated for safety.
Parts used in the Telecranduino:
- Arduino Uno
- 2 Stepper motors
- 2 EasyDriver v44 motor drivers (SparkFun)
- Fishertechnik parts
- Push button (emergency stop)
- Sensor shield (optional)
- Additional push buttons (optional)
- Nintendo Wii Nunchuck (optional)
- WiiChuck adapter (optional)
- Hot glue gun
I came across a bunch of stepper motors and I have since been looking for a project to do with the kids.
An old Telecran (French for Etch-a-Sketch) later, we are in business !
What I used for this project:
– an Arduino Uno
– 2 stepper motors
– 2 easydrivers v44 (by www.sparkfun.com)
– various Fishertechnik parts (http://www.fischertechnik.com)
– a push button.
Optional parts:
– a sensor shield + 2 push buttons
– a Nintendo Wii Nunchuck
– a WiiChuck adapter
And also:
– hot glue gun
Step 1: Mechanics
The mechanical part has been done with some Fishertechniks parts.
I had to drill into the stepper cogs as the axis of the steppers were 5mm where the FT standard is 4 mm.
The other cogs were simply hot glued onto the Telecran (Etch-a-sketch) knobs.
The rest is best explained in pictures…
Step 2: Steppers
Some details of the motors and the final assembly.
Step 3: Arduino
To drive the steppers I used a couple of easy driver board from Sparkfun.
Very straight forward. Note the emergency button that allows to put the motors to sleep in case of a runaway sketch.
I added a sensor shield to the Arduino for convenience as I have a couple of push buttons (with a pull-up resistor) already cabled.
WiiChuck adapter is one of my favorite. Although the Nunchuck is a little more difficult to program than it may first appear.
Step 4: Schematics
Step 5: Code – sketch.
If NUNCHUCK is defined then the code will be compiled with Nunchuck support.
The motors are then controlled exclusively with the Wii Nunchuck..
For more detail: Telecran (Etch a Sketch) + Arduino = Telecranduino !
