LilyPad Workshop

Think about a coat that detects changes in air and body temperature and automatically adjusts to keep you comfortable. How about a sonar based device enabling you to see in the dark? Or always having your music player, video player, radio, and mobile phone with you wherever you go because they are built into your tshirt? eTextiles, electro-craft, wearable electronics; it’s about taking technology and transforming it around your body, creating symbiosis. Whether you’re looking to augment the human condition with technology or you’re more interested in the romantic ethereal glow of twinkly lights, you have to start somewhere.

In this short series of workshops we will provide a quick introduction to the Arduino Lilypad line of wearable electronics. We’ll look at how to tell the micro-controller (the smart component) what to do, and how to use some sensors and actuators*. And then how to put it all together into an actual, wearable, project.

Taking place one evening a week, for three weeks, we hope to introduce you to a new passion that combines electronics, programming, and crafting. Sound scary? The only pre-requisite is that you have a laptop (with USB port) you can bring to the workshops. We’ll help you with all the rest.

*components that do something, e.g. a buzzer makes a sound

Structure:
Week one; we’ll get familiar with the components, and start reprogramming it to do what we want.
Beneficial, but not required; experience programming

Week two; we’ll play with prototyping physical layouts and how to attach everything to some fabric.
Beneficial, but not required; experience prototyping electronics, hand-sewing

Week three; will be about working more on our projects, with help available to debug or untangle any problems you might encounter.

When: Wednesday, September 4th, 11th, 18th, from 7pm to 10pm
Cost: €100 (including materials), or €60 (if you provide your own materials)
Discounted cost for members: €45 (including materials), or free if you provide your own materials

Other details:
The are only 8 places available.
The workshop is spread over three weeks. Please ensure you are available for all days before booking a ticket.
You must have a laptop with functioning USB port.
We’ll be using the ProtoSnap LilyPad Development Board, for ease of exploring the components before things get too fiddly.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us, or leave a comment here.

Please book your ticket through Eventbrite here; https://lilypad-at-tog.eventbrite.com/
(If using Paypal isn’t an option for you, please get in touch so we can arrange alternative payment.)

*EDIT* CANCELLED.