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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

5x5 Parts List

All of the parts I need to make this project happen have been delivered! I'll start posting pics of the build as soon as it begins but, for now, he's a list of the parts:

Arduino Duemilanove
This is the "brain" of the box and runs the software sketch I'm designing (more on that later) and is really what makes this project possible.

Basic 16x2 Character LCD - White on Black - 5V
LCD display for feedback messages.

Momentary Push Buttons (6)
Buttons for game initialization and input.

Push Button Power Switch
This ingenious little device allows for the Arduino to be powered on by a momentary push button and then to power itself off once it reaches that point in the sketch.

Small Servo
This will conrol the arm that will dispense the gift card.

Battery Pack
Power!

Breadboard
I'm pretty lazy so I'll probably prototype on the breadboard and then, once everything works, I'll just use a mountain of hot glue to make it 'permanent'.

So that's it. I feel like I'm leaving something out; like this list of parts is too simple to actually perform the task that will be asked of it. The component I am most worried about is the LCD. I'm not using the same LCD as the Frustromantic so I can't just copy his diagram. I'm actually going to have to make sense of the documentation. Although, it just occurred to me that I can look at the documentation for the LCD that the Frustromantic uses and then map that to the documentation for the LCD I purchased. Another note, I'm super happy that the metal buttons came from Hong Kong and weren't stolen off of my porch. They are gorgeous and perfect for this project. I also ordered these push buttons in a variety of colors and they are great too. They have a wonderful arcade feel to them. They'll be awesome for a future puzzle box project but the metal buttons are really the sophisticated and sleek vision I had for this box.