Yesterday I posted about using the LilyMini Protosnap. I’m still working on it. I broke some of the board apart (more than I intended) and started programming up 3 sets of LEDs. At the moment the project isn’t in a movable state (there’s a huge risk of short circuits). I need to decide how I’m going to turn it into a wearable project (possibly a light reactive shawl). After I took this picture I put some tape over some of the wire ends, to keep things a little more under control.
Is it just me, or does the coin battery holder have a passing resemblance to a Cyberman?
Last night I spent sometime exploring the internet, so I thought I’d compile a list of useful sources (both book and internet based). This list is not exhaustive! Links are generally the book/source titles (poor affordance there!):
LilyPad Sewable Electronics Kit Guide
Sparkfun produce a kit (though very, very, expensive in the UK, if you can get it) which includes all the materials and electronics (including a LilyMini Protosnap board) to complete 4 projects. This is a PDF of the project book. A hard-copy can still be bought from anywhere selling LilyPad devices.
This is a series of essays edited by Leah Buechley (creator of the LilyPad devices) grouped into topics that explore wearable electronics from developement to uses. It is not insructions. I’ve linked to Goodreads for a description of the book and reviews. It is currently listed at a very high priced on Amazon – although it was a fraction of that when I bought it last year.
This is a book of projects by Leah Buechley and Kanjun Qiu. It is currently out of print. However, the projects appear in full on the book’s website.
How To Get What You Want by Kobakant
This has an extensive range of information including links to further information. It includes example projects, DIY sensors (like a knitted accelerometer), even bought and made materials (e.g. spinning sensor yarn). This Breadboard Pincushion is exactly what I need to avoid the prototyping problem I’m currently having.
SparkFun
For completeness, here’s a link to the information on programming the LilyMini. The US sales site for the LilyMini Protoboard does say that this isn’t programmable and to do so at our own risk. I didn’t read that until yesterday – so too late now! There is also a LilyPad Resource Centre. And a search in their tutorials finds lots more information.
Wearable Tech Projects from HackSpace
This book includes a range of different types of projects utilising a wide variety of skills. It’s available to buy (as of July 2022) or as a PDF download (which is free or a donation given for it).
I also ordered a book last night. If it’s any good (and I remember) I’ll update the list to include it!