Makerspaces: Aotearoa New Zealand: Stand with Ahmed Arduino Binary clock Workshop #IStandWithAhmed

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Stand with Ahmed Arduino Binary clock Workshop #IStandWithAhmed – Sunday Sept 20th, 2015 3:30pm

In a time when government funding for sciences is dwindling, workshops that encourage youth to take an interest in science and technology are essential for the future of Canada and the world.

Increased knowledge of technology helps to avoid fearful reactions to creative thinking and technological innovation, such as the case of Ahmed, a student recently arrested in Texas for bringing a homemade clock to school.

Please join at VHS this Sunday to learn how to build a neopixel clock like this one.
Who: Anyone that is interesting in making a clock.
Where: The vancouver hackspace 1715 Cook street #104
When: Sunday Sept 20th, 2015 at 3:30 pm till 6pm
Cost: $10 suggested donation at the door Please RSVP to reserve your spot

FYI: parts are free to play with at the workshop but require purchase to take home (details below)

What to bring: A LAPTOP IS REQUIRED!!!

In this workshop we will building a binary countup clock using an Arduino. We will cover the following:

Install the Arduino IDE (on Mac, Windows, or Linux).http://ift.tt/1ebUYM1
Running the blink example project. This ensures that the arduino IDE and the arduino are working and talking to each other.
Adding a button and debouncing circut with resistors.
Installing 3rd party libraries
Installing the adafruit Neo Pixel Arduino libary
Wiring the NeoPixel WS2812 RGB LEDs into the Arduino and power supply
Running the Neo Pixel Arduino strand test
Understanding how the Neopixel Arduino strand test works
- Changing individual leds colors.
- Creating simple algorithms for generating patterns.
Introduction to binary numbers
Creating a count up clock.
Talking about what to do next.

Equipment.
Please bring your own laptop. VHS does not have any spare laptops for you to use in this workshop.

Parts
All of the parts for this workshop will be available for you to borrow free of charge for the workshop. You can also bring your own equipment or you can also purchase the parts from VHS and take them home with you if you like.

Arduino and programing cable if required. (Arduino pro mini are available for $15 in the vending machine)
30 LED string of, WS2812 RGB LEDs (A 30x LED 1 Meter strip can be purchased for $12 CND)
Mini breadboard ($5)
2x A button (free)
2x resistors to debounce the button (free)
A laptop. You must bring your own laptop for this workshop. We do not have any to spare.
5V 1 Amp power supply ($20)

Where to buy the parts from