Practice Makes Perfect

Wearables Studio, final weeks of class

The last few weeks have been devoted to constructing the final two scarves (winter and summer) and prototyping the circuitry for the audio scarf (winter). The summer scarf LED system is working fine.

Two main problems with the audio equipped scarf.

First, conductive thread did not hold continuity over the 90-inch length of the scarf. Need to develop a prototype using conductive fabric.

Second, the audio module is very persnickety. Original circuit worked at first on breadboard as long as playback was not hooked into Arduino. After lots of inconsistent and strange behavior from hacked Radio Shack audio module, I finally figured out that testing the module circuit board with multimeter was probably messing up the chip. Additional tweaks to the code and I had both the playback and record functions working on a fresh hacked module…..once. The module’s needs were clearly not being met. Appeared as though power was crossing the Arduino and module circuits despite common ground. Also, suspect that the voltage reaching the Arduino was ambiguous….was too low for it to be read 1 (HIGH) and too high to be read 0 (LOW).

Next prototype relied on major shift in hardware approach: integrating relays. The idea was that relays used as intermediate switches would robustly isolate the circuits and send clearer message to Arduino. Circuit lit surrogate LEDs but did not power the module itself. The module logic requires 9V. Appeared that relays were taking too much energy from this logic circuit.

The latest prototype shifts focus from hardware to code. Because the module works on negative logic (LOW is ON), a classmate suggested using an Arduino trick in which a weak communication signal is used as INPUT for purposes of sending unambiguous value. Still need to work on this approach. Initial breadboard result: record and playback switch indicator lights alternate on and off automatically without operating soft switches.

Had to turn away from getting the microcontroller version of the circuit figured out in order to have a working scarf for Spring Show. I set up four soft switches;2 for the negative logic module (record, playback) and 2 for the corresponding positive logic LED indicator lights. Stacked the paired indicator light and module switches to respond to same touch. Used wrapping wire for interim solution to continuity problem I experienced with conductive thread.

Plan to continue to work on the soft circuit fabrication and the circuitry logic. Hope to continue conversation with ArtSmart in response to an invitation to develop workshop series using the scarf concept. This organization provides self-esteem and confidence building programs to homeless youth. A visitor to the ITP Spring Show indicated interest in partnering with me if I pursued this opportunity.