MAKE: Blog: Blinkybug (Maker Faire version)

Blinkybug (Maker Faire version)

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Obeyken shows you how to make Blinkybugs -

Blinkybugs are small, eletro-mechanical insects that respond to stimulus such as movement, vibration, and air currents by blinking there LED eyes. They're incredibly simple, yet have a certain lifelike quality.

I've been making variations of these for a while now, and showing others how to make them at museums, fairs, workshops, etc. It isn't rocket science, but there's some tricky soldering involved, and they usually take a person at least an hour to put together for the first time.

I wanted to come up with a simpler version for the workshop I'm running at the upcoming 2007 Maker Faire (May 19 + 20 in San Mateo, CA). So after a bit of experimenting, I came up with this solder-free design that, with a bit of prep work, I think most folks should be able to put together in 10 minutes or so.

I'd like to share this new design here first and I'd love to hear any feedback... give it a try!

If you're going to be at Maker Faire this year, drop by my workshop and make a bug! If you aren't... why not?! :)

instructables : Blinkybug (Maker Faire version) - Link.

Related:

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: paulsw on April 23, 2007 at 5:02 AM

I just built one. I skipped the copper tube and used 30 AWG wire-wrap wire instead of guitar wire. My wife donated the pipe-cleaners and she is now the happy owner of a Blinkybug. I took a photo and threw it in the MAKE: Flickr Pool.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30553515@N00/469814909/

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