STEP 1: Prepare the Base and Servo Mount
This section details the initial construction of the base and mounting for the servo motor.
Step 1.1: Wooden Circles
Cut out a wooden circle with a diameter of approximately 20 cm. The size can be adjusted, but maintain proportional consistency. Additionally, cut a second wooden circle. Remove the inner portion of this second circle to create a ring that fits snugly on top of the first circle. Secure the servo arm to the center of this ring.
Visual Description: Two wooden circles are shown. One is a solid disc, and the other is a ring with the center removed. A servo arm is depicted being attached to the center of the ring.
Step 1.2: Shape the Base
Cut out a specific shape from wood, guided by colored lines in the reference image. Ensure the bottom green line matches the diameter of the wooden circle. The yellow section should be 16 cm, and the orange sections should be 2 cm each. The brown line indicates a height of 20 cm.
Visual Description: A diagram shows a wooden piece being cut. Colored lines indicate dimensions: green for the base width, yellow for a central section, orange for side sections, and brown for height.
Step 1.3: Mount the Servo Motor
Cut out the designated area for the servo motor placement. It is crucial that the servo's twisting nib is positioned precisely at the center of the wooden shape. Incorrect placement may lead to erratic movement. Screw the servo motor securely into its designated spot.
Visual Description: A wooden structure is shown with a servo motor mounted. The servo's output shaft is centered on the wood.
STEP 2: Construct Pan and Tilt Mechanism
This step involves building the mechanism that allows the toy to pan and tilt.
Step 2.1: Pan and Tilt Construction
Create a pan and tilt mechanism for the 180-degree servo. 3D printing is recommended for this part, but cardboard can also be used as an alternative.
Visual Description: A hand is shown attaching a 3D printed component, connected to wires, onto a wooden base that houses a servo motor.
Step 2.2: Create Mounting Construction
Build a mounting structure for components like a laser or other accessories. A cable winder that fits onto a straw is suggested, but 3D printing is again recommended for a more robust prototype. Attach this mounting construction on top of the pan and tilt mechanism.
Visual Description: A wooden structure with a servo motor and wires is shown. A black cat is partially visible in the background, observing the setup.
Step 2.3: Attach the Servo
Position the servo motor onto the wooden base. Secure it using hot glue, tape, or any adhesive that provides a firm hold. This servo will experience significant stress as it is close to the cat's claws.
Visual Description: A close-up view of the assembled structure, showing the servo motor attached to the wooden base. A black cat is looking intently at the device.
STEP 3: Integrate Electronics
This section covers attaching the power bank, Arduino, and breadboard to the wooden structure.
Step 3.1: Attach Power Bank
Affix the power bank to the wooden shape using hot glue. For a temporary attachment, use a layer of duct tape.
Visual Description: A wooden structure is shown with a power bank, featuring a 'PHILIPS' logo, attached to it.
Step 3.2: Attach Arduino
Secure the Arduino board to the wooden shape. Hot glue, nails, or a combination of both can be used.
Visual Description: The wooden structure now includes the Arduino board, a breadboard, and various wires connected to them.
Step 3.3: Attach Breadboard
Attach the breadboard to the wood. Use the adhesive sticker typically found on the breadboard or apply hot glue.
Visual Description: A close-up view shows wires connected to a breadboard, which is mounted on the wooden structure.
STEP 4: Wiring and Bluetooth Connection
This step focuses on connecting the various electronic components and the Bluetooth module.
Step 4.1: Attach Bluetooth Wires
Connect the Bluetooth wires as illustrated in the picture. Mount the Bluetooth connector to the wooden shape. Be mindful to prevent your cat from chewing on the wires, as one user's cat did.
Visual Description: The Arduino and breadboard are shown with numerous wires connected. The Bluetooth module is also visible, with its wires attached.
Step 4.2: Wire Connections
Connect the wires according to the diagram:
- All red cables should connect to the positive (+) terminal of the breadboard.
- All black, ground cables should connect to the ground (-) terminal of the breadboard.
- The white wire of the 360 servo connects to digital pin D6.
- The white wire of the 180 servo connects to digital pin D5.
- The purple Bluetooth wire connects to digital pin D9.
- The green Bluetooth wire connects to digital pin D10.
Visual Description: A close-up shows the wiring of the Arduino, breadboard, and servo motors. Another image shows a black cat interacting with the electronic setup.
STEP 5: Create the Cat Head Shell
This section guides the creation of the outer shell, resembling a cat's head.
Step 5.1: Paper Mâché Construction
Use cardboard to create a cylindrical shape approximately 16 cm high, matching the height of the wooden base. Insert a balloon into the open end of the cylinder. Cover the entire structure with paper mâché and allow it to dry completely.
Visual Description: A paper mâché structure, covered in newspaper, is shown next to a bottle of gesso. Another image shows the dried, gray-coated structure with cat-like ears, mounted on a wooden base.
Step 5.2: Finishing the Shell
Once the paper mâché has dried, carefully cut out the balloon from the inside. Apply a layer of gesso to the entire shape and let it dry. Decorate the shell using non-toxic paints or other safe materials. Structure paint was used to achieve a concrete-like appearance. The hard part is now complete; it's time for coding.
Visual Description: The gesso-coated shape is shown with wires attached. Bottles of gesso and structure paint are also displayed.
STEP 6: Software Setup and Final Assembly
This final step involves setting up the control software and completing the project.
Step 6.1: Blynk Project Setup
Download the Blynk application and create a new project. Save the project code that will be emailed to you for later use. Add a Bluetooth module, a terminal widget, three buttons, and one slider to your Blynk project interface, arranging them as shown in the initial image.
Visual Description: Screenshots of the Blynk app interface are shown, illustrating the project setup with a servo tester, vertical slider settings, and button settings.
Step 6.2: Button Configuration
Name the buttons in the Blynk app as indicated:
- Random mode: Assigned to virtual pin V2, with values ranging from 0 to 1.
- Right: Assigned to virtual pin V5, with values between 88 and 92.
- Left: Assigned to virtual pin V4, with values between 88 and 84.
- Laser slider: Assigned to virtual pin V3, with values from 0 to 170.
- Terminal: Assigned to virtual pin V1.
Step 6.3: Upload Code to Arduino
Upload the project code to your Arduino board. Ensure you include the authentication token received when you initiated the Blynk project.
Step 6.4: Final Assembly and Testing
Connect your Arduino to your phone via Bluetooth. Assemble all the components together. Enjoy your new wireless customisable cat toy!
Visual Description: The completed cat toy, resembling a stylized cat head with ears, is shown on a table.
