My New Project - Building a Hexacopter!

My HexaCopter!!

I started on this project since I found out that it can be controlled by an Arduino! I've been obsessed with the Arduino for quite some time now, and this is the perfect project to bring it to a new height!(Literally!)

Check out this video! My first outdoor flight test!

This project uses an Arduino board "MultiWii Pro" Find out about MultiWii here! 

This was really a crash-course for me, from researching to buying the parts, building and programming it, all took less than a hundred hours!

That was the building part, learning how to control it is another is another science by itself. I started out with this mini quadcopter from RC Logger, using it to learn flying before I move on to crash my Hexacopter...

Mounted a mini camera on it, flying these are fun! Isn't this cute?

Now back to my Hexacopter!

HexaCopter(6 blades) running on MultiWii code with 3-Axis Gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer (senses height), Magnetometer (senses direction), GPS with altitude hold, position lock, waypoint missions and "Return-To-Home"(RTH) function.

All it means is that it balances itself and knows where it is on the global map using the onboard "Global Positioning System"(GPS), allowing it to navigate itself out or return home without much user input.

I'm experimenting it with codes outside of the MultiWii, so I have 2 flight controller on board. In case my codes doesn't work, I can switch to the second one (KK Flight Controller) and still flies it!

I haven't mount it yet, but I also got myself a 1000mW video transmitter so that I can fly "First-Person-View (FPV)! With a video goggle, you can feel as though you are onboard the aircraft!

If you're interested in the Arduino, wanting to get started or just curious about what an Arduino is, join this forum! It's a Singapore based Arduino community! Or just "like" this Facebook page!

Till later...

With love,

  - Kiki Tay

Kiki's Robotic Table Project v3.5

My Robotic Table Version 3.5
** GEEK ALERT **

This is a blogpost to share with the electronics/robotics community. If you are curious, read on!

This project of mine had gone a long way with several builds and rebuilds. Now it's at version 3.5!
Check out the video!



Attracting attention wherever it goes!

I'm using a new modular system as supporting frames. The extra weight requires more power so I decided to make this new version an 8-wheel system. 

Servo system that drives the door sequence!

Final prototype!

The entire project requires heavy current, so I used a 2650mAh 3S 30C Lipo battery with a 8A UBEC as a power regulator.

Prototype Prototype!!

Looks better with skirting! This is just temporary, my next upgrade should make it look a whole lot better!

Version 4 is going to be exciting! I'm adding a pneumatic system, Arduino programmed LEDs as well as a smoke delivery system! Watch out for it!

With love,

  - Kiki Tay

The Debut of THE EFX SHOW 4.0!

Last weekend 3rd November, I debuted my new act!

Presenting.. 

THE EFX SHOW 4.0!

Over a QUARTER-MILLION DOLLARS in the making!

THE EFX SHOW 4.0 is a stunning visual special effects show bursting with COLOURS!

A multi-media spectacular featuring the latest in technology! 

 

Hundreds of hours of programming, editing, soldering and rehearsals finally paid off!

  

 THE EFX SHOW 4.0 Debuted at the Republic Polytechnic's "Grand Magic Show 2012" to an audience of over 700 strong!

This new version of the show includes my brand-new LED act, along with my robotic table, self-moving table with lots of gadgets inside...

Have you seen a WHITE LASER?

An interactive screen on a linear actuator, programmed to compliment the laser effects on the platform.

 

Laser Manipulation!

For the first time, a MULTI-COLOR LASER system in The EFX Show!

 

A blinding 9 watt, 500 lumens LED mounted on my costume!

 The show ended with a bang!

A sincere thank to Alan Tham, Arthur Lee, Adam Tan, Daisy Ho, Jason Neo, Jason Loo, Dr. Loke Han Ying, JY Norvin, Wai Hoe, everybody at Glorious (S) Pte Ltd, the crew at Republic Poly Theatre, all the folks at Republic Poly and the audience for making it happen! A heartfelt sincere thanks!

Look out for more updates, behind-the-scenes pictures and videos to come!

With love,

  - Kiki Tay

Kiki goes to Singapore Maker Faire! - Part 1

This is the first ever Maker Faire in Singapore! I was so excited that we finally have a Maker Faire here in our little red dot! 

 Although it's a "mini" Maker Faire, it was like a huge playground to me!

The fair was held at the Singapore Science Centre, as part of the Science Festival 2012.

"Make", Maker" "Make Magazine" are all part of an active community of "Makers". Find out more or join the community at www.makezine.com!

So exciting to see so many fellow "makers" under one roof!

Click on an image to enlarge!

Robot'R'Us, a local robotics dealer that I had purchased stuff from. Check out their online store here -> http://www.robot-r-us.com/

 

 Also another cool local robotics store, "Singapore Robotics". They were kind enough to introduce me some really cool new products that are on the way.. Check out their store at this link -> http://www.sgbotic.com/

 In my wishlist, the CRX-10 robotic platform!

They have a huge collection of Arduinos! 

In my arsenal of tools, I use an Arduino Uno and an Arduino Nano (Shown here with with a sensor shield & an LCD display shield)

 The Arduino is an excellent entry-level to micro-controller programming and I started on this hobby not very long ago. I'm a novice compared to what all these experts did with an Arduino.. I'll share some of my projects in my later posts... In the meantime..

I LOVE THE ARDUINO!!

;-)

If you're a fan of the Arduino, join the Singapore Arduino Club! They just started and if you register in the forum and make your first post, your title will be upgraded to "Founding Member"! Go to www.SingaporeArduinoClub.com

A big hit of the Maker Faire are these 3D printers! 

This is Wee Kiam Peng, a brilliant man and the creator of Portabee, a 3D printer that fits in a laptop bag! One of the best features of the Portabee is the price. While many 3D printers goes by the $thousands$, Kiam Peng's Portabee costs (in his own words) "less than an iPad!"

I had the chance to chat with Kiam Peng and found out more about his 3D printer, I was so inspired by his innovations that I attended his workshop where he talks about the Portabee.

When you buy a Portabee, you'll get treated to a cup of coffee! (No joke, he DOES include an instant coffee-mix as part of the kit!)

I really admire his innovations. It's too bad that I had already placed an order for a Makibox, otherwise I would have bought a Portabee.. at only SGD$600.00, you don't have to think twice!

My Makibox (due to arrive soon.. I hope..)

Nevertheless, if you're a maker, do support local innovations! Buy a Portabee HERE!

Continue reading... go to Part 2 of this post!