Thread: Dirt Cheap and Tiny Micro Controller

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In order to take my Skeleton Fish Prop - http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=25364 to the next level, I needed to reduce the size of the controller for the servo. With Fritz's help, we were able to cut the already small 08 Picaxe down by almost half as well as bring the cost of the controller and chip under $4. It now will fit inside a film canister.



It's programmable and includes a download circuit and 2 headers. I plan to connect a PIR to trigger the board to one and then add either a motor or servo to the other one. I'm using a regulated 5V wall wart to power the chip and the board.

For those that asked about a schematic, here it is -



It is a very easy and cheap board to build and very useful.

Halstaff,

I eventually would like to get animatronics into my haunt, but I look at your mini controller there and have no idea what it is I'm looking at. All those transistors, doodads, and all. What does all of that mean? Is there a resource to turn to to explain what it is you did there, what parts you're using, and how/why it works? Thanks!

Oh, and btw, as with most other people, loved your bookshelf and thought the dog prop was pretty cute. The fish ain't too bad either!

Rich

Getting started with animatronics can be overwhelming with all the great products out there. If you have the money and aren't interested in building your own controllers, buying ready built products may be the way to go.
This is only the second year I've put on a haunt and last year this was all Greek to me as well. I could barely solder 2 wires together. With the help of forum members, especially Otaku, Fritz and Hpropman, I've been able to start to figure some of this out.
If you're interested in getting started building your own controllers, here are some great references.
Darklore's intro to controllers - http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=19719
Hpropman's first installment of his Picaxe book - http://hpropman.webs.com/Media%20fil...er_ver_1.8.pdf
Fritz's Very Low Cost Picaxe Controller - http://www.ipprofessional.com.au/VLC...Controller.pdf
Halloween2go video, volume 1 - http://www.halloween2go.com/volume1p1.htm
Scary Terry's how to website - http://www.scary-terry.com/
Wolfstone's how to website - http://wolfstone.halloweenhost.com/N...oweenTech.html
That should be enough to get you started (hopefully it's not too much) but this stuff isn't that hard. If I can figure it out, anyone can. Like I tell my wife, anyone with money can buy it but I love building it!

Halstaff,

Thanks very much for all the links. I've referenced all of them for the future. You know, hpropman is a member of my local Make & Take group; I gotta remember to tap his expertise next time I see him.

Thanks again for all the resources. That's going to be a big help.

Rich

The other thing you might want is a good introduction to electronics in general. This is a good book:

Amazon.com: Make: Electronics (Learning by Discovery) (9780596153748): Charles Platt: Books

Nice work! I always enjoy miniaturizing circuits - especially when I need to cram it into a project box I undersized. And the low $ a plus too.

The final (I hope) version of the micro controller is now finished. It is built on a Radio Shack printed circuit board #276-150 which can be cut in half and trimmed with a Dremel and cutting wheel to minimize the footprint. It includes a download header and 3 outputs which can be used for triggers, servos, motors, etc.