I played a lot of Ultimate in college, and I've wanted to build a programmable, sensor-equipped disc ever since. This project is intended as a basic starting point for DIY disc projects: It can be programmed in the Arduino IDE or with CircuitPython, it looks cool when flying, and it responds to being thrown and caught.
This guide was written for the 'original' Gemma board, but can be done with either the original or M0 Gemma. We recommend the Gemma M0 as it is easier to use and is more compatible with modern computers!
You'll need:
- GEMMA or GEMMA M0 microcontroller (M0 is recommended)
- NeoPixel Ring - 24 x WS2812 5050 RGB LED
- 150 mAh LiPo battery (get a few)
- Adafruit Micro Lipo w/MicroUSB Jack - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger or similar charger
- Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire in 4-5 colors - nearly anything will probably work here, but this stuff is flexible and easy to work with
- Fast Vibration Sensor Switch
- Soldering iron
- Utility knife / X-Acto / razor
- Hot glue / hot glue gun
- A handful of rubber or nylon washers for spacing
- E6000 Adhesive - available from Amazon or most decent hardware stores (I get mine at McGuckin Hardware)
- Sturdy velcro squares or similar fasteners for battery, battery cable, and counterweight
- A desktop computer running the Arduino IDE, version 1.6.4 or later
- A micro-B USB cable
Assembly is fairly simple and goes quickly, but you'll want to factor in at least 24 hours of curing time for the E6000.
Page last edited May 20, 2015
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