This paper craft Makey is perfect for setting up at your maker faire booth or any event! we can make this completely out of card stock or card board! Connect a micro servo to enable waving action to greet an audience!

The Circuit Playground Express drives the micro servo and is activated by two on board push buttons. Or use MakeCode to activate with one of the many sensors on board like light, sound, temperature and even motion!

1 x M2x6mm Screws
M2x6mm Screws
1 x M3 x 6mm Screws
M3 x 6mm Screws
4 x M3 brass male-female standoff(5mm + 6mm)
M3 brass male-female standoff(5mm + 6mm)
1 x Chipboard Medium Weight
12x12inch 25qt pack – 30pt (624gsm / 0.8mm)
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Take a moment to review the components in the circuit diagram. This illustration is meant for referencing wired connections - The length of wire, position and size of components are not exact.

Ground (Brown) connects to GND on the Circuit Playground

Power (Red) connects to VOUT

Signal (Yellow) connects to A1

Battery connects to the JST port on the Circuit Playground Express

The Makecode activates the claw when the Circuit Playground Express detects light. Use the link below to open the code in a modern web browser:

WebUSB Downloading

MakeCode can download code direct to your Circuit Playground Express with the Chrome web browser by following this guide.

You can then open the project code here: https://makecode.com/_2dMR5sKapXpM

This means code edit will upload directly to the Circuit Playground Express without the need to drag and drop file onto it!

Follow the instruction to set up your board and you'll be able to quickly send code to Circuit Playground Express! 

Cut Shapes 

 

Download and cut the parts out with scissors or use a cutting machine. The svg files are arranged in layers, so its easy to set up!  

Peel Parts 

 

We used white card stock as the outline. Chip board or cardboard is used a the backing. This will give us a sturdy support structure to hold the micro servo.

Assemble layers 

 

Lay the cardboard / chipboard on a flat surface. We used a stick of glue to adhere the white card stock over the chipboard and then adhered the red parts on top. Make sure to add enough glue to the corners to prevent them from lifting. 

Prep Arm 

 

We designed the waving arm as part of the body to limit the amount of small pieces we need to cut. So, we'll need to detach it off the body after the glue dries.

 

Use sharp scissors to cut along the shape of Makey's body.  

circuit_playground_cut-standoff.jpg

circuit_playground_cut-standoffB.jpg

circuit_playground_standoff-hole.jpg

circuit_playground_standoff-holeB.jpg

Build paper standoffs

Cut 10mm x 50mm strip of cardboard / chipboard. Use an accordian fold, simple zigzag folds, make the fold about 7-8mm in width.

Next we'll need to and holes to our standoffs. Use the servos included M2 screws to carefully drill a hole on the folded chipboard. 

Glue Standoffs 

 

We used super glue to adhere our standoffs to the backside of Makey. 

 

First align the arm and mark were the servo will pivot the arm for optimal wave action.

 

While we wait for the standoffs to dry, we'll continue with attaching the servo horn to the arm. 

circuit_playground_arm-horn.jpg

circuit_playground_arm-standoff.jpg

circuit_playground_arm-horn-align.jpg

Arm Servo Horn 

We can use the included screws to attach the servo horn. Mark the two mounting holes by pressing into the cardboard.

Next, we'll cut another strip of chipboard / cardboard 10mm x 30mm long, accordion fold, and then super glue these stand off on the marked spot on the arm.

Allow the glue to dry before mounting the servo horn.

Body stand 

 

To support Makey's body and servo, we'll need to build a stand to hold it up. 

 

Cut a triangle piece that measures about 100mm x 70mm x 110mm long. Fold the 70mm portion to 10mm and then add drops of glue.

 

Attach the folded part of the support to the leg opposite of the servo standoff. 

Mount Servo 

 

Make sure the standoffs are dry before attaching the servo. We can use M2x8mm long screws to mount the servo. 

 

Position the servo so the gear is pointing toward the front of Makey. Fasten the screw until the servo a tight against Makey's body.

 

Stand the Makey and test the body support can hold the up the body with the servo attached. If Makey flops over, add a slight slope to the bottom part of the triangle.  

circuit_playground_box.jpg

circuit_playground_box-closing.jpg

circuit_playground_box-closed.jpg

circuit_playground_box-cp-connect.jpg

Box assemble

Cut out the box design and assemble the folds. The Circuit Playground Express mounts to the top of the box with four  M3 x 6mm Screws and M3 brass male-female standoffs. The battery sits inside the box with the wires routing through the port on the side. 

 

Circuit Playground Express 

We used alligator clips to connect the pins but soldering would be fine. You can rout the wires for the CircuitPlayground Express through the center of the mounting holes for the Circuit playground Express.

Attach Arm 

 

Attach the servo horn and test the close position. Adjust the horn to get the waving at the right position. 

 

If the body move while waving, check the stand support and make adjustments to the fold.

That's it!

 

You can adjust the code to activate when any of the other sensors are triggered or even automate it!

This guide was first published on May 19, 2018. It was last updated on May 19, 2018.