Recap of #hackPHX: Arduino Hackathon @HeatSyncLabs

Arduino Robotics Technology
Recap of #hackPHX: Arduino Hackathon @HeatSyncLabs
Group photo
HackPHX: Arduino Award Ceremonies at HeatSync Labs

Friday night kicked off the #hackPHX Arduino hackathon at HeatSync Labs, the Phoenix area hackerspace. Everyone gathered to form 10 teams that included one Arduino newbie, one veteran, and one entrant with “hackerspace” skills (3D printing lasering welding sewing, whatever). They would have use of the entire hackerspace, an on-site designer from sponsor Cynergy, and whatever they could find at local hardware stores. Oh, and one more thing, they had to use our secret ingredient: The Shieldbot from SeeedStudios, developed by Colin Ho is a shield robot for Arduino that has five reflectance sensors, two DC motors and a 3.7V lion battery.

Colin holding Shieldbot out towards camera
Colin Ho and the secret ingredient, his Shieldbot

Teams were instructed to think outside the box, though. It was an Arduino hackathon with a robot for an ingredient, but we didn’t want to see 10 battlebots or line followers, nor did we care to see teams fighting for a 10 percent performance increase over their competitors code.

LIVESTREAM

Jacob and Ariana behind a caster desk
Jacob and Ariana broadcasting live

The event took the honor of being the first hackathon to be livestreamed, sportscaster-style via Allons-y and an all-volunteer video crew. If you missed the broadcast we are hard at work editing now so expect an update soon! I hope we inspire others to share the energy of the hackathon experience.

THE WINNERS

Team 1 holds out their clock creation
Team 1 and their winning creation: A clock!

Prescott, Bruce, and Jon created a truly awesome, yet incredibly simple, working clock. The wheels turn, one forward and one reverse, spinning the reflectance sensors around the wheel indicating the minutes. Upon the hour mark the bot drives forward and advances the linear slide to indicate hours. Extra credit for the free linear rails made out of laser cut scrap and cellophane tape!

Shieldbot with excellent laser cut flames
AlisaEx inspects the Jury selection, Simon

George, Kevin, and Rob created beautifully designed, though not quite finished, 2 player heads up Simon clone. The bot plays out a tune with lights and you use the laser-cut puck, complete with Braille so even the sight impaired can play, to mark the tones on the whiteboard. The Shieldbot then drives forward and uses the sensors to see if you’ve marked correctly. You want to get more right answers than your opponent so the bot drives towards their goal.

Shieldbot box and laptop showing "Get out and HACK!"
Go out and HACK!

Honorable mentions were a paper tape music box, a device to randomly deposit either chicken poop OR money into your hand, and an eyeball that followed you around the room.  See them all and get links to the design files, pictures, and more at the event page. 

4 thoughts on “Recap of #hackPHX: Arduino Hackathon @HeatSyncLabs

  1. STEM TECH 2012 says:

    Reblogged this on STEM – ROBOTICS EDUCATION.

  2. raster says:

    Looks like a great event! I’d love to see something like this happen at Milwaukee Makerspace.

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

Former Champion for HeatSync Labs, Starcraft addict, and general purveyor of good taste.

View more articles by Jacob Rosenthal

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK