Internet connected wearable devices are on the rise. Software writer and self-proclaimed tinkerer, Hector Urtubia has developed the first internet connected necktie. Using the platform Pinoccio along with Adafruit’s Flora RGB Smart Neopixel LEDs, Urtubia has created an entertaining and timeless piece of technology you can wear.
Why Pinoccio? Urtubia claims Pinoccio is the top choice for web enablers.
“I truly think the best platform right now is to use a Pinoccio…I recently picked a kit up and I’ve been impressed by its ease of use. If you have Arduino experience, you can most definitely program a Pinoccio.”
The tie wouldn’t be Urtubia’s complete package without the use of Adafruit’s Flora NeoPixels. These chainable and individually addressable LEDs (with built-in current driver) are designed specifically for wearables. Hector claims a convenient application of one pin on the Pinoccio will leave enough free space for other sensors on the project.
Adafruit has a similar, but not connected, tie. If you don’t know how to sew on a basic level, it’s time to learn!
Urtubia also wrote a library that extends the Pinnocio scripting language to function with the pixels directly from the web/API. His library is even available for public use.
Now, when the library and sketch are synced with the Pinnocio Scout, all of the purposes of the odd tie are endless! Hector shared some of his creative and silly thought processes:
- For software builders, light up your tie when builds start failing.
- For executives at the office, light up your tie 5 minutes before your next meeting.
- For dancers (count me out), put it on disco mode and be the center of the party!
- For bikers, increase your visibility at night by putting the tie on your head.
- Have your tie stream the news in morse code.
Wait, the tie not only lights up but Urtubia has taken one step further and connected his tie to MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) events!
Hector explains in detail how he is experimenting with using the tie for these MIDI events on his blog!
Overall, this fun tie can be assembled with ease using the Pinoccio and Adafruit’s Flora NeoPixels. Now, what else is possible with the use of Pinoccio? Urtubia is anxious to see what other projects people in the community can imagine with this platform in the future. In the meantime, impress your friends or embarrass your date with your new experimental tech-tie!
[via mrbook]
This week, July 14-19 2014, we’re exploring wearable electronics of all kinds on Make! If it is electronic and belongs on your body, we’d love to hear about it! You can find all of our wearable articles by going here.
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