Point'N'Turn

The cure for video call paralysis is here! Take back the control in online meetings with two simple devices.

Turning platform

PNT Platform

DIY instructions

Laser pointer

PNT Laser pointer

Instructions coming soon...

Platform instructions

Step 1: Getting the materials

Step 2: The software part

  1. Install Arduino IDE. [tested version 1.6.9]
  2. Install the serial drivers for USB communication.
  3. Install the board settings to Arduino IDE
    1. Enter following into Additional Board Manager URLs field in the Arduino Settings (image 1)

      http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
    2. Use Tools -> Board "..." -> Board manager to find ESP8266 boards (image 2) [tested version 2.2.0]

  4. Download AccelStepper library (image 3) [tested version 1.5.1]
  5. Download Websockets library
  6. Download ArduinoJson library
  7. Put all the libraries into your library folder (OSX: Documents/Arduino/libraries)
  8. Download our Point'N'Turn sketch and place it in your sketch folder (OSX: Documents/Arduino)

Uploading to the microcontroller

  1. Open the Point'N'Turn sketch "pointnturn.ino" in Arduini IDE.
  2. Modify Wifi name and password to connect to your home Wifi (image 4)
  3. Set the DeviceID and password to whatever you want. The other participant has to know this to connect via GUI - you'll find more info in next steps. (image 4)
  4. Plug in the microcontroller via USB to your computer.
  5. Set the board in Tools -> Board "..." to Adafruit HUZZAH ESP8266
  6. Set the Tools -> Port to the correct destination (OSX: /dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART)
  7. Upload the sketch!

(Above steps are similar to what official Adafruit page says, but the page is outdated and too complicated for our purposes.)

Step 3: Laser cutting the platform

Lasercut_2mm_MDF.ai
Lasercut_6mm_acrylic.ai
Lasercut_6mm_MDF.ai

Step 4: Assembly

Remove the sticky laser-smoke.stuff from the parts
Glue 6 mm ring under the plate
Make a litle cut for the wire to escape.
Glue 2 mm ring on top of the plate
Glue one bolt onto the center of the plate

Solder together:

  • Control ULN2003
  • Adafruit Feather HUZZAH with ESP8266 WiFi
Solder power from the ESP8266 port 3V and GND to the power input on the Control ULN2003

Apply electronics to the board:

  • Steppermotor (in the lasercutted hole)
  • Control ULN2003
  • Adafruit Feather HUZZAH with ESP8266 WiFi
  • Battery
  • Micro usb charging cable

Attach the gear to the steppermotor

Glue the two rings together
Like this
Place it on the board
Put the marbles in the 3 holes




Drill room for the screwhead in the center of the acrylic plate.

Attach the acrylic plate on to the ring-gear with the 1x12mm. nails.

Dont use a hammer. Just press them into the holes. If necessary gently use a pliers

Remove the protective film

Place the acrylic plate/ ring-gear on the board. Make the gears fit together.

turn the screw tight and then turn like 90 degrees backwards.

Tighten the bolt at the bottom of the board

Charge the battery.

 

Upload the code to the board.

Go to the web app on a device of your choice

.... and rock'n roll


Step 5: Using the Point'N'Turn

In the first step you chose your unique device ID. Now it's time to use it! Go to our Point'N'Turn app, input the device ID and enjoy the moving magic!