Introduction
Build a Speed Dial Mini from some cardboard, sellotape and a paperclip. Make a button from kitchen foil. Use one of the templates we provide, or decorate your own to create tailored messages that you and your remote companion can exchange.
To begin this step you’ll need to have your Speed Dial breadboard assembly already made (one or two of them depending on whether you are intending to pair them yourself, or pair remotely). You’ll also need to have ready the necessary tools and parts which can be sourced from a range of independent online retailers - click the parts links for more details including tailored options for certain countries.
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Gather the items from the parts and tools lists.
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Print page 1 of the 'Speed dial mini paper template' available to download from the parts list. Make sure to print at 100% scale on A4 paper, or use the measurements indicated on the template.
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Also for optional custom dial and pointer variations print examples from page 2 onwards on coloured paper.
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Select a piece of cardboard for the mount and the two legs of the device. Postal boxes or cereal packets work well , or you could try using an A6 sized postcard (148 x 105 mm).
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Print the page from the PDF paper template containing the mount and legs on A4 paper at 100% scale or use the measurements indicated on the template.
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Stick the template to the cardboard and cut on the solid lines. Alternatively you can trace it onto the cardboard or take measurements from it.
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When cutting out the small rectangle first pierce a hole in the centre of the rectangle with a pointed tool such as a pen or the nail scissors. Starting from the hole in the centre, cut out the rectangular shape with the nail scissors.
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Choose a dial template to use in your device. Use can use ones that we provide or choose a blank one and create your own.
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Print the dial template directly onto a piece of card or paper. A brightly coloured piece of thin printable card is ideal. Make sure to print at 100% scale on A4 paper.
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Cut out the dial.
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Separate the servo motor from the breadboard assembly by unplugging the cables.
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Reconnect the servo motor to the breadboard assembly making sure the leads connect correctly.
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Mount the breadboard assembly onto the back of the mount following the position indicated on the paper template. The breadboard has a double sided tape backing which can be used to attach it.
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Tape down the coloured servo motor cables, whilst leaving the white capacitive touch cable loose.
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Crumple a sheet of aluminium kitchen foil around the exposed metal on the end of the capacitive touch lead.
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Add the dial to the front of the cardboard mount, clamping it between the servo motor brackets and the mount.
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Add the two legs by sliding the grooves together. The tops of the legs should further secure the dial in the position.
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Measure, cut and decorate your dial pointer.
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Tape or glue it onto the servo motor arm.
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Plug in your Speed Dial device and wait for the servo motor to finish its startup sequence move.
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Attach the pointer to the servo motor so that it points at the centre of the left-most segment, as shown.
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Tap the aluminium foil ball to move the pointer one notch. Your partner's pointer will move to the same position.
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The build is finished and ready to use.
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Enjoy!
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