Compass Vibro Anklet
Eric and Skory are currently working on a vibro-tactile compass in anklet form.
The Idea[edit | edit source]
Like everyone, we are inspired by that German dude's belt, but think the big, clunky belt is too impractical. Skory thought of pairing an accelerometer with a compass to build a bracelet that responds to the relative difference in motion of the arm vs. direction to north. Eric suggested doing that instead in an anklet. Running into difficulties with the whole accelerometer business, we're starting simple just building a vibrating anklet, and teaching an Arduino to talk to it and some 2-axis compass chips (we are actively pursuing economical ways of upgrading to a 3-axis chip).
Eric's Comments[edit | edit source]
Other people have also been inspired by the wired article, see for instance the other Eric: On the Haptic Compass - I've worn this belt and it's actually very intuitive. Note that he used 12 motors. There are many helpful links to parts (sensors, cables, vibrators, Arduinos, etc) in both the article and the comments.
You can read about an experience with our compass anklets (now called North Paw) at Quinn Said.
We have put up a new website devoted the kits and products from the noisebridge cyborg group, called sensebridge.net, there are kits of the North Paw compass vibro anklet available there.
Hack Notes[edit | edit source]
Directions[edit | edit source]
Ted talked with Skory about the steps to do this and made a document of Compass Vibro Anklet Directions with steps how to do this. So far it's an untested document but Ted intends to use these steps to try to make one himself.
We have posted complete instructions on how to make the North Paw kit.