5. E-Textiles and Wearables I¶
Liza's explanations are amazing, I really want to make all the sample in her presentation. And make easy plug & play swatches...
Digital switch with snap button¶
I started with using the conductive stainless steel Thread form Karl Grimm, in the down thread of the sewing machine. I did two bands of fabric, with a point droit stitch, and attach snap button at the end of each, connecting with the conductive sew.
Test with embrodery stitches¶
I continued playing with different embroidery stitch my electric sewing machine provide. Same configuration, the conductive thread in the spool. It helps my to understand how react this thread, and to figure out want it's possible to do with the machine.
Battery pocket¶
I choose to make a battery pocket with the embroidery stitch that works the best in my previous test.
Pressure sensor with velostat¶
Then I did a pressure sensor using a piece of Velostat : a resistive fabric, in between two pieces of regular fabric with a continuous piece of conductive thread. When pressed the resistance decrease allowing more electricity to flow through the circuit.
Arduino Board Circuit¶
In order to trnslate the changes in resistance to changes in voltage for the Arduino to read it, I use a 10k Ohms as a voltage divider.
I steal the code form Liza's lecture note :
Here is the video of the circuit and the interaction when the sensor is pressed. We can see in the serial monitor the value is around 500 when it's not pressed, and 900 when it's pressed.