Open source hardware can help us perform many everyday tasks and solve difficult problems, but it can also help us create gadgets and curious objects. A Doctor Who fan has done just that, using an Arduino board to create a model similar to the famous Doctor's sonic screwdriver.
The model, plans, and materials have been made public so anyone can create and develop their own sonic screwdriver.
The materials for the construction of this screwdriver are very popular and easy to find: some aluminum, Arduino Gemma, 4 AAA batteries, 2 colored LEDs and two small speakers.
Doctor Who's sonic screwdriver will carry Arduino Gemma
The Arduino Gemma is a small, penny-sized board that's ideal for inserting into this sonic screwdriver model. Once we've shaped the screwdriver from the aluminum sheets, we place an Arduino Gemma board inside, which is then connected to the LEDs and speakers, and so on. Next, we connect the batteries and finally close the lid.
The arduino gemma board will have to previously have the program that has been created for this purpose, otherwise the LEDs and speakers will not work. The project itself is not very original, but the use of Arduino Gemma and the programming of the board for its operation.
Personally, this device has caught my attention, not only because of the relationship with Doctor Who but also because of the functionality it gives to a board like Arduino gemma and the possibilities that this can give.
Arduino Gemma is still an emerging project in the Arduino community and currently offers few functions or utilities, but thanks to these projects, the board's capabilities will grow, or at least a path of possibilities will open up, don't you think?