Accomplishments: I was able to work on the 555 chip circuit for controlling the servo motor following the tutorial on makezine.com/projects/projects-in-motion-control-three-types-of-motors-with-555-timers/ . It was a bit challenging to find all the parts, I ended up going to several locations in town and making two different orders online. After completing some breadboard tutorials, I assembled the components I had on hand. Finally, I figured out how I will hide all the larger components – I will include a sewn ‘magic lamp’ to go on the corner of the carpet, which can contain all the battery packs and avoid lumps.

Problems or Issues: I hope I don’t need any additional components! I’m a bit worried about the 555/servo circuit – if the tutorial doesn’t work, I don’t have the expertise to trouble shoot it.  Also one of the wires for the battery pack on the POV kit came undone, so I will have to re-solder that before I can re-program it.. The only plushie magic lamps to be found for sale are $50 collectors items, so I’ll have to sew my own.

Week Plan: Begin sewing! Finish designing the genie pixel art for the pov kit.