Keep A Diary

To improve my writing, I decide to fallow Ethan's suggestion - keep a diary of my making and thinking process. Today is my material hunting day for my box.

Before I build anything big, I would like to make a durable box containing my core installation. Which should have a panel door outside, a door way and a computer inside, and a built-in potentiometer connected to an aduino board plugged to the computer. I think as long as the box functions well, I can apply it to any kind of form, such as putting into a hallowed sculpture or placing behind a fake wall. A portable box with the interaction working is my current aim.
So to build the box, I have to 1)design the structure. 2)get the materials. 3)assemble and test it. I have already made a paper-made one, so there is a sketch of how it constructs in my mind. But the scale and details of organizing inner parts of it is depending on what kind of materials and devices I am going to use. Therefore, I started with material researching.

After considering several ways of setting a screen and a computer together with my installation. I finally made a decision of purchasing a EEE PC recommended by Adam. It costs a lot, but I guess it's the most efficient way to do it. So if there is nothing wrong, I will get the small laptop on Wednesday. Here is the product.

ASUS Eee PC900HA 8.9inches Netbook $300


I went to Tiny Doll House to search for available parts as well.

The store is a wonderful place for me to visit, because I can actually take those doll house kits as my architechtual reference. I was concerning about how I can make a durable tiny door with what kind of wood, and how to modify the hardware. But when I saw those half-ready-made tiny building materials, I released. It inspired me to color my piece as well. I hope I can have a pink door as Doraemon's Anywhere Door on a white box at the end. However, I need to make it functional first then beautiful later. As a result, I got a traditional 6 panel door and two door nobs. They are so small, exquisite, and suitable that I feel so happy that someone has made them for my project.

What's more, I also ordered some potentiometers. I ordered the one that with a plastic rather then metal nob. It is easier to drill and connect with other objects.

POT 50K OHM 9MM VERT PLA BUSHING

So for tomorrow, I am going to pick some wood materials at Home Depot. And draw my blueprint for the box with precise scale according to today's results.

By the way, I went to a New York based chocolate store on the way home. It's called Jacqes Torres. There are many people purchasing gifts for their lovers. So did I. But due to my stomach illness, I can only appreciate those colorful chocolate in different kind of flavor with out trying any of them. Looking at those giant machines making chocolates, I hope someday I can make a project eatable.