Multiple Project Updates Coming Soon

I've been working to update a number of projects that have been sitting on my to do shelf for way to long.  In the next few weeks I'll be doing write ups on the following:

• Rebuild of my 12kV (~900Watt) Spark Gap Tesla Coil (Old Sparky). Mainly a build of a new DIY low inductance High Voltage capacitor that should allow for better resonance and energy transfer (and bigger arc's).
  
  
  
• My DRSSTC build using OneTesla parts - I couldn't afford the complete OneTeslaTS kit so many of the parts I've fabricated on my own.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Further work on my Voight Kampff machine - its been a long break but I'm back at it
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Voight-Kampff LED Bar-graphs

Working out the LED bar graphs on the Voight-Kampff machine:

Project Voight-Kampff

My objective is to build a functional Voight-Kampff machine from the classic Sci-Fi Movie Blade Runner. 

Leon's test :

Rachel's test:

Currently, I'm working on developing the software, integration of sensors and the actual body of the machine.

I currently have this project entered in the Hackaday Sci-Fi Contest  (Voight-Kampff Project Page) and I plan to exhibit it at the Chicago 2017 Maker Faire.

I have much of the mechanics (arm raise, extension, and rotation of the eye sensor) worked out using servos and micro-controllers.

My current design calls for using a Raspberry Pi as the central processor for the VK. The sensors that I'm currently working on integrating are:

• Melexis MLX90614 Non-contact Temperature sensor (for Blush response)
• Raspberry Pi NoIR Camera Board v2
  • using software adapted from PyGaze to measure pupil dilation/constriction
• Separate hand held module for test subject containing:
  • MAX30100 pulse ox sensor
  • Galvanic Skin Response Sensor

I aim to have it all contained in the classic VK machine with read outs from the sensors going to the 3 separate monitors (and the 2 LED Bar Graphs).