Contact Information: ali.bertram@sonomaacademy.org

Wire Access

• Make wire access:

  • Cut a small hole in the side of the can to allow wires to pass through.

Joystick & IR Sensor Modules

• Prepare joystick and IR sensor modules:

  • Repeat the steps of cutting side holes and gluing cardboard bases on additional Pringle cans.

  • Get your 3D-printed tops ready for the joystick and IR sensor, but do not glue them yet.

  • Complete all wiring first:

    • Joystick: wire to analog pins (A0, A1).

    • IR sensor: wire to VCC, GND, and A0 digital pin.

  • After wiring is complete, glue the 3D-printed tops to the cans.

• Once done, take your popsicle sticks and cross them evenly together to make a supportive elevation for your joystick

• Take some excess pool noodle to make an insulation around the joystick around its base. 

Install the Arduino IDE:

• Download and install the Arduino IDE from here.

Select the Board and Port:

• In Arduino IDE, go to Tools > Board and select your Arduino model (e.g., Arduino Leonardo or Micro).

• Go to Tools > Port and select the correct COM port where your Arduino is connected.

For Hub: 

Download and print the STL file for the hub using a 3D printer. Insert small sections of pool noodle into the first three holes of the hub to hold the jacks securely in place. Use hot glue inside the hub holes to fix the pool noodles and prevent movement.

Build the base handle

    •    Take a cardboard tube and wrap it with tape to make it sturdy.

    •    Cut it to a comfortable handheld size (~6–8 inches).

    •    Optionally mount it on something stable depending on how it will be used.

Create the bite sensor leads

   Attach two stiff wires parallel to each other at the top of the tube (like in the image).

Glue or tape them securely so they don’t move, but leave the top ends free and spaced slightly apart (~1/4 inch).

    •    Wrap the top ends with copper tape making sure the two foils don’t touch.

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    •    Solder or tape jumper wires to each of the aluminum foil-wrapped ends.

    •    These will act as digital input (one to a digital pin, one to GND).

    •    Use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to insulate the connection.

Seal and protect the bite area

    •    Add a thin layer of hot glue or food-safe plastic over the foil if desired (especially if using in your mouth often).

    •    Make sure the conductive parts can still press together when bitten.

Test the connection

    •    Connect the sensor to the Arduino. One foil goes to a digital pin (e.g., D2), the other to GND.

    •    Upload your code and test that biting the switch makes the circuit close (Arduino pin reads LOW or HIGH depending on your setup).

Design and Print the Housing

Use Tinkercad to create a box that can hold an Arduino Leonardo and has six front-facing circular cutouts (three for switch jacks, three for hand/finger access). Export the STL file and print it using a 3D printer such as the Bambu P1S.

Create Connector Mounts

Cut small sections of pool noodles and hot glue them inside the jack holes to help grip and stabilize the connectors. This provides a snug fit even if the holes are slightly oversized and adds a touch of color-coding for switch types.

Mount and Secure the Jacks

Insert and hot glue each jack type into its padded opening: a 3.5mm stereo jack for the button switch, a 3-pin male JST for the IR sensor, and a combo JST/barrel jack for the joystick. Ensure that each connector is flush and accessible from the front of the box.

Wire the Inside Connections

Inside the box, use jumper wires to connect each jack to the appropriate pins on the Arduino Leonardo (digital for button, analog for IR and joystick). Keep wires organized and separated to reduce interference—heat-shrink tubing or wire labels can help.

Test Each Switch Input

Plug in your assistive tech switches and upload test code to the Arduino to verify input detection and behavior. Adjust thresholds or pin assignments as needed in the code, and document the setup for future reference or iteration.