Hello!

I am Tokay Alton, a Sophmore here at Sonoma Academy.  I’m fascinated by how creative thinking and technology can come together to solve real-world problems. What excites me most is the idea of using what I learn to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives—whether that’s through designing smarter solutions, improving how things work, or simply sharing ideas that inspire others. I believe knowledge should be shared, not kept, and I’m driven by the hope that what I create and learn can help others push boundaries, too.

Contact Information: tokayalton@gmail.com

Instructions:

1. Use hot glue to securely attach the 3D printed pieces together.
   
   

2. Once assembled, carefully insert the glued structure into the pool noodle.
   
   

Tips:

• Apply hot glue evenly to ensure a strong bond between the 3D printed parts.
  
  

• Let the glue cool and set fully before inserting into the pool noodle.
  
  

• Insert slowly to avoid damaging the structure or tearing the foam.

Instructions:

1. Apply hot glue to the base of the joystick.
   
   

2. Carefully press the joystick onto the end of the 3D printed assembly inside the pool noodle.
   
   

3. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure a firm bond.
   
   

Tips:

• Make sure the joystick is centered and aligned before the glue sets.
  
  

• Avoid excess glue around the moving parts of the joystick.
  
  

• Let the glue fully cool and harden before using the joystick.

Instructions:

1. Press down firmly on the joystick to check for any looseness or wobbling.
   
   

2. Gently stress test it by moving it in all directions and applying moderate pressure.
   
   

3. If it shifts or feels unstable, reapply hot glue as needed and allow it to fully set.
   
   

Tips:

• Perform the test after the glue has completely cooled.
  
  

• Don’t force the joystick too hard — the goal is to simulate real use, not break it.
  
  

• Reinforce any weak spots you notice during testing.

Instructions:

1. Use a soldering iron to carefully solder wires to each of the 5 ports on the joystick.
   
   

2. After soldering, slide a piece of shrink wrap over each connection.
   
   

3. Use a heat source (like a heat gun or lighter at a safe distance) to shrink the wrap around each soldered joint, ensuring a tight seal.
   
   

Tips:

• Double-check your wire colors and connections before soldering.
  
  

• Keep your solder joints clean and avoid creating bridges between ports.
  
  

• Shrink wrap helps prevent short circuits — make sure it fully covers the exposed solder.

Instructions:

1. Apply a generous amount of hot glue to the bottom of the pool noodle or 3D printed base.
   
   

2. Press the entire assembly firmly onto the wooden plank in your desired position.
   
   

3. Hold it in place for several seconds to ensure a secure bond.
   
   

Tips:

• Make sure the surface of the wood is clean and dry before gluing.
  
  

• Position the assembly in a way that allows easy access to the joystick and wires.
  
  

• Let the glue fully cure before moving or testing the structure.

Instructions:

1. Thread the Velcro strap through the designated slot or loop in the 3D printed piece as shown in the reference photo.
   
   

2. Adjust the strap to the desired length or tension for your application.
   
   

3. Secure the Velcro in place, ensuring it holds firmly without slipping.
   
   

Tips:

• Be patient while threading the Velcro — it may take a few tries depending on the size of the slot.
  
  

• Make sure the Velcro lies flat and doesn't twist inside the 3D printed part.
  
  

• Double-check that the Velcro is facing the correct direction for fastening.

Instructions:

1. Cut one half of the pool noodle and attach it to one side of the wooden board using hot glue.
   
   

2. On the opposite side of the board, use hot glue to secure the other 3D printed piece in place.
   
   

3. Ensure that the Velcro runs along the side of the pool noodle, allowing it to align properly for fastening.
   
   

Tips:

• Be careful while cutting the pool noodle to ensure a clean and even cut.
  
  

• Hold the parts in place for a few seconds after gluing to ensure a strong bond.
  
  

• Double-check the Velcro alignment before the glue sets to ensure proper fastening.

Instructions:

1. Extend the headphones all the way to their maximum length.
   
   

2. Run the Velcro through the headphone band, ensuring it’s threaded securely.
   
   

3. Adjust the Velcro to the desired position for fastening or adjustment.
   
   

Tips:

• Make sure the Velcro is threaded smoothly without twisting.
  
  

• Double-check the length of the Velcro to ensure it fits comfortably when fully extended.
  
  

• Take your time to ensure the Velcro is aligned for easy use.

Instructions:

1. Using a soldering iron, carefully solder the wires to the joystick terminals.
   
   

2. Do not solder the SW (switch) terminal, as it is not needed for this setup.
   
   

3. Ensure each wire is securely attached without any loose connections.
   
   

Tips:

• Double-check that you’re only soldering the necessary terminals for the joystick’s functionality.
  
  

• Be cautious not to overheat any components during the soldering process.
  
  

• Make sure your solder joints are clean and free of bridges to avoid short circuits.

Instructions:

1. If needed, extend the wires by carefully soldering additional lengths to the existing ones.
   
   

2. Ensure the solder joints are clean and secure, with no exposed wire or shorts.
   
   

3. If necessary, insulate the extended wires with shrink wrap or electrical tape to prevent shorts.
   
   

Tips:

• Make sure the wires you add are of the same gauge to maintain consistency in power flow.
  
  

• Use a heat gun or lighter to shrink the wrap around the joints for a firm, safe seal.
  
  

• Double-check each connection before moving forward to avoid potential issues down the line.

Instructions:

1. Carefully align the top piece of the hub with the bottom piece.
   
   

2. Apply hot glue to the edges where the two pieces will join.
   
   

3. Press the pieces together firmly and hold them in place until the glue sets.
   
   

4. Ensure there is an even bond all around, as the springs are not needed for this step.
   
   

Tips:

• Be cautious with the hot glue to avoid burns or excess glue spilling out.
  
  

• Make sure both pieces are aligned properly before the glue begins to set.
  
  

• Hold the pieces in place for a few moments until the glue cools and sets completely.

Instructions:

WIRING BELOW 

1. Understand the Breadboard Layout:
   
   

   • Identify the horizontal rows (for component connections) and the vertical power rails (typically for 5V and GND).
     
     

2. Insert Components:
   
   

   • Insert your components (resistors, sensors, ICs, etc.) into the breadboard, ensuring they straddle the central groove for proper connections.
     
     

3. Use Jumper Wires:
   
   

   • Connect your components as per the provided wiring instructions using jumper wires to link the different parts of the breadboard.
     
     

   • The vertical power rails are used to distribute power to your components. Connect your power source to these rails for easy access to 5V and GND connections.
     
     

4. Connect to Power Rails:
   
   

   • Connect the power (5V) and ground (GND) to the vertical rails on the breadboard. This allows easy distribution of power to the components.
     
     

5. Double Check Wiring:
   
   

   • Make sure all connections are correct by reviewing your wiring diagram. Ensure that no accidental short circuits are present, and components are correctly placed.
     
     

6. Be Patient:
   
   

   • Take your time to ensure that everything is wired correctly. Double-check each step before powering up to avoid mistakes.
     
     

Tips:

• Keep your wiring organized and color-code for easy identification (e.g., red for positive, black for negative).
  
  

• Don’t overcrowd the breadboard — maintain space for easy troubleshooting.
  
  

• Make sure components are fully inserted into the breadboard and have good contact with the rows.
  
  

• Test your connections with a multimeter to verify correctness before powering on.
  
  

Wiring Instructions:

 1. Manual Joystick Addon

VCC

5V

Power

GND

GND

Ground

VRx

A2

X-axis (horizontal)

VRy

A3

Y-axis (vertical)

SW

D2

Button press

• 
  VRx goes to analog pin A2
  
  

• VRy goes to analog pin A3
  
  

• SW (joystick button) goes to digital pin 2 and uses INPUT_PULLUP
  
  

• Make sure VCC is connected to 5V and GND to ground.
  
  

👃 2. Nose Joystick Addon (Mouse Control Joystick)

Wiring Instructions:

• 
  VRx goes to analog pin A0
  
  

• VRy goes to analog pin A1
  
  

• SW is not used in the mouse sketch
  
  

• VCC → 5V
  
  

• GND → GND
  
  

⚠️ Important Note:

• Do not connect both joysticks to the same analog pins; your current code uses separate pins: A0–A1 for mouse, A2–A3 for keyboard, which is correct.

Instructions:

1. Carefully place all the components, including the breadboard, joystick, and wiring, into the hub.
   
   

2. Ensure that the wires are neatly arranged, with each wire corresponding to its respective addon (e.g., joystick, power rails, etc.) on either side of the hub.
   
   

3. Keep the wires unplugged temporarily so you can easily identify which wire goes to which addon during later steps.
   
   

4. Ensure that the components are securely placed inside the hub, and everything is positioned for easy access.
   
   

Tips:

• Keep the wires organized and separate by type or function (e.g., power, signal) to make it easier to connect later.
  
  

• Make sure that no wires are pinched or bent at awkward angles that could lead to damage or short circuits.
  
  

• Be patient when arranging the components inside the hub to avoid overcrowding or misalignment.

Instructions:

1. Use wire cutters to carefully cut the wires off of the power jacks.
   
   

2. Ensure that about a quarter inch (approximately 6mm) of wire is exposed at the cut end.
   
   

3. Strip the insulation carefully to avoid damaging the exposed wire.
   
   

Tips:

• Be precise when cutting to ensure you have the right amount of wire exposed for a secure connection.
  
  

• Use wire strippers if available to prevent accidentally nicking the wire itself.
  
  

• Make sure to remove any excess insulation to ensure a solid, clean connection when wiring.

Instructions:

1. Solder the exposed wires from the power jack to the corresponding unplugged wires you previously organized.
   
   

2. Pay close attention to the color coding of the wires. Ensure that the correct wire color on the power jack connects to the appropriate power or signal pins on the Arduino or breadboard.
   
   

3. Keep notes of which wire leads to which component, carefully documenting the connections to avoid confusion later.
   
   

4. Double-check each soldered connection to ensure a secure, solid bond and no accidental shorts.
   
   

Tips:

• Match the wire colors carefully: for example, red usually indicates positive (5V or power), and black indicates ground (GND).
  
  

• Use a multimeter to test continuity and confirm your wiring if needed.
  
  

• Be patient when soldering to avoid cold joints and ensure reliability in your connections.
  
  

• If unsure about any wire's position, refer to your notes and diagrams to confirm the correct placement.