Summary of Tweety Button using Arduino
This Instructable introduces "Tweety," a physical button project using an Arduino and Processing to instantly open a Twitter text interface. By pressing a rubber popper toy connected to a momentary push button, the system sends a signal via serial communication, triggering a Processing app to appear for quick tweeting. The author highlights the tactile experience and seeks community input on improving the background invisibility of the app.
Parts used in the Tweety Button:
- 1 Arduino
- Rubber popper toy (Tweety Bird)
- 1 momentary push button
- 1 resistor (100ohm)
- Wire
- Breadboard
Welcome to my first Instructable! This is for something I’ve coined the “Tweety” or, Tweety-Button.
The concept is simple,
you’re on your computer and the inspiration to Tweet is welling up inside.
Chrome is being slow today, and you want to get those 140 characters out, fast!
No fear, just click on the Tweety button conveniently placed within arms reach on your desk,
and voila! A magical text interface appears and accepts type until you press ‘Enter’
~Insta-Tweet
btw, why yes, that is Tweety Bird rubber popper.
Disclaimer.
As is often done, this is built with an Arduino and the Processing environment.
The code used in the SimpleTweet instructable was integral for getting OAuth working.
So that is beyond the scope of this instructable.
Step 2: Worth it just to feel the click~!
This thing is amazingly tactile! I love the way it feels and recommend anyone try this setup.
It’s very simple, once your breadboard is the right size, and you’ve soldered the button to it with the resistor in the right spot, super glue one of those Poppy toys right on top. You’ll end up with this…
The code on the Arduino sends a serial ‘1’ when the button is pressed. Processing picks this up and opens up the input screen.
Step 3: When pressed…
Step 4: Typing
Here’s the basic code for how I do my typing. I’m hoping that over time this project can be developed based on other peoples input. Now honestly I am having trouble implementing the visible/invisible. Actually, it doesn’t work! SO~ I’m hoping by posting this, we can all figure it out together. I’m wishing for this to run in the background and wait for the arduino at all times. Please comment!
import processing.serial.*;
public String tweet;
PFont fnt;
Serial arduino;
void setup() {
size(800, 100);
noStroke();
background(0);
fnt = loadFont("CourierNew36.vlw");
textFont(fnt, 32);
tweet = "";
println(Serial.list());
String arduinoPort = Serial.list()[1];
arduino = new Serial(this, arduinoPort, 9600);
frame.removeNotify();
}
1 Arduino
1 Those things you turn inside out, then then flip into the air.
1 momentary push button
1 resistor, I used 100ohm
some wire, and breadbord
Radioshack sells this 5 pack of circular breadboard which worked perfect
Basically, this circuit goes from +5 to ground at all times, until the button is pressed, then pin 10 goes to high.
As to not reiterate some very simple and helpful code, please visit the SimpleTweet Instructable located here.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Tweet-Arduino-Processing-Twitter
For more detail: Tweety Button using Arduino
- How does the Tweety button trigger a tweet?
The code on the Arduino sends a serial '1' when the button is pressed, which Processing picks up to open the input screen. - What happens when you click the button?
The Processing app runs invisible in the background and then pops up on your screen ready to enter text. - Can I run the app in the background?
The author is currently having trouble implementing visible/invisible functionality and hopes to figure out how to make it run in the background waiting for the Arduino. - Does the circuit stay active at all times?
Yes, the circuit goes from +5 to ground at all times until the button is pressed, then pin 10 goes high. - Where can I find the code for OAuth working?
The code used in the SimpleTweet instructable was integral for getting OAuth working, but that is beyond the scope of this specific article. - What breadboard did the author use?
The author used a Radioshack 5 pack of circular breadboards which worked perfectly. - How do I solder the button?
You must solder the button to the breadboard with the resistor in the right spot before super gluing the Poppy toy on top.
