"Next time, jot it down" was what the pragmatists used to tell us if we wanted to avoid forgetting things. Inventor David Prochnow, however, suggests that we refrain from using pen and paper, and make our own electronic post it notes instead.
Before you begin, do note that this is a tricky endeavor - Prochnow estimates that it will take you around seven hours to complete the gadget, and it will also cost you around US$ 175 in terms of the following surplus parts:
- (1) LCD + carrier board
- (1) Trackpad
- (1) Microcontroller
- (1) PAK-XI Mouse Coprocessor
- (1) 3.3V voltage regulator
- (1) 10mF electrolytic capacitor
- (4) 10K resistors
- (1) 9V battery
- Hookup Wire
After acquiring all the necessary items, you must follow these steps as provided by Prochnow himself:
- Solder wires to the trackpad’s [A] PS/2 connector. Connect them to the mouse coprocessor, which translates finger movements on the trackpad. Connect the coprocessor to the microcontroller [B] so the program code can generate an image on the LCD screen [C].
- Follow the data sheet instructions to attach the voltage regulator and electrolytic capacitor to the screen. This adapts the screen’s power to the right level.
- Plug the screen into the carrier board. Solder resistors to the board, and connect them to the microcontroller. Power the board by connecting pins to the voltage regulator.
- Download our code for the screen at popsci.com or, if you substitute other components, from sparkfun.com.
- Install a nine-volt battery. Program the microcontroller with the code from your PC. Test the device’s operation, put it in a custom-built box, and forget about those sticky notes.
Once you're done, all you have to do is write out your message with your fingertip on a computer trackpad, and it appears
on an LCD screen. To erase, just press a button. For unlimited (and eco-friendly) note making capability, simply add a
rechargeable battery and an enclosure.
Prochnow also has some important notes regarding microcontrollers and the computer code for driving the LCD. For additional information, feel free to click on the source link below.
