I was having an ordinary day in my 30 square meter workshop in 2013. It had been 8 years since I graduated from engineering. I was interested in DIY projects, STEM and maker movement. "If there is both funny and an aristocratic way to use my technical skills, it must be this multi-disciplinary aproach to homemade projects." I thought once.
I wanted to do something. "I should start with something simple to code and function test.". My first project was going to be my guide star. "You would better do that Murat! You can do more than soldering cards here on the bench. And I promise it will be fun!" said my elder colleague. He worked as a foreman in the same company. Being around his 50s with grey hair and wrinkled face, he still looked energetic and young. "Thanks Hasan, I think I have all the necessary parts to start an Android mobile phone controlled toy car.". "That sounds fantastic!". Since my work place was in walk distance away to my home, I thought I could stay a bit longer after work hours, in order to develop my project.
It was raining when going back to home that evening. I always liked the rain. But the combination of wind and rain makes it unbearable for me. If the wind is a bit strong I hated the raindrops attacking to my eyes, ear, face etc... That evening was one of that combinations. Drops were speeding and crashing the ground, causing the air to be scented by grass and soil smell. When I reached the last crosswalk before the home the questions rushed into my mind, coming out of nowhere:
"How to write a 'Hello world!' Android program?"
"What to use as a controller on the car side?"
"How to send bluetooth commands to the car?"
"Can I use screen swipe to control it?"
"What about the wheels?, ... the steering?, ... the body?"
"Ohhh, and power? What battery to use?"
"What about the appearence? ... the cosmetics?"
"Hmmm may be it is good to do an off-road type."
"Better make it water proof up to some degree."
I found the keys in my backpack and opened the door. I needed a refresher and a towel. Today was a hard day at work also. When the kids came from the school, we gathered around the dinner table. During the dinner we did put ourselves in deep conversations. Dinner time with the family is always important to me. We had a great meal and polished our bonds. As a family we live together in the same house but at the same time we try to respect each other's private solitude. So in my piece of solitude I thinkered a little bit more on my project.
At first it looked like a simple project but hold on... I realized that If I kept writing down all the questions there seems to be no end to them. I had to make a solid decision here. No need for chaos at the first step. "Alright! First of all I am only experimenting and learning. I am not going to sell this toy. So first rule is: I should keep it as simple as possible.". This thought provided me a solid ground to proceed. "As simple as possible...". I was sure I would be jumping to the next project anyway as soon as I established the basics.
"How is it going Murat? I see you are stuck on thoughts." asked Hasan the next day at work.
-Well, first things first. I had to set my rules.
-What rules? I thought it will be a fun project.
-Yes, and it still is a fun project. But I realized that if I don't limit my design then I can never start.
-Hmm, that sounds interesting, but seems like you are right. So what is the number one?
-As simple as possible!
-Means?
-It should go forward, backward, right and left. It should work on bluetooth. And I should focus on coding and electronics, not mechanics.
Luckily I had a broken RC car. I could use it's wheels and steering mechanism. For the controller I could use Arduino programming card. It was very famous then. Simle to learn and practice. I also learned how to write a simple Android program. Then I developed an app to send bluetooth commands to Arduino. I still remember it fresh, the first time I see bluetooth module hooked to Arduino lit up. I sent a command to blink a LED light attached and it worked. That time I couldn't contain myself out of joy and excitement. It was happening. I felt the success.
To drive the motors I needed to build an interface circuit as well. I was strict with my first rule to keep everything simple. So, for the body works I used a plastic ruler to keep all the parts tied up. And a small white plastic box to protect some electronics.
On the fourth day the cold and dusty shop ground turned into a racing track. After speeding up and having sharp turns, I was getting great drifts around the corners. It was during office hours I presented this project to all other colleagues. I couldn't get back my mobile phone for sometime, everybody wanted to play for couple of rounds. First time I saw Hasan that grumpy, he didn't want to share the toy with others :)
Last thing I needed was a kind of mascot. And after all, my guide star was sitting in the front seat. Mr. Bob... He was happy and was enjoying the ride! He even suggested that next project should be something flying :) "Yeah why not?" I said. "What parts do I need to build, errr...., a quadcopter, maybe?"
Notes:
- This short story is written for the Creative Nonfiction in The Ink Well Prompt #81
- All the images belong to me. Do not use without consent.
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