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As a Dad to two girls, 12& 9, I look for opportunities for interesting projects that my daughters can take part in. This was a great STEM project. I wanted to share how we did it so other families can do the same if they like. It's not as hard or as expensive as it looks.
1/n https://twitter.com/RJSCity/status/1322730379015434240
1/n https://twitter.com/RJSCity/status/1322730379015434240
Skills needed include the ability to do basic spreadsheet and txt file changes, glue gun skills, general AV stuff (hooking up speakers, etc), and a willingness to struggle your way through figuring things out.
Rough costs - $60 for a control board, $30 for each talking Skeleton plus another $50 to make the head move around. Probably another $100 for cables, etc. I had to solder two joints, but you could probably get by with out soldering. Skeletons are extra (about $50 ea).
Software costs are $60 (VSA), $60 Trackskull (also available as a 10 day trial)) and Helmsman Pro ($60) (optional though - and also available on a 10 day trial.
I learned 90% of what I needed to know from this video (and the second video).
I used most of the parts she lists under the video except the sending and receiving boards - you don't need them if you control board is near the skeletons. Most parts can be picked up at Hobby Wholesale in YEG. I had to order the SSC32u online.
I had to record movements in about 30 second stretches as TrackSkull (program mentioned in the video) seemed to get off track after that. I then edited the txt files to be sequential and then used VSA to get the vocals and mouth movements synchronized. I then used Helmsmen pro.
I used MS word to do find/replace commands to edit the text files quickly. So, for example, I recorded the vocals for one 'singer' and then changed the output number to create a movement track for other singers.
This all sounds technical, but it wasn't that hard. It did take time, but I had my daughters doing much of it and they learned a lot of skills. You need to be good at general computing (spreadsheets, word files), but you don't need programming skills or electronics skills.
There were a lot of little things I had to figure out, but my kids were there for about 70% of it and they learned with me. Next year, they will program some additional songs by themselves (with me helping when needed).
If anyone decides to go ahead with this and has any troubles, I'd be happy to help out in terms of letting you know what I did. I may add to this thread if I realize that I missed something.
Lastly, I'll say this to the parents out there - teach your kids all of things you know how to do regardless of gender!
In addition to academics, I'm teaching my kids woodworking, mechanics, sewing, and more. These skills will be valuable to them for their entire life.
In addition to academics, I'm teaching my kids woodworking, mechanics, sewing, and more. These skills will be valuable to them for their entire life.
