Design your own smart textiles with LilyPad by SparkFun
What is the LilyPad series by Sparkfun?
The LilyPad series by SparkFun is based on microcontrollers that use or at least resemble the ATmega328V and the associated conductive threads that transmit signals to control your clothes smartly. The design freedom is huge due to this small and very flat chip.
What projects are possible with the LilyPad?
The LilyPad components and threads are specially designed to be incorporated into garments, making it possible to integrate a wide range of electronic functionality into clothing. Add LED lights, vibration motors, sensors, microprocessors to textiles or other wearables projects, make your clothes glow or play music. Monitor your vital functions like a smartwatch by integrating classic wearables into your clothes and using them as fitness trackers. With the help of sensors, you can track and evaluate your heart rate and your movements, among other things. The possibilities to make your textiles smart are almost unlimited, what you make out of them also depends on your skills as a maker and your creativity.
Power supply
To operate a LilyPad, you need to ensure the power supply, for example, by using a battery or a solar panel. The LilyPad is programmed with the help of a USB adapter. You can download the software for LilyPad from Arduino.
Different sizes for different purposes
Lily Pad components come in different sizes and shapes, so you can be as flexible as possible in designing your e-textiles.
Can I wash smart textiles?
The high quality of the components ensures that they can be used for a long time and reliably when they are firmly integrated into the clothing. Smart clothing is washable, but the battery used for this must be removed before washing.
What should I consider before buying a LilyPad?
There are a few things you should consider before buying a LilyPad component:
-Functions: Think about the functions you need in your project and then choose the appropriate components.
-Compatibility: Make sure that the component you want to buy is compatible with the other components and power supply you want to use.
-Size: SparkFun offers different sizes of LilyPads to make the parts suitable for different projects. Therefore, consider the size of your project object and which LilyPad is the best size for the purpose. Also consider the space needed for the power supply.
-Price: we have a variety of components with different features and prices, compare prices and features to get the best value for money for you.
Notes on knowledge and assistance:
To work with LilyPad components you need knowledge of electronics and programming. There are resources and tutorials online which will get you started programming LilyPad parts. Many cities also have Makerspaces, which often offer Maker groups on the topic of e-textiles.