Building Animatronics and Electric Guitars: Degrees vs. Tinkering

Wondering how to build animatronics like FNAF or your own electric guitars without a traditional engineering degree? This article explores various paths and resources for you to achieve your goals, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The Path to Animatronics

Creating animatronics, especially those akin to FNAF, requires a blend of electrical, mechanical, and even programming skills. While a degree can be beneficial, many professionals in the field suggest hands-on learning and online resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Initial Concepts and Planning

Conceptualize: Sketch your ideas on paper to visualize the animatronic's design and functionality. Software Learning: Familiarize yourself with design tools like Google SketchUp or Fusion 360. Both are powerful tools, with Fusion 360 being particularly popular for complex part design.

2. Assembly and Components

Hardware Setup: Assemble your electronic components, including Arduino, servos, and potentiometers. Toolkit: Purchase an Arduino starter kit or similar resources. This will include the Arduino board, servo motors, potentiometers, and the necessary Arduino app, such as Snap4Arduino.

Remember, the goal is to understand and apply the concepts rather than just building the physical components. The design and planning stages are equally important, as they lay the foundation for a successful project.

The Key to DIY Gear: Electric Guitars

Making your own electric guitar is an inspiring journey that involves not only woodworking but also electronic components. Here’s what you need to know:

Electrical and Mechanical Knowledge

Both animatronics and electric guitars require a combination of electrical and mechanical engineering. While a degree can be helpful, many successful DIY enthusiasts do well with practical experience and a bit of theoretical knowledge.

Creative Problem Solving

According to someone like the Gureed workshop, you can often find the answers through trial and error. For instance, if you’re working on a guitar, you don’t need to study advanced thermodynamics unless you’re building an innovative cooling system—similarly, for animatronics, you focus on the essential mechanical and electrical components.

Practical Learning Opportunities

Trade schools offer a practical approach to learning the skills needed. For example, after retirement, an individual might attend a trade school to learn about aircraft mechanics, where they gain valuable metalworking and electrical skills, useful for their interests in animatronics and electric guitars.

Community and Resources

Consider joining forums or local workshops. The Tech Shop, for instance, provided hands-on training in the San Francisco Bay Area. Even if it’s no longer operational, online communities like YouTube and forums can be invaluable resources. Watching Will Cogley and other creators can provide guidance and inspiration.

Conclusion

While a formal degree can provide a strong foundation, it’s not the only path to success. Tinkering, online resources, and community engagement can be equally effective in learning the skills needed to build animatronics and electric guitars. By combining practical application with theoretical knowledge, you can embark on a fulfilling and creative journey.