Toy Hacking & Circuit Bending

An Introduction to Toy Hacking and Circuit Bending
May 31st, 12:30pm

Recommended Ages: Teen to Adult

Class fee: $15 (Payable to the instructor upon arrival. We accept cash, check, money order and credit/debit card.)

Toy Hacking is when you “hack into” the sound chip in an electronic toy. The hacked sounds can speed up like chipmunks on helium, or slow down to low rumbles, or get distorted in other surprising ways. It’s fun and easy to do, and no prior knowledge of electronics is needed.

We will provide each paying participant* with an electronic toy to hack. Then we’ll walk you through the steps of opening up the plastic case, exposing the circuit board, and poking around at it till it makes funny sounds (we’ll only use low voltage, battery operated circuits, so this will be safe).

Once you’ve found one or two “hacks,” you can experiment by connecting them with switches, control knobs, light sensors, etc. After trying out the widgets you like, we’ll help you solder and install them in your toy, so you can take your new creation home with you.

* Class size is limited to 10 people.

PLEASE NOTE that though the tickets are listed as "Free" the class, itself requires a $15 fee from each attendee to pay for parts and replenish the materials used. We will accept cash, check, money order or credit/debit card upon your arrival at Xerocraft Hackserpace for the workshop.