As a space nerd, working on this exhibit was truly a dream come true. St. Louis was the second destination of the Apollo 11 capsule, during it's first ever trip outside of the Smithsonian. To bolster the experience, we fabricated an additional 8000 square feet of exhibit space. I've highlighted my favorites.

Apollo 11 Capsule - Electronic design, fabrication, microcontroller programing, sound design.

Built to scale, the capsule allowed visitors to experience some of the tight quarters that the astronauts had to endure. Interactions triggered by toggle switches mounted on backlight panels included: a microphone to talk to mission command and the Lunar Lander, switches to turn on environmental fans and various sound effects, and a "launch experience". The capsule incorporated high powered haptic transducers to vibrate the capsule during launch. A soundscape of original radio communications, rocket launches, and FM synthesis, added to the rumbling .

Lunar Lander - Electronic design, fabrication, programming

Referencing the original NASA documents, open source emulators, and Frank O'Brien's phenomenal book "The Apollo Guidance Computer: Architecture and Operation", I programmed a simplified Javascript version of the AGC using a Raspberry Pi computer and ELO touchscreen. Some of the functions are entirely true to the original, and others blend similar functions, so most noun/verb combinations would trigger one of approximately 80 unique functions (and a few fun Easter eggs) instead of constant errors.

Using the unique noun/verb interaction, visitors could check various sensors, timers, readouts, and follow the same instructions the astronauts would use when landing on the moon.

Other interactions included: joysticks to move various physical gauges and trigger sound effects, a microphone to communicate to the capsule and mission control, and unique soundscape.

Game XPloration explores the social elements, history, and science of video games. I was tasked as the lead electronic designer and fabricator incorporating 16 hand built gaming computers, 18 Raspberry Pi computers, 4 BrightSign Media players, vintage controllers and hardware, 10 iPads, and 8 VR headsets. The gallery featured ever evolving light design with pixelated clouds, Tron-inspired entrance portal, augmented reality climbing wall, locally made games, racing simulators, and the internet-famous giant Nintendo controller. On the back end, a full network was assembled for remote assistance and maintenance. Custom scripting was used to block out certain elements of videogames (options/settings/online) to streamline the visitor experience.

Spacewar! - Programming - Electronic Fabrication - Animation

Programed in Unity, a true to life remake of one of the earliest video games. Two players orbit around a moon and fire missiles at each other. Featuring custom cabinetry with blinking status lights, a vintage Teleprinter, and modern screen with video filters to replicate the original in our limited space.

Giant NES Controller - Electronics/Programing/Fabrication

A simple concept, this exhibit turns a familiar video game into a collaborative experience; CNC cut from 3/4" ABS sheets, the unit is an obvious favorite and endures more abuse than anything else in the museum.

The button presses have to trigger from the gentle press of a small child, as well as a full grown adult. A custom machined button assembly uses thick steel plates and springs to trigger the switch and subsequently return the 8kg button to it's home position.

Test your Reaction Time - Programing, Electronic Fabrication

Programed in Unity, a four player low-poly style target shooter tracks visitor's reaction times, collects data, and gives live results on how they compare to the average visitor.