First, let me start off by stating that I am not a computer programmer, but an architect with an interest in robotics. I have built a tensegrity model (here's a link to what the tower looks like) http://www.liftarchitects.com/journal/2...r-v10.html. I would like to use shape memory alloy wire (or muscle wires) to replace certain tension members in the tower to cause the tower to "move" or "bend" when activated by a circuit. Essentially what I would like to do, is when activating a certain input (let's say typing in either 1,2,or 3 on the keyboard) it will activate certain wires in the system and cause them to contract and cause the tower to bend in a specific way. So, if I press the number 1 on the keyboard, the tower will bend left. If I press 2, then it will bend right...etc. So this is where I come to my problem. I have already built the tower, and I've purchased a kit for the muscle wires and have a decent understanding of how they work. My problem is that I don't know very much about the family of microprocessors and how to rig up my system. I know some programming, but I really don't even know where to start, as I've never even built a basic circuit before. Are there any tutorials on how to start building a circuit given my unique project? Are there any resources for complete beginners about how to create a circuit needed in my project? I've briefly looked through the tutorials section here, but to be honest, given my background, it's a little above my knowledge base at the moment... but I'm willing to learn. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Andy Payne