magic tablet - wacom pen tablet

Taking notes on my computer makes it easier to store and search for information, but I missed the hand-written touch.
I bought a small Wacom tablet to see if this helps.
I found that copying the same controls you had when writing on paper took a long time to disappoint.
Part of the reason seems to be that you can't see the marks left by your pen on the surface you write.
I decided to put the interior of my Wacom in a erasable "magic slate" to fix the problem and make the whole experience more touch-able and fun.
I connect it so that the writing surface of the sliding slate can clear the screen of the slate and the screen of the computer drawing program.
I then convert the shell of the tablet to a watercolor palette.
Material: for the magical Tablet1 Wacom or other digital graphic tablet (eBay-
Ed or old is good, it's possible to damage it)1 magic slate (
For example, this one: fabric, copper tape or aluminum foilsome wire, tin welding and welding station, hot glue, scissors, possibly a tool knife (
Wikipedia says this is the correct generic name for x-acto :)
TubesA hot glue gunA plastic bottled water the pieces of the Wacom "Bamboo Fun" watercolour set "card clip outside the watercolour shell screw all the screws into the back of the tablet
If you think you already have everything but the tablet still won't take apart, check what's under the sticker!
Pry the casing very carefully (
It helps to gradually pry up the edge using a flat screwdriver).
If you're using a tablet I made (
"Bamboo Fun ")
You can pull out the rolling TouchPad from a small plastic slot, but be careful!
When I pulled out my connection, I damaged the connection and ended up damaging the TouchPad.
Carefully remove the insulating metal sheet after the plate and the plate.
I should really have more pictures for this step, but I took mine apart a long time ago.
It's simple, but let me know if I can help with anything.
Remove the backing from the magical slate by cutting or carefully tearing the bonded slate
Bottom, left and right edges.
You should be able to remove the writing surface by pulling the writing surface vertically from the erase cardboard label.
Interestingly: When I took apart my toy, I noticed that the erase cardboard label that helped to separate the wax sheet and the plastic on the top was cut from a different children's toy or cartoon page.
It is invisible unless you take it apart, so it doesn't matter if it matches the external design.
I think it's a really cool use for recycling no matter where it's assembled.
On top of that, I 've been wondering how those amazing slabs work.
The bottom layer is basically covered with dark wax.
When you press the plastic layer at the top, it sticks to the wax and lets it show up in that place.
When the layer is separated, the image is cleared.
I would really like to do this so that the screen is clear when you pull out the drawing screen to erase it.
I decided to readjust a button on the tablet (
Can be mapped to key command).
I weld the wires to each side of one of the button switches and attach them to two conductive patches that only touch when the screen is pulled all the way.
You can of course skip this step, which does bring more risk to the tablet.
I made a conductive patch with conductive fabric (lessemf. com)
Because I happen to have some around, because it seems most likely to form a flat and smooth surface, these two things can slide on it.
Aluminum foil or copper tape may also work well.
First, cut out two small pieces of conductive fabric and weld a wire on each piece.
Fast moving, the fabric is relatively easy to weld, but it burns quickly.
Stick each of these patches to the cardboard frame and to the writing surface (
See picture for location).
Next, pry a button from its small socket with pliers.
Weld the ends of these two lines to each side to create the switch.
The wire to the conductive patch on the back should be long enough to reach the button on the tablet (
Red Line in photo).
One on the surface of the drawing should be long enough to allow it to slide freely (
Black line in photo).
Paste the tablet to the back with a little hot glue and check through the transparent window if the tablet will be aligned the way you want it (
Mine is upside down here and I ended up having to flip the panel at the top).
Don't forget the insulated metal sheet behind the board.
Plug in and test if the switch works. Unplug it.
Dig a small hole in the back on the level of the USB connector.
Cover the tablet with a piece of card paper and stick it down.
This will protect it a bit because the drawing surface will slide frequently.
Because my tablet is small, the area of the Magic Slate that can be written is larger than the area of the tablet that can be written.
The width of the frame can be increased (bezel)
By adding a note to the opposite side of the transparent plastic window.
Stick the backing onto the Magic Slate and close the tablet inside.
Install the driver for the tablet.
Go to the tablet preferences/Settings pane.
Set the button connected to the slide switch to activate a key that will clear the screen in the preferred drawing program.
For example, for a Mac OS x program called Seashore, I used the key command-a (for select all)
Delete, select the screen and clear it.
Insert the tablet and test it again.
You may have to fiddle with the switch a little to make sure it is activated when you pull out the drawing.
Once you remove the tablet, use the shell of the tablet.
If you are using Wacom Bamboo, there should be a circular hole in the rolling touchpad.
Use hot glue to connect the appropriate sized plastic cap to the back of the tablet case so it can make a small water cup.
Then, squeeze out some watercolor on the surface of the box.
There are many things that can be improved. . .
I want a more robust switching mechanism.
I want to add more buttons that look like tools (
Select Tools, palettes, etc. ).
They can be connected to the Arduino board and handled by the drawing app.
I would like to write the above drawing application specifically for this interface (
It looks like a drawing tablet that can read extra buttons).