Talking Micrometer
Martyn is an engineer who builds competition go-cart engines. Visual impairment means that reading precision measuring equipment is impossible.
The solution
The solution is the combination of a Bluetooth enabled digital micrometer, available for industrial users who log measurements for quality purposes to PCs etc, and a single board computer called a Raspberry Pi Zero. This mini-marvel supports Bluetooth and has been programmed to receive the measurements from the micrometer and using a freely available TTS (Text to Speech) engine, and a small audio amp and speaker, read out the measurement.
The benefit
Martyn previously had to get other people to make precision measurements of his engines, but now he can make them himself.
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I have been working on a lower cost version but development stalled earlier this year when I moved house. I may resurrect the project and see if I can reduce the cost of the talking component. Unfortunately the less expensive micrometers with suitable interfaces are not a patch on the Mitutoyo ones. The down side of the Mitutoyo mics are they are £130+ before you add the interface.
I will do some more research as new models come on the market all of the time.
Please send me a direct email and I will contact you about your specific needs. (rupert@astronoscope.co.uk)
My husband is totally blind and is building a model ship. He keeps asking me to find him a talking micrometer and I have tried and tried. Can you give me any advice or assistance?
Sorry, no.
I have made another since which works with Mitutoyo Bluetooth models, but they are over £130 just for the 1″ mic. Then the cost of the talking box another £100 (ish).
Would this be available commercially?