History
Scrapeboard started in 2017 after the STORE 2 exhibition at Babycastles. For that exhibition, we received a donation of a signed skatedeck from Tony Hawk. After the exhibition, in preparation for MAGFest, Frank, Blake, and Clement created Scrapeboard so they could use the skatedeck as a game controller.
The original prototype was created using the skatedeck, cardboard, aluminum foil, copper tape, and a Makey Makey. The skatedeck was turned into a conductive device by applying copper tape to the bottom of the deck and placing it on a platform made of cardboard and layered aluminum foil. A large cross section of aluminum foil, necessary for grounding the signal, was placed in the center. Four other sections of aluminum foil were at the corners of the cross section, representing the input pads. All aluminum foil sections were connected to the Makey Makey with alligator clips. The copper on the skatedeck registered input when touching two pads and the cross section. This served as a proof of concept for the game and was even able to be used for a few events.
The next version of Scrapeboard used four aluminum street signs, a rug, an aluminum sheet, and an Arduino. Four rectangles were cut into the rug to frame the aluminum signs, which were taped to the bottom of the rug with carpet tape. The aluminum sheet was drilled into the bottom of the signed skatedeck. The Arduino circuit was designed using pull-up resistors and a program loop which turned each input low and tested for a connection with the other inputs, so the circuit wouldn't require a ground connection anymore. This version was used for many events but required a lot of repair and maintenance before and after each event.
A newer model was made in preparation for GDC 2022, using wood, aluminum street signs, steel anchor rings, and the same Arduino circuit. The aluminum street signs were drilled into four pieces of wood which were bracketed together on the underside. The steel anchor rings were fastened to the underside of the skatedeck using machine screws. By the end of 2022, this version had been refined to last through multiple events without needing repair, a significant milestone for the project because it opened up the possibility of the game being able to run without constant supervision.
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