071_analogue testing_kinetic object + proximity sensor

Testing the final analogue device with the proximity sensor above. Initially the movement in the flexinol was extremely small and not enough to move the "wing" (about 2mm of movement). 

This was solved by "programming" the flexinol into a coil shape, by winding the flexinol around a metal rod using clamps, and applying a high heat with the butane torch for 2 seconds to set it. It was important not to apply too much heat for too long as you risk damaging the wire. 

The wire was then stretched out and secured in place, so that when a current was applied to the wire, it contracted back into a coil shape which pulled the wing up higher.