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POV Propeller clock — Parallax Forums

POV Propeller clock

GeekgirlGeekgirl Posts: 50
edited 2009-01-06 21:55 in General Discussion
Hi Guys,

I need some feedback from you gurus out there.

One of the projects I have always wanted to build is a propeller clock, or one of its variants. ...· The type that uses spinning leds and relies on·persistance of vision, POV, to produce an image that appears to be floating in air. Here's a link if you aren't familliar with what I mean:· http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no2_M_b059g&feature=related

I'm used to working with the different stamp versions, but haven't yet taken the propeller chip plunge. (I know, I should have gotten the developement board while it was on special) ....···· Anyway, does this look like a project that could be done with a stamp, or do I need to take the jump to the propeller if I want to build one of these? ....· Or on the other hand, is it better to keep it as simple as possible and just use a pic and buy a pic programmer and learn to program that?



Thanks in advance for your feedback,

Darlene

·

Comments

  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2009-01-06 10:38
    A PIC might be easiest, there is lots of code around for a POV clock so you just have to get a chip and program it. All you need is a $35 PICkit 2, or you could build your own programmer - I designed a PCB for a very simple one based on the JDM design.


    Leon

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  • BeanBean Posts: 8,129
    edited 2009-01-06 13:11
    A simple version could be made with the SX. It surely has the speed required.

    I think the hardest part is "How do you get power to the spinning board ?" and "How do you sync the spinning board so the image is stable ?".

    Bean.

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    ·The next time you need a hero don't look up in the sky...Look in the mirror.


    ·
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2009-01-06 14:07
    Power to the board can be provided by slip rings or a small stepper motor used as an alternator/bearing at the hub of the spinning board.
  • GeekgirlGeekgirl Posts: 50
    edited 2009-01-06 16:02
    · Winding a primary on a ferrous tube (like a short piece of pipe nipple) that stays fixed and concentric with the motor/base and winding a secondary on a lighht form that fits inside the primary tube and is fixed to the underside of the·spinning blade would be my choice. No mechanical contact of any kind. A 12VAC transformer to the primary, and look for about 6VAC on the secondary to a bridge rectifier to supply the 5V regulator circuit. The 12VAC at the base could also have a local rectifier to run the motor circuit.

    · An infrared led fixed to the base and a sensor on the underside of the spinning blade (think of an optically triggered ignition system) can be made that's highly accurate.

    ··I was hoping to make this a Parallax based project, that's why I haven't gone and just cloned what's already been done with pics.

    Darlene


    Post Edited (Geekgirl) : 1/6/2009 4:15:08 PM GMT
  • rjo_rjo_ Posts: 1,825
    edited 2009-01-06 21:55
    take the plunge... use a Prop. It is by far the shortest path to geek heaven.
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