Project 2/3 Blog

Lab 1: Hack a Motion

I tore apart a roomba looking for motors and other cool parts. I got 2 stepper motors and 4 dc motors. It was really gross and I wont be doing it again.

Lab 2: Servos

Using servo motor and potentiometer to create motion.

Lab 3: Experimental Motion

Using a DC motor from the Roomba, I made a crank and piston system with cardboard and tape. It worked surprisingly well but required a bit of help to get moving. Too much friction from the cardboard.

Brainstorm: Ancient James on YouTube has a GitHub exploring the design and construction of a volumetric display. I have a few different parts, such as the LED panels, photointerruptors, and motor system, so I needed to modify and remake many of the parts from the original GitHub.

Original Files and GitHub: https://github.com/AncientJames/multivox

Lab 4: Learning Onshape

Panel backings for the 64×64 LED panels.

Lab 5: Slip Ring and Power Distribution

LED panels can draw lots of current, but due to the power-conservative setup designed by Ancient James, the whole module including the LED panels and RaspberryPi 4 could run with under 2A of current draw. The power setup takes 12V in through the slip ring, then converts to 5V on the moving . The reason for this is that higher voltage, lower current power has a higher signal strength and is less prone to fluctuations. This project taught me a lot about power, current, and voltage in dynamic systems containing components like slip rings. Moving parts increase complexity, but they can make pretty cool stuff.

Project Outcome and Artist Statement:

While the initial goal hasn’t been met, of creating hologram-like displays, but the effect that was achieved is pretty cool. Visualizing 3d objects and scenes in real life, without simply using perspective tricks, is a dream of mine. I have created many fluid simulations, and my biggest gripe with pre-rendered video is that people dont get to choose their perspectives. With the prospect of fully rendered objects visible from any angle, I hope to keep working toward this goal and complete the volumetric display. But for now, the glitch effect is pretty cool.