Slowmo Arduino
A Challenging Solo Project
The slowmo time frame uses lights that flicker at 80 Hz and an electromagnet that vibrates at 79.8 Hz. Due to this small difference, the object attached to the magnet appears to move in slow motion.
​
I was inspired by the slow dance video in the link below. Also, if you want to build it yourself here is think link to the electronics kit.
The Project
Research
At first I was intrigued by the concept and looked into the construction. There was woodworking, Arduino programming, electrical hardware, and a relatively simple design. This immediately appealed to me and I ordered the kit and looked into all the different designs online.
_edited.jpg)
Ideal Vision
I decided instead of a normal frame to hollow section of a tree. This would look more natural and maybe even be easier. I would do everything by myself except for the kit. This way I would learn as much as possible, even if it results in more work.
Building the Frame
Good old fashioned wood working.
Two Slices
I sliced up a fallen pine tree twice to get two natural frames for my project.
Hollowing
With a saw, I cut out a circle from each slab.
Routing
To hide the lights, I routed grooves. This way, when I glued them together the lights would fit inside the channel.
Sanding
Lastly, like any project, I had to finish it and make it look nice.
What Really Happend
Due to tool constraints, poor planning, and human error, the reality was not so smooth.
Slice Size
My initial tree section was too wide and full of knots to get a useful cut. I tapped all available resources, but in the end had to settle for a smaller section.
Hollowing Method
A band Saw would break the perimeter of the section. So, I tried a jig saw and drill combination, but found a solution with my uncle's scroll saw.
Routing Mix Up
After weeks of frustration, I added to my sorrows by routing the wrong side of a section. Now the pieces did not match as well, and I tripled my sanding work load.
Electronics
I have never worked with an Arduino before and only had experience with circuits through school. I was excited for the challenge.
Electronics Kit and LED's
I ordered the Arduino and circuit board and worked on other sections in the shipping time. Next, I ordered the lights.
Electromagnet
The project function with an electromagnet; I decided to save money by building one. I spent an evening machining a steel rod with a threaded hole on each side. I then had to wrap copper wire around it.
Improved Electromagnet
The magnetic strength was so weak I decided to find a pre-built electromagnet. After much trial and error I caved and bought one online.
Soldering the Kit
I learned to solder the each component to the circuit board. This part was quite time consuming and difficult for a beginner. After I was done, I tested the outputs for a voltage- nothing.
Trouble Shooting
I asked my more experienced brother to help me and we tested sections of the circuit with a multimeter. I inspected some poor soldering and he showed me how Arduino Code works. We determined the Arduino was fried and I would need a new board.
Soldering Again
After another defeat, I reordered the supplies and now expertly soldered everything together. I then tested the lights and electromagnet outputs and both worked.
Electronics Recap
Issues
Poor Soldering
Oversized Wires
Failed Electromagnet Build
Failed Recycled Magnets
Inexperience with Arduino IDE
Oversized Electromagnet
Broken Arduino
Solutions
Reordering New Parts
Better Soldering
Better Wires
12 V Electromagnet
Arduino Experience
Troubleshooting
Putting it All Together
I was confident my device worked, now I had to put everything together.
Channels for Wires
To hide the wiring I cut two channels: one for the magnet, one for the lights. I then glued the two sections together and moved on to making it look better.
Finishing
I finished the frame with some sanding, stain, and a clear coat. Since the quality of the frame is so impactful, I wanted to have it perfect.
Electromagnet Frame
I bent a metal ruler and mounted the electromagnet to one side. On the other side, I had two regular magnets to hold the feather in place and amplify the vibration.
LED Installation
I thread the wires through the channels and glued the LED strips in the frame. I had enough space fit rows of lights
Bottom Housing
Because I had to use the smaller sections of wood, I did not have room to mount the Arduino in the bottom. Therefore I built a cheap box to both house the circuit board and also serve as a stage.
_edited.jpg)
Black Cloth
Lastly I turned my cheap box into a nice looking platform bu covering it with a cloth. This feature provided a nice professional look, while functioning as a cheap fix.
Unplanned Modifications
With a project like this, I could afford to make it up as I went. However, I will definitely be doing more planning on the next project. Below is a list of my unplanned modifications.
Entire Bottom Housing
Black Cloth
Ruler Mount
Extra Magnet for Feather
Wire Connector
Extra Sanding
New Electromagnet
Smaller Diameter
Finished Demonstration
After much effort and time over the 2019 summer, I finished a fantastic project. Here's a demonstrational video.
Note: Black bands do not appear except in videos.
Learned
Soldering
Arduino IDE
Electronic Trouble Shooting
Modifying On the Fly
The Importance of Design Details
More Woodworking
Hands on Electronics
Asking for Help
Having Custom Supplies
Persisting Through Frustrations
Projects Take More Time and Money
Time Management
Handling Overlapping Tasks