Blinkybug (Maker Faire version)

Step 9 Line things up

Almost done: the next step is to get the antenna (guitar string) to pass through the anode loops. Hopefully, the antenna guide (copper tubes) are pointing the antennae in roughly the correct direction.

The objective is to get the guitar string to pass through the anode loops so that when the bug is perfectly still, the antennae don't touch the sides of the loop. However, with any movement or vibration, the antennae will make contact with the loops, close the circuit, and momentarily light up the LEDs.

Using a pair of pliers (or two), try to get everything aligned as described. It helps to grab the entire "loop" and rake it back a bit, so that the guitar wire is perpenidicular to the loop. If you left a gap in the loop, you should be able to easily pass the guitar wire in. If not, you may have to pull the loop open a bit with the needle-nosed pliers. Gently squeeze the loop closed once it's in.

You will also want to get the eyes in a position that you like. This all requires a certain amount of futzing until things get lined up.

As a final step, you might want to attach little scotch-tape flaps on the end of the wire, whcih makes them more sensitive to wind, and less likely to poke you in the eye.

You should now have a working blinkybug... the eyes should be "off" when the bug is sitting undisturbed, but should blink rhythmically when you pick it up, move it, or it catches a breeze. If the eyes seem stuck on, you will need to adjust the position of the loops. If the bug does not seem sensitive enough, you might want to try to make the loops a bit smaller.

Enjoy your bug!

Comments

[LEDgonuts]

you can make it move by gluing 2 pager motors to the bottom please make video if you do:)

[phenoptix]

Clipping the end of my guitar strings is another reason I love my mini leatherman, the world's greatest tool!

[mintsk8er]

since you used guitar strings i thought of this....sometimes guitarists "coil" the ends of their excess strings instead of clipping them at the tuners. so, what if you coiled the end of the string instead of useing the tape? like, loop the end around to form a circle then wrap the end of the string around the circle to hold it in place. perhaps you could put a dab of solder on it too to keep it from springing open.

[RichardBronosky]

That gives me an idea! Why not use 6 LEDs with larger lead loops (to compensate for the amount of movement), and give your headstock a built in light show? That could be it's own Instructable.

[obeyken]

as a lazy guitarist i know exactly what you're talking about ;) i think what you describe would look cool... i think it might not catch the breeze so much though. it would definitely help solve the poke-in-the eye problem!