Introduction: Deconstruction - Rabbit Hole
This Instructable submitted by the Rabbit-Hole Maker Space as part of the Instructables Sponsorship Program.
As we start this evening - the whiteboard comes out! The theme, as mentioned before is the Zombie Apocalypse! Some of our initial ideas are:
Bike trailer
Inspiration: One of our hackerspace members bikes everywhere. He needs a bike trailer to haul his groceries and zombie weapons.
Materials: PVCS, Rope, Bushings, Axle, Metal bar stock, rubbermaid tote, secondhand bike wheels.
Solar Powered Lantern
Inspiration: During the tsunami that hit Japan, the Tokyo hackerspace made solar powered lanterns and handed them out while power was still down.
Materials: Old busted lanterns (camping lanterns/nonworking solar powered lanterns)
Can Crusher
Inspiration: Tim's recycling folks stopped picking up recycling. So! Since he has to bring it in, it may be worth it to crush and decrease on space taken up.
Materials: Old snowblower tires, old garage door opener, garage door sensor, old dartboard for its LED displays and sound chip.
DIY water filter
Inspiration: During the zombie apocalypse, you're going to need food and water - but to have potable water, you need a water filter!
Materials: Charcoal from the fireplace, sand, old rubbermaid container, unused tubing
Final Video!
Step 1: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 2 Hours In
2-3 hours into the design/planning process. Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Tim and Peter are adapting wheels to sprockets.
Solar Powered Lantern
A few of the frame pieces have been cut and we're currently determining whether the broken solar lantern cells (or NiCad batteries) work properly.
Automatic Can Crusher
Here're the first cuts and holes for the frame of the can crusher. We've also ensured that the garage door opener works! Plans are underway to dismantling the dartboard and its chips as well.
Step 2: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 4 Hours In
4 hours into the design/planning process. Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Tim and Peter are (still?) adapting wheels to sprockets.
Solar Powered Lantern
So we have 5 solar cells and 3 rechargeable 1.5v batteries. After measuring, have 3 functional 1.5v batteries, and according to our voltmeter, about 5v of power.
Automatic Can Crusher
We got more of the setup...set up! One problem we're coming across is that the cans need a little more push behind them for them to be properly crushed by the wheels...Any suggestions?
We are also taking apart a paper shredder to see if the shredder parts can catch onto the cans to pull them in
Step 3: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 6 Hours In
6 hours into the design/planning process. Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
PVC Pipes have been cut - part of the frame has been assembled and part of the yoke and axle are MIA!
Solar Powered Lantern
The wooden frame + rice paper is almost done! The pieces are held with countersinked screws.
Automatic Can Crusher
So in the last two hours, we've solved the can - biting portion. Using PVC pipe to properly align the cans, the tires can grab onto them and pull them in to start crushing the can.
No luck on the paper shredder, but lots of mini shuriken that could be used against zombies!
Step 4: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 8 Hours In
7-8 hours into the design/planning process. Closing time for day 1 - Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Team Asleep!
Solar Powered Lantern
The wooden frame is just about done - we used 1"x2"x8' wood stock and made the frame based on some googled images of Japanese lanterns. Using old chinese paints, I decided to add a little rabbity flair! 2 of 4 panels done!
Automatic Can Crusher
Team Asleep!
Step 5: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 14 Hours In
After a night of relatively restless sleep - we're back at it!
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Jon's thinking of a new potential design for the bike trailer - ideas forthcoming!
Solar Powered Lantern
I'm going to keep working on the panels - 2 left!
Automatic Can Crusher
Arduino incorporation is being looked into!
Step 6: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 16 Hours In
16 hours in!
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
We're trying to figure out how to attach a post to his bike frame that work with the nuts and bolts we have around the house. Hmmm....
Solar Powered Lantern
I'm going to keep working on the panels - 1 left!
Automatic Can Crusher
They're trying to figure out how to make it so that the can chute is adjustable but stable...
Step 7: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 18 Hours In
18 hours in!
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Guys are off at a hardware store finding some bolts that'll work since none of our old ones work.
Solar Powered Lantern
Panels all painted!
Automatic Can Crusher
They're trying to figure out how to make it so that the can chute is adjustable but stable...
Step 8: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 20 Hours In
20 hours in!
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Pieces are being cut and fitted around the bike frame for the trailer "hitch"
Solar Powered Lantern
Panels all painted! Finished up gluing two painted panels to the frames, and cut the others to fit the remaining frames.
Automatic Can Crusher
Bolts are being readjusted to fit the chute.
Step 9: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 22 Hours In
22 hours in!
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Pieces are being cut and fitted around the bike frame for the trailer "hitch" Had to use a grinder and bandsaw to shape the stock metal piece that fit around the frame.
Solar Powered Lantern
Added external wood pieces to place battery holders and solar panels on. Wiring has also started for the circuitry!
Automatic Can Crusher
On hold while folks have dinner with their significant others!
Step 10: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 24 Hours In
24 hours in!
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
From what I understand, the guys are busy welding the frame of the bike trailer? Maybe? As soon as I can get better updates, I will let you all know
Solar Powered Lantern
The wiring has been done up by Ken and the battery clips all installed. Battery packs are currently being charged. The only problem we've had is that it seems that two of the batteries are not working properly. But since at least one works, we have proof of concept!! (EDIT: We excitedly found out that TWO of them work...though one for only a brief second)
Automatic Can Crusher
Tim and Will are trying to get the garage sensors (that will probably count the number of cans being crushed) working with their Arduino.
Step 11: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 26 Hours In
26 hours in
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
The guys are finally back from their welding adventures...and it looks like the wheels are attached to the trailer chassis!
Solar Powered Lantern
So we've put the frame together with nails and the solar panels as well as the batteries are attached to the frame. We've replaced the NiCd batteries with NiMH batteries and are seeing whether they work with those or not!
Automatic Can Crusher
Tim, Matt, and John V. are working on the frame that will hold the can crusher above the trashcan - debates abounding about 3 legs vs 4 legs for stability!
Step 12: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 28 Hours In
28 hours in - deliriummm!
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Jon's busy putting together the trailer and making sure everything fits properly
Solar Powered Lantern [Done!]
So two of the charging circuits don't seem to be working but the one that does work gives off a bit of light that's diffused throughout the lantern! Interestingly, the two that did not work had the same circuit. So it may just be that particular circuit. Proof of concept = success!
Automatic Can Crusher
The frame is still being worked on - and it looks like they've incorporated the garage opener on it. The old garage door chain is connected to one of the tires that is responsible for crushing the cans. Tim's working on programming the Arduino for the sensors they want to put onto it. (EDIT: Seems like it's working! We just need to finish the frame!)
Step 13: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 30 Hours In
29-30 hours in - are we still awake?
Project Updates:
Bike Trailer
Jon's busy putting together the trailer and making sure everything fits properly - mostly the rope webbing for holding gear.
Solar Powered Lantern [Done!]
Our hallway isn't well lit - but as soon as you bring the lantern into the hallway, it turns on!
Automatic Can Crusher
The frame has pretty much been finished! We've found an angle that it works at and have set up supporting structure. It even has its own skull :) Left on this project are the Arduino sensor programs!
Step 14: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 38 Hours In
38 hours in! I really hope I'm keeping proper track of these hours haha.
Project Updates/Current Status:
Bike Trailer
It looks like the next step for this may be taillights and figuring out how to connect it to the bike!
Solar Powered Lantern [Done!]
The lantern is still functional even after a night of hardcore charging! (I always worry about the circuit)
Automatic Can Crusher
Tim is probably working on the Arduino code this morning and Matt is working on installing a 3way switch so that we can reverse the direction of spin (maybe for projectiles?)
Step 15: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 40 Hours In
The clock is ticktocking down!!
Project Updates/Current Status:
Bike Trailer
It looks like the next step for this may be taillights and figuring out how to connect it to the bike!
Solar Powered Lantern [Done!]
The lantern is still functional even after a night of hardcore charging! (I always worry about the circuit)
Automatic Can Crusher
Tim is probably working on the Arduino code this morning and Matt is working on installing a 3way switch so that we can reverse the direction of spin (maybe for projectiles?)
Step 16: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 42 Hours In
42 hours in!
Project Updates/Current Status:
Bike Trailer
We've figured out a ghetto-style ball and joint mechanism to hook up the bike trailer to the bike! It involves a lot of washers and nuts (no pun intended).
Solar Powered Lantern [Done!]
The lantern is still functional even after a night of hardcore charging! (I always worry about the circuit)
Automatic Can Crusher
Tim and Matt are cobbling a 7 segment LED driver and learning about the Arduino in the mean time!
Step 17: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 44 Hours In
44 hours in! We're coming down to the last hours!
Project Updates/Current Status:
Bike Trailer [Done!]
I think we're done with this project! If we get ambitious we might add LEDs but for now, woohoo!
Solar Powered Lantern [Done!]
Automatic Can Crusher
Tim and Matt are still working on the code and I think getting digit 9 to come up :D Learning Arduino programming on the fly! Peter's working on getting the IR sensors to work properly so we can get can counting set up.
Step 18: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 46 Hours In
46 hours in! Wheee!
Project Updates/Current Status:
Bike Trailer [Done!]
Solar Powered Lantern [Done!]
Automatic Can Crusher
Tim, Matt, and Peter have the can counter set up and are seeing if they have enough time to include a dancing robot! We all need dancing robots. (It actually looks a lot like the Instructables robot!)
Step 19: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - 48 Hours In!
Whattttt - won't be long before we close up this 48 hour shop!
Project Updates/Current Status:
Bike Trailer [Done!]
Solar Powered Lantern [Done!]
Automatic Can Crusher
Tim, Matt, Will and Peter have put together the epic can crusher - RECYCLOTRON - complete with dancing robot!
Step 20: Deconstruction: Rabbit Hole - Parts List
Parts list for The Recyclotron Can/Brain Crusher and Zombie Warning System:
Main Can Crusher Portion:
2 circa 1985 Sears Craftsman pneumatic snow-blower tires
1 used Chamberlin 1/2HP Garagedoor opener
1 3/4" by 4' stock steel rod from Fleet Farm ($7.99)
1 3' chunk of 3" ID pvc
Misc pile of reclaimed 2x4x4'
Misc screws and carriage-bolts
1 standard 3-way light switch so motor can go fwd and backward
Chain from Garage Door opener
Rear 7 speed cassette (welded to steel rod) from a donated bicycle
Bonus Electronics:
1 set of garagedoor opener sensors and wires
1 Arduino Uno, reads door sensors display the count of cans crushed, and control the robot and sound effects
1 Sportcraft electric dartboard deconstructed (or scavenged) for the electronic components including 7 segment LEDs and sound board. ($2.50 from Goodwill)
1 broken usb powered dancing robot (arduino causes it to dance on every 12th can)
1 breadboard
Misc transistors, resistors, LEDs, 2 74HC595 shiftregisters and 1 relay
1 rail section from the garage door to hold the poster-board with breadboard/arduino mounted on it
Discarded power adapters (wall-warts) to power electrical components
Glue, zip-ties, solder, blood, sweat and duct tape
Only paid for 2 items, the axle was $7.99 and the dartboard was $2.50.
Parts list for The Foraging Bike Trailer:
2'' PVC scrap pipe.
Misc. PVC joints
50' nylon rope. $1.99
2 donated 20'' bicycle tires
5/8'' steel rod axle
Shims to match axle to bicycle bearings
lock collars to hold wheels in place
1 plastic tub
3 flat bungee cords
Misc. bolts, nuts, and washers
1 bicycle LED blinky light
Parts list for The Solar Powered Lantern:
1x2"x8' wood stock, plywood scraps
Broken solar lantern circuitry from garden lamp
Paper - chinese painting paper/rice paper or newspaper if you want
Screws, glue, nails
Additional Details for Bearing Shims on Bike Trailer:
2x 1/2" "black" pipe nipples 6" long
2x 3/4" "black" pipe nipples 3" long
2x 1/4"-20 bolts 1.5" long
2x 1/4"-20 nylock nuts
Procedure:
Chuck the 1/2" plack pipe nipple in a lathe with 5" sticking out.
Boar the center of the pipe out to just under 5/8". The pipe ID is 5/8" or just over but there is a weld seam that needs to be cut down to fit properly.
Next turn the outside diameter down to 0.785" (or 0.005" under the ID of your wheel bearings) for a length of 3.5"
Cut off the pipe nipple to 4" long.
repeat the above steps for the second 1/2" pipe.
Next cut 2 rings out of the 3/4" pipe 1/2" wide.
Assembly:
The 1/2" pipe should be a slip to pound fit over the 5/8" axle.
Install one 1/2" pipe shim with the "shoulder" in. Pound on till non shoulder end is flush with the end of the rod.
Next install the axle though the 5/8" holes in the PVC T -> PVC axle tube -> second PVC T.
Install the second pipe shim again with the "shoulder" in (180 deg from the other end of the axles). Push the shim on until it is tight against the PVC Ts and the axle cannot float sideways in the PVC frame.
Next install the wheels on both pipe shims until the inside bearing is flush against the shoulder on the pipe shim.
Install the 3/4" pipe rings so they are flush against the outside wheel bearing.
Finally drill a clearance hole for the 1/4"-20 bolt all the way through the 3/4" ring -> 1/2" pipe shim -> 5/8" axle -> 1/2" pipe shim -> 3/4" ring. Install the 1/4"-20 bolt and nylock nut.
Arduino Code for dancing robot and can counter:
// Deconstruction shift register 8 LED segment.
//Pin connected to ST_CP of 74HC595
int latchPin = 8;
//Pin connected to SH_CP of 74HC595
int clockPin = 12;
////Pin connected to DS of 74HC595
int dataPin = 11;
// Pin for LED.
int ledPin = 9;
// Pin to activate the robot.
int robotPin = 10;
// Pin for analog input from sensors
int counterPin = 0;
byte dataArray[10];
byte numbers[10];
int counterState = 0;
int counter = 0;
int last = 0;
void setup() {
//set pins to output so you can control the shift register
pinMode(latchPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(clockPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(dataPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(robotPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(counterPin, INPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
// Arduino does not have a way to write binary, so use HEX.
// //G
dataArray[0] = 0x00; //00000000
dataArray[1] = 0x01; //00000001 = A
dataArray[2] = 0x02; //00000010 = B
dataArray[3] = 0x04; //00000100 = C
dataArray[4] = 0x08; //00001000 = D
dataArray[5] = 0x10; //00010000 = E
dataArray[6] = 0x20; //00100000 = F
dataArray[7] = 0x40; //01000000 = G
dataArray[8] = 0x80; //10000000
dataArray[9] = 0xFF; //11111111
numbers[0] = 0x3F; //00111111
numbers[1] = 0x06; //00000110
numbers[2] = 0x5B; //01011011
numbers[3] = 0x4F; //01001111
numbers[4] = 0x66; //01100110
numbers[5] = 0x6D; //01101101
numbers[6] = 0x7D; //01111101
numbers[7] = 0x07; //00001111
numbers[8] = 0xFF; //11111111
numbers[9] = 0x6F; //01101111
}
void loop() {
counterState = analogRead(counterPin);
//Serial.println(counterState, DEC);
if (counterState < 30) {
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
} else {
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
}
if ((counterState < 30) && last > 30 ) {
counter += 1;
if ((counter % 12) == 0) {
// Activate robot.
//Serial.println("Activate Robot");
digitalWrite(robotPin, LOW);
} else {
digitalWrite(robotPin, HIGH);
//Serial.println("Robot Deactivated");
}
}
digitalWrite(latchPin, LOW);
int tens = counter % 10;
int ones = counter / 10;
// shift out the bits:
shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, numbers[ones]);
shiftOut(dataPin, clockPin, MSBFIRST, numbers[tens]);
digitalWrite(latchPin, HIGH);
last = counterState;
//delay(100);
}
