Hard Drive Persistence of Vision (HDPOV)

Step 4 Build LED Bridges

The gap created by the read/write head assembly will not allow us to fully encircle the platter with LED tape. In order to bridge the gap, you need two build two bridges. I made mine out of half-inch thick wood, but any material should work. It just needs to have a smooth surface, half an inch thick.

If you are building the bridges out of wood, you will want to use a band saw. The pictures will help guide you.

Using a platter as a template, mark out a half-circle from your material. Make sure there is ample material around your half-circle. Cut out your half-circle, and toss it. Use the remaining outline to build the bridge from.

Line up your circle outline with the platter chamber. Mark off extra material, and trim it. This might take a few iterations to get right. You should be left with a roughly 1" thin, 3.5" wide U-shape. Once you have this shape, measure the center, and mark half an inch on either side. Remove this center.

You now should have two curved pieces. Test fit them on either side of the chamber gap. You might find that knobby features of the chassis require further refining of a certain bridge. Continue to cut away material until they you have a snug fit. The chamber wall should be flush with your bridges, or the LEDs will mount askew. Make sure the platter can spin freely with the bridges in position, shaving down any excess material.

Grab some strong, quick setting glue and glue each bridge to their position. Make sure to hold the bridge down until the glue sets.