How to Make a Fan POV Display

In this project I will show you how I transformed an ordinary old Fan into a LED POV Display which can present you light patterns, words or even the time. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all the basic information you need to build this project. In the next steps though you will find all the files I created which you can use to create a similar POV Display.

Step 2: Order Your Parts!

Here you can find a parts list with example sellers for your convenience (affiliate links).

Aliexpress:

1x Arduino Pro Mini: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d62ALdV

1x FTDI Breakout: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV4Gqp1

5x 5mm LED Red: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6kJOO3

5x 200Ω, 1x 10kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTPpXjt

1x Slide Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dVn7Jlz

1x 80mAh LiPo Battery: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dW4r6AT

1x U18 Hall Effect sensor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8Si6VZ

Ebay:

1x Arduino Pro Mini: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x FTDI Breakout: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

5x 5mm LED Red: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

5x 200Ω, 1x 10kΩ Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Slide Switch: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 80mAh LiPo Battery + Protection circuit: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x U18 Hall Effect sensor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Fan: -

Amazon.de:

1x Arduino Pro Mini: http://amzn.to/1HwhJ8d

1x FTDI Breakout: http://amzn.to/1yX3CYp

5x 5mm LED Red: http://amzn.to/1PNrrd5

5x 200Ω, 1x 10kΩ Resistor: http://amzn.to/1A2KZzi

1x Slide Switch: http://amzn.to/1UdGgqC

1x 80mAh LiPo Battery + Protection circuit: http://amzn.to/1UdGGgJ

1x U18 Hall Effect sensor: http://amzn.to/1UdGNZw

1x Fan: http://amzn.to/1PtLR4c

Step 3: Create the Wooden Stick!

Feel free to download and use my design.svg file to create a similar wooden stick that I used in the video. Make sure to open the .svg file with Google chrome and print it out without any margins.

Step 4: Build the Circuit!

Use the here presented schematic and reference pictures to create the circuit.

Step 5: Upload the Code!

When uploading one of the three Arduino sketches to an Arduino Pro Mini it is necessary to use an FTDI breakout. After a successful upload the project is pretty much complete.

Step 6: Success!

You did it! You just created your own POV Display!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

Comments

[Rmapps]

Bro how can I program to get images & videos in 3d led fan can you please make a reply soon...

[fgk94]

I think this is a very good guide to get started with this topic.
I recommend to use 7 LEDs, so the characters can be taken from a LCD display (20 x 4 or similar). For this you can find countless examples and libraries. It provides a better resolution and the code can be optimized.

[KristersK]

I made it , but there are not all the letters in your code , how do i code them ?

[Ahmed asas]

Very good

[jbumstead]

Thanks for creating a very clear instructable. I didn't know about the hall sensor, and I used it for another spinning electronics project.

[attanayaka]

no hall effect sensor. i have reed switch.how to connect it.and how to programe it

[Volthaus Electronics Laboratory]

Would a 3144 Hall Effect Sensor work? Thanks for all your good work.

[GreatScottLab]

Not with a LiPo cell as a power source.

[RealAXZ]

Will button cell work?

[JasA1]

i used one and it worked just fine !

[RealAXZ]

Can i use another type of hall effect sensor like SS49E or A3144 hall effect sensor instead ?

[attanayaka]

i dont have hall effect sensor

[KashyapA4]

Hey great scott. Regarding the battery management, do you have a recommended procedure/charger to recharge the battery?

[UtkarshC9]

Hey great scott.i just wabt to ask that can i use a 9volt battery instead of the lipo battery???

[FamilyC1]

If the arduino mini can support it, and keep in mind that it will ad a lot of weight to the wooden stick

[Masud Hassan]

Can you code/programme it to act as a clock? Man it would be so cool!!

[FamilyC1]

yes, but it can take hours,and you have to adjust the time every time you turn the arduino on

[FamilyC1]

cool!

[tooday11]

Nice

[hot-fresh-rider]

I'd love to see this on a ceiling fan with RGB LEDs in time to music.