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.

Design.rar
Download

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

2 People Made This Project!

RANDOM KNOWLEDGE made it!
RANDOM KNOWLEDGE made it!

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80 Comments

fgk94

6 months ago

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.