How to Make a Fan POV Display
Intro: 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:
82 Comments
MA101 1 year ago
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem is?
Rmapps 2 years ago
fgk94 3 years ago
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 6 years ago
I made it , but there are not all the letters in your code , how do i code them ?
Ahmed asas 6 years ago
jbumstead 6 years ago
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 6 years ago
Volthaus Electronics Laboratory 8 years ago
Would a 3144 Hall Effect Sensor work? Thanks for all your good work.
GreatScottLab 8 years ago
Not with a LiPo cell as a power source.
RealAXZ 6 years ago
Will button cell work?
JasA1 8 years ago
i used one and it worked just fine !
RealAXZ 6 years ago
Can i use another type of hall effect sensor like SS49E or A3144 hall effect sensor instead ?
attanayaka 6 years ago
KashyapA4 6 years ago
Hey great scott. Regarding the battery management, do you have a recommended procedure/charger to recharge the battery?
UtkarshC9 7 years ago
FamilyC1 7 years ago
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 7 years ago
Can you code/programme it to act as a clock? Man it would be so cool!!
FamilyC1 7 years ago
yes, but it can take hours,and you have to adjust the time every time you turn the arduino on
FamilyC1 7 years ago
cool!
tooday11 7 years ago
Nice