Introduction: Make Your Own POV LED Globe
In this project I will show you how I combined a couple steel pieces with an Arduino, an APA102 LED Strip and a Hall effect sensor in order to create a POV (persistence of vision) RGB LED Globe. WIth it you can create all kinds of spherical pictures or even letters which is a definite eyecatcher. Let's get started!
Step 1: Watch the Video!
The video gives you all information you need to recreate the project. In the next steps though I will present you some additional information to make it even easier.
Step 2: Order the Components!
Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):
Aliexpress:
1x Arduino Nano: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dULoNXh
1m x APA102 LED Strip (144 LED/m): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV7LZhU
1x U18 Hall effect sensor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7c8hlG
1x LiPo Battery: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6Y0yGq
1x TP4056 Protect/Charge circuit: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dX8n0hp
1x Boost Converter: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7AJnzG
1x Ball Bearing: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXjVbC2
1x 12V 3000RPM DC Motor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUU9TJC
1x 8mm/5mm Adapter: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTdCYt0
Ebay:
1x Arduino Nano: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1m x APA102 LED Strip (144 LED/m): 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 LiPo Battery: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x TP4056 Protect/Charge circuit: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x Boost Converter: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x Ball Bearing: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x 12V 3000RPM DC Motor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x 8mm/5mm Adapter: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
Amazon.de:
1x Arduino Nano: http://amzn.to/2w9b05H
1m x APA102 LED Strip (144 LED/m): http://amzn.to/2vi8hIa
1x U18 Hall effect sensor: http://amzn.to/2xDJydU
1x LiPo Battery: http://amzn.to/2xDkT9h
1x TP4056 Protect/Charge circuit: http://amzn.to/2xDyj5h
1x Boost Converter: http://amzn.to/2wfyaFV
1x Ball Bearing: http://amzn.to/2xDvEsn
1x 12V 3000RPM DC Motor: http://amzn.to/2wJvJ1e
1x 8mm/5mm Adapter: http://amzn.to/2wJgnd8
Home Improvement store:
1x 200x200x20mm Steel base plate
3x 40x500x4mm flat steel
M4, M5 bolts & nuts
8mm aluminum rod
Step 3: The Mechanical Build!
At this point you should create the mechanical part of the project. For that you can follow the guidelines from the video and use the 3D model or .stl file in order to print the circle and the cuboid.
Step 4: The Electrical Build!
Here you can find the schematic of the project. You can download it in a higher resolution if you left click on the image twice and select a resolution on the left. Here you can also download the example Arduino sketches that I created for this project.
Attachments
Step 5: Success!
You did it! You just created your own POV LED Globe!
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
21 Comments
Question 8 months ago on Introduction
Hi Scot. What was the motor RPM that you went up to? Thanks
Question 1 year ago on Step 4
Great project. The code asks for a file "FastLED.h". Do you know where I can get this library file? Thank you in advance.
4 years ago
Can you show me a picture of the globe assembly including the LED and its controls?thanks
4 years ago
Does it can make a letter?
4 years ago
Hello! what was eventually the optimal voltage you applied on the DC motor?
4 years ago
Hello sir thank u for sharing ur project it’s amazing and I always watch ur video
One q
Is it possible to make the earth pic and what do I need to convert the pic ? Thanks
4 years ago
Hello sir thank u it’s amazinf project and thanks for sharing ur knowledge with us
One q plz
How if I wanna create pic with it like if I wanna make the earth pic
Do I need to convert the pic to BMP and download the code to arduino ?thank u sir
4 years ago
Nice build and very good instructable. Very well explained. I wonder iif you could add some modelers clay to balance the thing, then weigh the clay and add permanent weights to the same area...
Reply 4 years ago
If the imbalance is due to the electronics at the center that would certainly help. Though for best stability, I would start with a sturdier frame design. Whether using steel, aluminum or even wood, using just flat stock without cross bracing or gussets will tend to be wobbly at any speed.
4 years ago
This is a great project, with great instruction. Well done. What sort of wire do you normally use (size, covering). The PVC sheath on the wire that I use has a tendency to retract and melt.
4 years ago
Wow, this is truly an eye candy! <3
4 years ago
If I use a TP4056 I don't need the boost converter correct? All I'll need is a power source, the TP4056, the US1881 hall effect sensor and a nano right?
Reply 4 years ago
No. You need 5V. That is what the boost converter does.
4 years ago
One suggestion, you may want to note that in order to use the two sketches you have above, one needs to add the http://fastled.io/ library if they don't already have it in their Arduino IDE.
I definitely have to say though including the STLs is a big, huge, thumbs up! I want to print and make one myself.
4 years ago
A clever coder could create a simple representation of the earth, with a sun side and a night side. Programmed to "rotate" the image once ever 24 hrs, it would function as a very cool clock!
4 years ago
wow..! Great work man!
4 years ago
Amazing work man!!!!! Very creative!!!
4 years ago
Excellent project. Something fun, that's not too hard to build. It would be great if you included a completed photo with it standing still.
4 years ago
Thank you, as usual, very creative and well described and documented project. Well done.
For you problem of rotating, instead of puting a second leg, you may equilibrate the wheel, as it is done for car wheels.
Thank you
4 years ago
Not my sort of project but I was impressed with the thoroughness of your presentation and watched the entire video. Well done.