Introduction: Useless^2 (The More Pocket Sized Way.)
I'm sure most people have heard of the most useless machine. When it is useless x useless he calls it useless squared. I built a simpler useless squared that does't use a DPDT switch nor does it use two motors. The video will explain.
Step 1: Get the Parts
You will need:
2 555 timers (You only need one but get two just in case you break one.)
Jumper Wires/ Component Leads
Breadboard/Protoboard
1x:
1Kohm resistor
4.7Kohm resistor
10Kohm resistor
33Kohm resistor
68Kohm resistor
0.01uF capacitor
0.1uF capacitor
General Purpose NPN transistor (don't use a power transistor...it requires more power to operate.) (2N3904,BC547, etc.)
Servo Motor (DON' T use a micro servo...no torque...) (Use a continuous rotation servo if not...mod a regular servo.)
Batteries and accompanying holders
SPDT Slide Switch (don't use rocker or toggle)
2 555 timers (You only need one but get two just in case you break one.)
Jumper Wires/ Component Leads
Breadboard/Protoboard
1x:
1Kohm resistor
4.7Kohm resistor
10Kohm resistor
33Kohm resistor
68Kohm resistor
0.01uF capacitor
0.1uF capacitor
General Purpose NPN transistor (don't use a power transistor...it requires more power to operate.) (2N3904,BC547, etc.)
Servo Motor (DON' T use a micro servo...no torque...) (Use a continuous rotation servo if not...mod a regular servo.)
Batteries and accompanying holders
SPDT Slide Switch (don't use rocker or toggle)
Step 2: Build the Circuit.
Build according to the schematic except...with the two buttons use the switch. The middle lead or common, is pin 6 of the 555 and the other two are the 68K and the 10K resistors. For the Servo leads, connect component leads (cut) to the servo's female headers. You could use male headers but that is harder to solder. Then plug them into the board.
Get the accompanying horns that come with the servo and pick the one with TWO arms.
Unscrew the old horn and replace the new one...if you already have it in well then...GREAT!
Once the switch is soldered and the motor is mounted test it out... if it starts rotating one way then flip the switch...if it works...
GREAT!
Now hot glue the slide switch to the motor. Make sure that if its going on the right side of the servo with the horn on its left the 68Kohm resistor is closest to the end of the servo.
If its on the left follow the exact opposite.
OIL the SLIDE SWITCH!!!
Get the accompanying horns that come with the servo and pick the one with TWO arms.
Unscrew the old horn and replace the new one...if you already have it in well then...GREAT!
Once the switch is soldered and the motor is mounted test it out... if it starts rotating one way then flip the switch...if it works...
GREAT!
Now hot glue the slide switch to the motor. Make sure that if its going on the right side of the servo with the horn on its left the 68Kohm resistor is closest to the end of the servo.
If its on the left follow the exact opposite.
OIL the SLIDE SWITCH!!!
Step 3: Play.
Congratulations...and, not so congratulations. If you made it to this step it may mean that you have successfully made this product. It may also might mean that for those of you who didn't build this this project and just read it you don't have a working product.
JUST KIDDING!
HAVE FUN!
As always...if you experience any problems leave a comment and I will try my best to help you.
If you did make it successfully well then...leave a comment saying you made it successfully!
JUST KIDDING!
HAVE FUN!
As always...if you experience any problems leave a comment and I will try my best to help you.
If you did make it successfully well then...leave a comment saying you made it successfully!
Step 4: Solder.
I don't normally add steps to my ibles but this one is different.
After soldering and professionalizing, heres what I got: (pictures above.)
After soldering and professionalizing, heres what I got: (pictures above.)