CarlS

Thanks. The code is an example of how to do events in a loop without depending on delay statements (except to control the loop speed) - a useful technique.

Thanks! Looks like roughly 50/50: https://www.businessinsider.com/firefly-lightning-bug-english-language-map-2018-7 :-)

Thanks. Good ideas on the lighting. There are so many new materials and info on doing this now! Mine is still working - had to replace a few LEDs and power connectors in the Fall. I would re-do the power connections for sure - squirrels have chewed on the T connectors :-)I have not updated the code from the Instructable since I use a personal web site to set the colors. The drawing subroutines are below, and I can PM you a version with the proper indenting etc. if you need, though you may only be missing a couple of the ones below. I have a more limited holiday display due to comments from the family :-) Not going for one of the contests here :-)Radiate,5,40,255,0,0,0,255,0 Radiate,5,40,255,0,0,0,255,0 XmasColors Wait,8 RedWhiteOne more note: I tried the Vixen Lights app recentl…

Thanks. Good ideas on the lighting. There are so many new materials and info on doing this now! Mine is still working - had to replace a few LEDs and power connectors in the Fall. I would re-do the power connections for sure - squirrels have chewed on the T connectors :-)I have not updated the code from the Instructable since I use a personal web site to set the colors. The drawing subroutines are below, and I can PM you a version with the proper indenting etc. if you need, though you may only be missing a couple of the ones below. I have a more limited holiday display due to comments from the family :-) Not going for one of the contests here :-)Radiate,5,40,255,0,0,0,255,0 Radiate,5,40,255,0,0,0,255,0 XmasColors Wait,8 RedWhiteOne more note: I tried the Vixen Lights app recently with a simple Arduino as a controller and I think it would work with this many LEDs, though I have not tried it.//----------------------------------------------------------------------// wait_secs//----------------------------------------------------------------------void wait_secs(int secs) { delay(1000 * secs);} // wait_secs//----------------------------------------------------------------------// set_color//----------------------------------------------------------------------void set_color(uint8_t r, uint8_t g, uint8_t b) { for(uint16_t i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(r, g, b)); } strip.show();} // set_color//----------------------------------------------------------------------// colorWipeUp - Fill the dots one after the other with a color//----------------------------------------------------------------------void colorWipeUp(uint32_t c, int wait) { for(uint16_t i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { strip.setPixelColor(i, c); strip.show(); delay(wait); }} // colorWipeUp//----------------------------------------------------------------------// colorWipeDown - Fill the dots one after the other with a color//----------------------------------------------------------------------void colorWipeDown(uint32_t c, int wait) { for(uint16_t i=strip.numPixels()-1; i>=0; i--) { strip.setPixelColor(i, c); strip.show(); delay(wait); }} // colorWipeDown//----------------------------------------------------------------------// rainbow//----------------------------------------------------------------------void rainbow(int wait) { uint16_t i, j; for(j=0; j<256; j++) { for(i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { strip.setPixelColor(i, Wheel((i+j) & 255)); } strip.show(); delay(wait); }}//----------------------------------------------------------------------// rainbowCycle - Slightly different, this makes the rainbow equally distributed throughout//----------------------------------------------------------------------void rainbowCycle(int wait) { uint16_t i, j; for(j=0; j<256*5; j++) { // 5 cycles of all colors on wheel for(i=0; i< strip.numPixels(); i++) { strip.setPixelColor(i, Wheel(((i * 256 / strip.numPixels()) + j) & 255)); } strip.show(); delay(wait); }}//----------------------------------------------------------------------// Input a value 0 to 255 to get a color value.// The colours are a transition r - g - b - back to r.//----------------------------------------------------------------------uint32_t Wheel(byte WheelPos) { if(WheelPos < 85) { return strip.Color(WheelPos * 3, 255 - WheelPos * 3, 0); } else if(WheelPos < 170) { WheelPos -= 85; return strip.Color(255 - WheelPos * 3, 0, WheelPos * 3); } else { WheelPos -= 170; return strip.Color(0, WheelPos * 3, 255 - WheelPos * 3); }}//----------------------------------------------------------------------// xmas_colors//----------------------------------------------------------------------void xmas_colors() { int mod; for(uint16_t i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(0, 0, 0)); for(uint16_t i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { mod = i % 30; if ((mod >= 0) && (mod <= 2)) strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(255, 0, 0)); if ((mod >= 6) && (mod <= 8)) strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(0, 255, 0)); if ((mod >= 12) && (mod <= 14)) strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(204, 50, 0)); if ((mod >= 18) && (mod <= 20)) strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(0, 0, 255)); if ((mod >= 24) && (mod <= 26)) strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(255, 240, 0)); } strip.show();} // xmas_colors//----------------------------------------------------------------------// fade_ab - fade between 2 colors//----------------------------------------------------------------------void fade_ab(uint8_t cR1, uint8_t cG1, uint8_t cB1, uint8_t cR2, uint8_t cG2, uint8_t cB2, int wait, int num_steps) { int j; set_color(cR1, cG1, cB1); for (j=0; j<num_steps; j++) { set_color(cR1 + j * (cR2 - cR1)/num_steps, cG1 + j * (cG2 - cG1)/num_steps, cB1 + j * (cB2 - cB1)/num_steps); strip.show(); delay(wait); }} // fade_ab//----------------------------------------------------------------------// chase//----------------------------------------------------------------------void chase(int width, int gap, int loop_delay, int fR, int fG, int fB, int bR, int bG, int bB) { int len = width + gap; int R, G, B; int i, j; for (i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { for (j=0; j<=i; j++) { R = fR - (((i-j) % len) * fR / width); if (R < 0) R = bR; G = fG - (((i-j) % len) * fG / width); if (G < 0) G = bG; B = fB - (((i-j) % len) * fB / width); if (B < 0) B = bB; strip.setPixelColor(j, strip.Color(R, G, B)); } strip.show(); delay(loop_delay); }} // chase//----------------------------------------------------------------------// chase_single_up//----------------------------------------------------------------------void chase_single_up(int width, int wait, int fR, int fG, int fB, int bR, int bG, int bB) { // green dot moving down for(uint16_t i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { if ((i - width) >= 0) { strip.setPixelColor(i-width, strip.Color(bR, bG, bB)); } strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(fR, fG, fB)); strip.show(); delay(wait); }} // chase_single_up//----------------------------------------------------------------------// chase_single_down//----------------------------------------------------------------------void chase_single_down(int width, int wait, int fR, int fG, int fB, int bR, int bG, int bB) { // green dot moving down for(uint16_t i=strip.numPixels()-1; i>=0; i--) { if ((i + width) <= strip.numPixels()) { strip.setPixelColor(i+width, strip.Color(bR, bG, bB)); } strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(fR, fG, fB)); strip.show(); delay(wait); }} // chase_single_down//----------------------------------------------------------------------// sparkle//----------------------------------------------------------------------void sparkle(uint32_t col1, uint32_t col2, int wait, int steps) { uint16_t i, j, k; for(i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(0, 0, 0)); for(k=0; k<steps; k++) { i = random(strip.numPixels()); j = random(2); if (j == 0) strip.setPixelColor(i, col1); if (j == 1) strip.setPixelColor(i, col2); strip.show(); delay(wait); strip.setPixelColor(i, 0); }} // sparkle//----------------------------------------------------------------------// red_white//----------------------------------------------------------------------void red_white() { #define pat_width 7 int i, j, k; strip.setBrightness(0); for(j=0; j<256; j++) { strip.setBrightness(j); for(i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { if (((i % pat_width) == 0) || ((i % pat_width) == 1)) strip.setPixelColor(i, 255, 0, 0); if (((i % pat_width) == 2) || ((i % pat_width) == 3)) strip.setPixelColor(i, 255, 255, 255); if (((i % pat_width) == 4) || ((i % pat_width) == 5) || ((i % pat_width) == 6)) strip.setPixelColor(i, 0, 0, 0); } strip.show(); delay(10); } for (k=0; k<200; k++) { for(i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { j = i + k % pat_width; if (((j % pat_width) == 0) || ((j % pat_width) == 1)) strip.setPixelColor(i, 255, 0, 0); if (((j % pat_width) == 2) || ((j % pat_width) == 3)) strip.setPixelColor(i, 255, 255, 255); if (((j % pat_width) == 4) || ((j % pat_width) == 5) || ((j % pat_width) == 6)) strip.setPixelColor(i, 0, 0, 0); } strip.show(); delay(100); }} // red_white//----------------------------------------------------------------------// middle_to_edge - fill the strip from the middle out//----------------------------------------------------------------------void middle_to_edge(int wait, uint8_t R, uint8_t G, uint8_t B) { int i; int n2 = strip.numPixels() / 2; for(uint16_t i=0; i<=n2; i++) { if ((n2 - i) >= 0) strip.setPixelColor(n2 - i, strip.Color(R, G, B)); if ((n2 + i + 1) < strip.numPixels()) strip.setPixelColor(n2 + i + 1, strip.Color(R, G, B)); delay(wait); strip.show(); }} // middle_to_edge//----------------------------------------------------------------------// bar_right - move a bar of the given width to the right//----------------------------------------------------------------------void bar_right(int width, int wait, uint8_t fR, uint8_t fG, uint8_t fB, uint8_t bR, uint8_t bG, uint8_t bB) { int i, j; for(uint16_t i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { for (j=0; j<width; j++) { strip.setPixelColor(i+j, strip.Color(fR, fG, fB)); strip.setPixelColor(i-j, strip.Color(bR, bG, bB)); } strip.show(); delay(wait); } strip.show();} // bar_right//----------------------------------------------------------------------// bar_left - move a bar of the given width to the left//----------------------------------------------------------------------void bar_left(int width, int wait, uint8_t fR, uint8_t fG, uint8_t fB, uint8_t bR, uint8_t bG, uint8_t bB) { int i, j; for(uint16_t i=strip.numPixels()-1; i>0; i--) { for (j=0; j<width; j++) { strip.setPixelColor(i+j, strip.Color(bR, bG, bB)); strip.setPixelColor(i-j, strip.Color(fR, fG, fB)); } strip.show(); delay(wait); } strip.show();} // bar_left//----------------------------------------------------------------------// radiate out from the center//----------------------------------------------------------------------void radiate(int width, uint8_t wait, uint8_t fR, uint8_t fG, uint8_t fB, uint8_t bR, uint8_t bG, uint8_t bB) { int i, j, k; int mid = strip.numPixels() / 2; for (i=0; i<mid; i++) { for (j=0; j<=i; j++) { if ((((i-j) / width) % 2) == 0) { strip.setPixelColor(mid + j, strip.Color(fR, fG, fB)); strip.setPixelColor(mid - j, strip.Color(fR, fG, fB)); } else { strip.setPixelColor(mid + j, strip.Color(bR, bG, bB)); strip.setPixelColor(mid - j, strip.Color(bR, bG, bB)); } } strip.show(); delay(wait); }} // radiate//----------------------------------------------------------------------// running mice//----------------------------------------------------------------------#define MAXMICE 40void mice(int num_mice, int width, int min_vel, int max_vel, uint8_t wait, uint8_t fR, uint8_t fG, uint8_t fB, uint8_t bR, uint8_t bG, uint8_t bB) { int i, j, k; int mPos[MAXMICE]; int mVel[MAXMICE]; int pos; int mDone[MAXMICE]; boolean bQuit; num_mice = min(num_mice, MAXMICE); // initialize the mice positions and velocities for (i=0; i<num_mice; i++) { mPos[i] = random(strip.numPixels() - width); mVel[i] = random(min_vel, max_vel + 1); if (random(2) == 0) mVel[i] = -1 * mVel[i]; mDone[i] = 0; } // move each mouse while(1) { // wipe the strip to the back color for(j=0; j<strip.numPixels(); j++) { strip.setPixelColor(j, strip.Color(bR, bG, bB)); } for (j=0; j<num_mice; j++) { for (k=0; k<width; k++) { pos = mPos[j] + k; if ((pos >= 0) && (pos < strip.numPixels())) { strip.setPixelColor(pos, strip.Color(fR, fG, fB)); } else { mDone[j] = 1; } } //mPos[j] = min(strip.numPixels() - width - 1, max(0,mPos[j] + mVel[j])); mPos[j] = mPos[j] + mVel[j]; } // j mice strip.show(); delay(wait); // quit if the mice are all done bQuit = true; for (j=0; j<num_mice; j++) { if (mDone[j] == 0) bQuit = false; } if (bQuit) return; } // while(1)} // mice

I think it just seemed OK that way. The end couplers on those extend them out a bit. The end size is about 28" x 20".FWIW, I added grommets to the banner and use minature bungee cords to hold the banner on the frame now.

We started with the idea of a bigger size too, but the 4'x8' was a convenient form factor, and was tall enough to hide all the band members behind it. I don't think we tried to hide the sousaphones there. :-) The design would work at any size, though.Wind is an issue, and varies greatly. A surface this large is generally called a sail. If you live in Kansas, then I would not even try these. Here is So Cal, it was not too bad. On breezy days we taped 4 bricks to those middle supports.Good luck!

Thanks! Good Luck!

The servos I used were pretty powerful, so they hold the maze when not in use. For the larger maze, I used counter-weights to balance it out, but I would still like to re-work that one to use servo arms or gears for more leverage and balance when off.

Thanks!

Very nice! I just finished a similar one, but wanted mine to be stand-alone: https://www.instructables.com/id/WiFi-Mesh-Synchronized-LED-Bars/ I was not aware of the mcLightning library - looks great!

Thanks!

Rimshot please :-) Thanks!

An inverted bucket bot? :-) You can also have a flexible mount at the top and use contact switches around the edges to detect when an obstacle is hit.

Thanks!

Thanks!

Thanks - glad it was helpful.Those steppers sound good. I have used lower current / lower torque ones on a mobile robot and they were great. I used the Adafruit motor driver board and AccelStepper library.Your definition of racking is correct. I am surprised the one rod does not work since it mechanically connects the sides (well, through the belts in my setup). Make sure the screws are tight and belts fairly tight - not slipping at all. Are you using two motors or one on that axis? If it's two, they may not be moving exactly together. I only use one motor. You could extend that long shaft and put the motor right on that one. If you have a high acceleration on the motor, that could also be an issue - would require a stronger frame. But, yes, you should be able to put a long shaft…

Thanks - glad it was helpful.Those steppers sound good. I have used lower current / lower torque ones on a mobile robot and they were great. I used the Adafruit motor driver board and AccelStepper library.Your definition of racking is correct. I am surprised the one rod does not work since it mechanically connects the sides (well, through the belts in my setup). Make sure the screws are tight and belts fairly tight - not slipping at all. Are you using two motors or one on that axis? If it's two, they may not be moving exactly together. I only use one motor. You could extend that long shaft and put the motor right on that one. If you have a high acceleration on the motor, that could also be an issue - would require a stronger frame. But, yes, you should be able to put a long shaft on both ends.Yes, for multiple screws, a custom bracket from angle aluminum or printed may work, and yes, it might be less adjustable. I have not tried that approach.Good luck!

It's my own fault for giving him some tidbits :-)

I think most CNC type applications assume there are no obstacles in the workspace - avoiding those would clearly change the drawing. There are numerous vector conversion programs - maybe you can go from an intermediate format like gcode?

Nice project. Yes, those linear bearings can be expensive, so a lot of projects use v-groove rollers now. The T-Slot version I also published is another approach, albeit more expensive. It is a lot more relaible, though.

Looks nice - the base cabinets definitley give you more surface space for the printer etc.

Thanks!

Great info - thanks!

The cabinets fit inside the frames, so I just used a few drywall screws from the sides to connect the cabinets to the frames. Be careful on the placement so the screws don't go into the cabinets.

Nice!

Thanks. I do not think this approach would be suitable for very high precision positioning. Using stepper motors would help, as well as making sure everything is well tuned. But, there are many XY table hardware options out there that may be more reliable. I have not used them, so cannot make any recommendations. Good luck!

Looks great! All set for tyhat new TV! :-)

Cool - glad to hear it! I am waiting for the fluorescent tubes to fail in my garage :-)