Suggestions for a new & improved spirograph :)

Ive been wanting to build a realy nice spirograph for sometime now. So today I went out and got a perfect size project box and prepared all of my bits. Now I have built the standard type spiro before, but hate the constant turning of the knobs.

Im calling out all the wise members on this forum to come up with some new ideas, and hopefully a realatively simple circuit that can perform the following tasks.

-random output currents to the 2-3 dc motors which drive the mirros
-random reverse to one of the motors while the motor is spinning slow
-sudden dropout of current to either both mirror motors or one at a time
-if possible the ability to turn off, say a green module for 30 secs and turnit back on.

Now my knowledge is limited on the different types of parts and possible circuits which could be used for this. And im sure there are other members who would be interested in a spirograph circuit which can bask in the shadow of a true scanner. If you have an idea post it, all suggestions are welcome unless its a link to a scanpro build that is :-/

This sounds like a microcontroller project. This could probably be done on a PIC or Basic Stamp type platform. With the need for timing, random events, and potentially also controlling the laser or lasers (red, green, and a dichro?), a microcontroller seems to make sense. You would need to make two motor control circuits, perhaps based on fullbridges of small mosfets (fullbridge allows easy motor reversal). Then, you might want the red and green lasers randomly controlled, so you get a red, green, or yellow output. This isn't terribly simple or cheap anymore ... It could be done if you're determined and would definitely be a unique and worthwhile project.

Bill.

Thats exactly what im trying to avoid :-/ I was thinking of something more complicated like that, but as a 'later on' project. What about oscillating speed on a single motor and speed adjustment by sound on another? Is there something like the 555 you would recomend to start with?

I know....... I know...... train a monkey to twiddle the knobs at random...
then all you'd need to do is feed him a banana once in a while when you see
him slowing down or goofing off... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

As George Costanza once said AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHAAAAAAAAA!!!

My ideas are coming together, no monkey nor bannanas required


[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrPoji5JDbk[/media]

I Wouldn´t be too hard, I would try it with an avr..
Don´t yet know which one, but I will be sure that it won´t be very complicated...

ADC+PWM for manual speed adjust, automatic PWM control by controller, and 2 pwm channels for the lasers.

ArRaY

wannaburn said:

As George Costanza once said AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHAAAAAAAAA!!!

My ideas are coming together, no monkey nor bannanas required

Click to expand...

Nice video.  Nice work.

However, you have angered the banana with your insensitive remark.



Beware.

Peace,
dave

Ive got an audio controler on my breadboard now, and the auto speed control finished. I want to squeeze the TTL in there as well, but one step at a time

Thats one angry looking bannana

I think you may want to contact this man: APDigitalLight
He built a 3-axis laser spirograph that is pic based and can be set to random as seen on his video here at 2:23 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxwFzfvi0DY

cbrian4 said:

I think you may want to contact this man:  APDigitalLight
He built a 3-axis laser spirograph that is pic based and can be set to random as seen on his video here at 2:23 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxwFzfvi0DY

Click to expand...

He's the man you want. For $50, he built a controller for me that does exactly what you want. He also sells plans and kits that cost less..

ElektroFreak said:

[quote author=cbrian4 link=1224028223/0#8 date=1227474950]I think you may want to contact this man:  APDigitalLight
He built a 3-axis laser spirograph that is pic based and can be set to random as seen on his video here at 2:23 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxwFzfvi0DY

Click to expand...

He's the man you want. For $50, he built a controller for me that does exactly what you want. He also sells plans and kits that cost less..[/quote]

How about a link or E-Mail or contact Info... :-?

his email address is: arturpro@hotmail.com

Ask about the "DIY Spirograph Kit"

He has the layout for the random generator in zip format with all the info here

http://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FXL/UFUS/FF22CIF4/FXLUFUSFF22CIF4.zip

And intersting one, I may give this a try as well, or incorporate into what im already working with.

Thanks for the info guys...

There are plenty of already made spiro's out there that have audio, automatic and manual modes. I have one that came with a green laser module. Its a little complicated to build, but deffinately not impossible. Good luck.

Here is my spiro.

Things,

How does yours respond to music? Faster slower motor control, or polarity reversal? Im playing with a few ideas... My first one combines 50mW green and 125mW 405, making a crisp ice blue pattern. I figure TTL might make for an intersting addition with the audio modulation, but am going to put all the extras in the second one I assemble. Right now im exploring the different avenues so I can just etch a single layout control board with all the extras in one. I always seem to work in reverse with  the board layout and etching when changes might still be made.

Where did you get the premade one?

* This is what I have so far, out the rear of it is a bonus 20mW green through a grating for some additional effects