POV Arduino Fidget Spinner

I've always wanted to make a persistence of vision device, but never got around to making the usual clock or desktop display. I decided to take it to the next level and install it on a Fidget Spinner. Why not right?

I designed all aspects of the project. It is an Arduino using the SAM D21 MCU, a shift register controlling the LEDs, and some Hall Latches and magnets for encoding the spin. I wrote a simple program to have some fun with it, but I will continue to improve it.

This project required knowledge in surface mount soldering, unless you somehow managed to get me to send you a completed board(Maybe!)

You also need to know how to install a bootloader on the SAMD21(I have another tutorial on this) and how to program the firmware using the Arduino IDE. Of course you can just write your own programs if you so choose!

This project is on HackADay.io and GitHub

Step 1: Watch the Video!

Step 2: Get the Parts/Tools!

Parts

• Body - http://shpws.me/OHM2

• Bearing Caps - http://shpws.me/OHM0

• Digikey Parts List - http://www.digikey.ca/short/304qbf

• Batteries LIR2032 - http://www.canadarobotix.com/battery-chargers/1436-li-ion-rechargeable-coin-cell-battery-3-6v-lir2032-20mm-lithium-ion

• Self Tapping Plastic Screws - https://www.mcmaster.com/#99397a182/=187bi6c

• A 608 Bearing

• Circuit Boards (Order yourself using my files - Or purchase from Tindie when available). Files available on GitHub: https://github.com/IdleHandsProject/POV_Fidget

Materials

• Solder Paste

• Solder Wire

Tools

• Soldering Iron

• Toaster Oven

• Torx Screwdriver

Step 3: Solder on Components(Warning Surface Mount!)

Add the solder paste, either by hand or with a stencil. I did it by hand as per usual for low quantity boards.

Step 4: Solder on Bottom Components

The bottom components can all be done with a soldering iron. They are easy enough. The USB port is a bit tricky though.

Step 5: Program the Board

You will need to add the Arduino bootloader to the board using the programming header. I've shown this in a previous tutorial of mine and will not be detailing it here. It is covered in many places online.

After the bootloader is on(I use the Sparkfun SAMD21 Bootloader) you can program the Arduino Fidget Spinner using the program I have pieces together/written.

Check out my other tutorial for more info on this: https://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-YouTube-Play-Button/

Step 6: Test Out the Board

Lets see those LEDs blink!

Step 7: Install Batteries and Firmware

Now its the scary time to put in the batteries and install the firmware using the Arduino IDE. Goodluck, hope no magic smoke comes out!

The Arduino Firmware requires a few libraries. I have included everything in a zip file. There is also a GitHub Repo with all of the files and info: https://github.com/IdleHandsProject/POV_Fidget

Step 8: Assemble Fidget Spinner

First you need to install the small magnets into the cap. Only 2 are required and they need to be right next to each other, with opposing polarities. (NS/SN)

Next Take the circuit board and install it in the 3D printed parts from Shapeways.

Use the plastic threading screws to mount it. Easy enough! Make sure its turned the correct way, the USB only goes through one place.

Step 9: Spin!

Look! It works!

It looks a lot better in person, the camera causes the skipping of the lights, which is not visible to the human eye.

The program I wrote has a number of different modes like RPM and Spin Count. It also goes to sleep when it sits for too long(25 seconds) so it doesn't much power. You need to press the red button to wake it up. You press the blue button to change the current menu option. Some write things, others display metrics.

Step 10: Support These Projects

If you would like to support my projects, Consider subscribing to my YouTube, becoming a Patron, and following on Instagram.

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