In this week's episode of element14 presents, Lorraine takes on the challenge of creating a moon phase display. Inspired by a fascination with the moon's different phases, Lorraine envisions a desk accessory that displays the moon phase based on a user-input date.
Watch the Video:
The project involves incorporating a keypad and LED displays for user interaction, as well as a motor to control the moon phases. Lorraine discusses the selection of a motor drive board based on the DRV8833 by Kitronik, allowing control of a servo or stepper motor. She also dives into the Astronomy API in Python to retrieve moon phase data based on the entered date.
The video showcases the coding process in Python, including how to obtain and process data from the API. Lorraine addresses challenges with keypad functionality, detailing the mapping of keys to pins and troubleshooting issues with the middle rows.
Moving forward, the hardware implementation takes shape, using 3D-printed components and a pre-purchased moon lamp. Lorraine takes viewers through the steps of disassembling the moon lamp, adapting it to fit her project, and 3D printing parts for the case.
The final assembly consists of wiring up LEDs, integrating a spinning shadow maker inside the moon, and calibrating the motor's start position. Lorraine shares her delight in the successful test of the moon phase display, expressing surprise at how well the project turned out despite some cosmetic adjustments that are needed.
Downloads and Links:
- Episode 641 Resources
- Link to the code by peppe8o
- KitronikLtd GitHub: https://github.com/KitronikLtd/Kitronik-Pico-Simply-Robotics-MicroPython/blob/main/SimplyRobotics.py
- Github for Code and Laser Cut Files: https://github.com/Lorrainbow/moonphases
- Moon Phase API
Bill of Material:
| Product Name | Quantity | Buy Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Pico W | 1 | Buy Now |
| Harwin Pin headers 1 row of 20 pins | 1 | Buy Now |
| micro USB cable | 1 | Buy Now |
| Multicomp Jumper Wire Kit, Male to Female, Multi-Coloured, 200 mm, 0.1" Dupont Connector, 0.2 mm² | 1 | Buy Now |
| NANOTEC Stepper Motor, High Torque, Single Shaft, 42 mm, Bipolar, 1.8 °, 0.09 N-m, 1.4 A | 1 | Buy Now |
| KITRONIK Robotics Board, 3.0 V to 10.8 V Supply, 2 Stepper Motors, Raspberry Pi Pico | 1 | Buy Now |
| TR FASTENINGS m3 nuts | 30 | Buy Now |
| TR FASTENINGS m3 machine screws | 30 | Buy Now |
| Multicomp Right angle pins | 1 | Buy Now |
Additional Parts:
| 3d fillament to print the 3d brackets, motor holders and the shadow |
| Wood or acrylic for the case |
| A moon! |
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