Summary of Laura: Emotional Compass Lamp
This article describes "Laura," an emotional compass lamp designed to symbolize self-discovery and guidance. The device uses an Arduino, magnetometer, and NeoPixel matrix to detect orientation and change colors accordingly, indicating if the user is on their chosen path. It features a manual color-changing mode via rotation and a continuous "rainbow" cycle when stopped. Constructed with a plywood base and opal plexiglass shell, it includes a portable power bank for mobility.
Parts used in Laura Emotional Compass Lamp:
- Arduino
- LED Neopixel matrix
- Magnetometer (HMC5883)
- Switch
- Plywood box (base)
- Opal plexiglass square (shell)
- Cyanoacrylate glue
- Power Bank battery
Story
Laura
Laura is a “counseling” lamp who is helping me to find myself and to understand where I want to go. For her great help, I wanted to give her a present that represents the work we are doing.
The inspiration came from the need to find my street, and not get lost in the various paths that life presents you. From this, I have devised a “compass / lamp” that, in addition to helping you keep the “direction,” illuminates the path.
The Compass
The “compass” does not have cardinal points, because the “right” direction, you have to decide for yourself! She tells you only if you’re following the path that you have chosen.
Changing Colors
By turning the lamp, you change color by giving different emotions each time. If for some reason you stop, you can activate the “rainbow” cycle, a continuous series of color shades of red, blue, and green.
Additional Parts
The electronic construction is very simple; Arduino, LED Neopixel matrix, magnetometer, and a switch.
The magnetometer (HMC5883) connected to the Arduino pin A4 and A5 (Protocol I2c), through the “Adafruit_HMC5883_U.h” library, provides the magnetic intensity of the xy axes. The formula headingyx = atan2 (event.magnetic.x, event .magnetic.y) provides the angle of declination.
The Neopixel LED, connected to pin 9, lights up in a different color, depending on the angle of declination. The switch, connected to pin 8, using the internal pull-up, allows the lamp to change program type (Compass – Rainbow).
Lamp Construction
The hardest part for me was to build the lamp box. The base is a box made of plywood, while the shell is made of opal plexiglass square, glued with cyanoacrylate. For more portability I also added a “Power Bank” battery for mobile phones.
Arduino Libraries:
- Wire.h: by Arduino IDE
For more detail: Laura: Emotional Compass Lamp
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How does the lamp indicate direction?
The lamp illuminates based on the angle of declination detected by the magnetometer to show if you are following your chosen path. -
Can I change the lamp's color manually?
Yes, turning the lamp changes its color to reflect different emotions. -
What happens if the lamp stops moving?
You can activate a rainbow cycle which continuously cycles through shades of red, blue, and green. -
Does the compass show cardinal points like North or South?
No, the compass does not have cardinal points because the right direction is decided by the user. -
How do I switch between Compass and Rainbow modes?
A switch connected to pin 8 allows the lamp to change program types between Compass and Rainbow modes. -
What materials were used to build the lamp box?
The base is made of plywood and the shell is made of opal plexiglass square glued with cyanoacrylate. -
Is the lamp portable?
Yes, a Power Bank battery for mobile phones was added to make the lamp portable. -
Which library is used to read magnetic intensity?
The Adafruit_HMC5883_U.h library is used to connect the magnetometer via the I2c protocol.
