[Frank Herrmann] had an interesting idea to turn a geared DC motor into a servo motor assembly, but with a stepper motor-like interface. By stacking some small PCBs behind the motor body, it was possible to squeeze a DRV8837 DC motor driver and a pair of hall effect sensors on the first PCB layer, with the magnetic […]
TEACHING A DC SERVO MOTOR TO ACT LIKE A STEPPER Continue Reading
It’s now about six years since Star Wars: The Force Awakens first showed us the little spherical robot BB-8, but it’s fair to say that along the way we’ve not lost our collective fascination for rolling-ball robots. There have been plenty of attempts to make a fully-rolling device, but perhaps [Derek Lieber] has a better take on
WHEN A BALL ROBOT BECOMES TWO WHEELS Continue Reading
Analog clocks are beautiful things inside, using ornate gear trains to keep track of time in a dance of mechanical beauty. However, all too often, the complexity is hidden inside. This gear clock design from [Tada3], however, proudly shows off its workings. A small stepper motor is used to run the clock’s movement, a small part
A SIMPLE 3D PRINTED GEAR CLOCK SHOWS OFF HOW IT WORKS Continue Reading
In one of my previous Instructables, I showed you how you can use a Stepper motor as a rotary encoder. In this Instructable, let’s learn how we can use it to control our computer. So without further ado, let’s get started! Step 1: Watch the Video Watch the above video to get a better idea of
Control Your Computer With a Stepper Motor! Continue Reading
Purpose of the Project: To create a Zoetrope system with the button module and DC motor using the Pinoo control card. Duration: 2 lessons Age Group: 9 years and older Set Used: Pinoo Full Set Benefits: • Learns to code Pinoo control card • Learns to code the button module. • Dc engine learns to code. • Improves the
Zoetrope With Pinoo Continue Reading
Many of us have marveled at art installations that feature marbles quietly and ceaselessly tracing out beautiful patterns in sand. [DIY Machines] is here to show us that it’s entirely possible to build one yourself at home! The basic mechanism is simple enough. The table uses a Cartesian motion platform to move a magnet underneath
BUILDING A KINETIC SAND ART TABLE Continue Reading
What do you give a six-year-old who loves going fast but doesn’t like loud noises? Convert a gas go-kart to electric of course! (Video, embedded below.) That goal started [Robert Dunn] of Aging Wheels down a long path toward a go-kart that almost, but doesn’t quite… work. If you’ve watched any of [Robert’s] videos, you know
FAIL OF THE WEEK: ALTERNATOR POWERED ELECTRIC GO-KART DOESN’T GO Continue Reading
Halloween is right around the corner and just about every Halloween project needs some kind of motion sensor. Historically, we’ve used IR and ultrasonic sensors but [Makers Mashup] decided to use an ESP32-Cam as a motion sensor in his latest animatronic creation. You can see a video of the device and how it works below. The
ESP32-CAM MAKES A DANDY MOTION DETECTOR Continue Reading
Interested in making a useless box? Building this project was a really fun experience for me. Having very little prior knowledge about circuits, making this simple gadget was a great introduction to circuits for me. And, it’s really fun to play with once completed! This project is meant for beginners with little or no experience
Got a couple of old DVD-RW drives lying around, just collecting dust? Of course you do. If not, you likely know where to find a pair so you can build this totally adorable and fully dangerous laser engraver for your desk. Check out the complete build video after the break. [Smart Tronix] doesn’t just tell you to
MINI LASER ENGRAVER COULD CARVE OUT A PLACE ON YOUR DESK Continue Reading
