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Viseesaw

Summary of Viseesaw


Viseesaw is a metaphorical seesaw project using an Arduino MKR1000 and stepper motor to visualize inequality. Part I connects to a webpage to read angle values, converting them into motor steps via a timing belt system. The device swings based on data from a web server, demonstrating physical representation of social or conceptual disparities through controlled motion.

Parts used in the Viseesaw:

  • Arduino MKR1000
  • Breadboard (generic)
  • Adafruit Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield for Arduino v2 Kit - v2.3
  • Adafruit Stepper motor - NEMA-17 size - 200 steps/rev, 12V 350mA
  • Adafruit Stepper Motor Mount with Hardware - NEMA-17 Sized
  • 4 channel 2C Bi-directional Level Shifter
  • Timing belt
  • Aluminum GT2 Timing Pulley - 6mm Belt - 20 Tooth - 5mm Bore
  • Wood plates (4mm thickness)
  • Wood glue
  • Aluminum GT2 Timing Pulley - 6mm Belt - 36 Tooth - 8mm Bore
  • 608.ZZ bearings
  • D8 mm shaft
  • External power supply 12v 1500mA

Viseesaw uses the figure of a seesaw, to show metaphorically the inequality of two physical, conceptual or social realities.

Viseesaw

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Arduino MKR1000
Arduino MKR1000
× 1
Breadboard (generic)
Breadboard (generic)
× 1
Adafruit Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield for Arduino v2 Kit – v2.3
× 1
Adafruit Stepper motor – NEMA-17 size – 200 steps/rev, 12V 350mA
× 1
Adafruit Stepper Motor Mount with Hardware – NEMA-17 Sized
× 1
4 channel 2C Bi-directional Level Shifter
× 1
Timing belt
× 1
Aluminum GT2 Timing Pulley – 6mm Belt – 20 Tooth – 5mm Bore
× 1

Story

Quick Solutions to Questions related to Viseesaw:

  • How does the Viseesaw movement get controlled?
    The swinging movement is done by a stepper motor which is controlled by the MKR1000.
  • What happens when there is a change on the distribution of visitors?
    Every time there is a change on the distribution of the visitors in the room, the seesaw swing position would be updated.
  • How does the MKR1000 process information in Input Case 2?
    MKR1000 processes the information of each inequality from a database managed from an open public website accessed by internet.
  • What method is used to construct the seesaw parts?
    Most of the parts were manufactured cutting 4mm thickness wood plates with a laser cutting machine.
  • How are the wooden parts joined together?
    Some parts are joined with wood glue to get 12 mm thickness.
  • What voltage does the motor receive from the external power supply?
    The motor is powered from a external power supply 12v 1500mA connected to the motor shield.
  • How is the signal converted between the Arduino and the motor shield?
    A 4 channel 2C level shifter is used to pullup 3v digital I/O from Arduino/Genuino MKR1000 to 5v I/O in the motor shield.
  • What characters mark the start and end of reading the angle value?
    "L" indicates the start to read and "K" indicates the end to read.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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