Stepper Test

After some modification I was able to get the stepper driver running I had issues at first. So I rechecked my wiring. I also had to reinstall several libraries and modify the code slightly, but now I am moving on to the next stages of creating the machine.

Motion Machine

For my motion machine I ordered the main components that I will need for the electronics. I will likely need to add a button and possibly a few other things, but these are the parts that I absolutely need to create the motion. I chose to use a Nema 17 stepper motor for the drive both because I have a very fine range of control if need be, and also because stepper motors have a good amount of torque for their size. The disadvantage of a stepper is that you need a more advanced driver then you do for other types of motors. After looking over my options I chose a version from Sainsmart, not because it was the best, but because it was available on amazon prime. The joke was on me though because it took far longer than two days to show up. Additionally I needed an arduino uno to run everything and a power source.

The next step was to wire everything up and run a test.

Power yes, motion no. Time to trouble shoot.

Mechanism 4

As I wait for the last of the electronics to get here in the mail I am working to mock up the mechanisms that they will be driving. Here is the next one.

Sketching for Machines

I am working on my shopping list for the things that I cannot make myself, once I have the pieces selected that I need, I can work around those dimensions to make the moving pieces that make the actual sculpture. As I work towards the creation of the mechanism I am creating digital sketches that I can start to fill with the pieces that I have to purchase, and build from there.

Models for Mechanisms

My class 612 is the final project for my Digital Studio Practices Major. During the semester I will be creating an object for the BFA show and Arts and Tech Night. I have decided that I am going to build a machine that moves, I will combine the things that I began in Physical Computing, with the things that I have learned in the DCRL (Digital Craft Research Lab) that will aid me in craft.

After considering various types of mechanisms I built moving cardboard models of two of them. I am exploring a third motion that looks very interesting on paper, and may build a model of that as well.

This first one would likely include lights that would cause the rectangles to change colors

This version shows potential. The arms would likely be 3 axis milled to give them a good contour.