PROJECTS: Wireless LED Kaleidoscope
It’s easiest to insert the first mirror while holding
the frame horizontally (Figure
J
), and then
turn the frame vertically before sliding the last
two mirrors into place (Figure
K
). If a mirror
“catches” on the frame during this step, tug each
of the long brace pieces toward the outside of the
frame to create a bit more room inside the frame.
With the mirrors inserted, place circle B on
top of circle A, and place the second clear acrylic
triangle into the hole in circle B. Finally, lay circle
C on top of circle B (Figure
L
) and insert the
three long (16mm) M3 screws and nuts into the
holes. Fasten the nuts loosely for now, as we’ll
remove them later to add the LEDs and their
container to the frame. Remove the painter’s tape
from the frame and discard it.
4. TAKE A BREAK TO ENJOY THE VIEW
Before incorporating the wireless LEDs, now is
a good time to pause and reflect (pun intended)
on what you’ve created. You have built a working
kaleidoscope! Place your eye at the eyepiece
and point the other end at any colorful object to
see unexpected patterns emerge. Even simple
images like Makey (Figure
M
) acquire new
dimensions inside a kaleidoscope.
5. PREPARE THE INDUCTION COIL AND
HOLDER
In this step, we’ll set up the electronics to power
the LEDs. The induction coil and current driving
circuitry are fragile, so we’ll create a protective
case for them using the laser-cut parts shown in
Figure
N
. We’ll use the same holographic vinyl
that covers the mirrors to secure the transmitting
coil to its case.
First, trace the outline of the induction coil
case onto the vinyl’s paper backing and cut the
resulting shape from the vinyl — cutting along
a line that is about 5mm inside the outline you
traced. The vinyl should cover most of the bottom
layer of the case without blocking the holes.
Lay the vinyl on a flat surface with the
protective paper facing upwards, and peel off the
backing. Carefully stick the transmitting coil onto
the vinyl, centered as well as possible (Figure
O
). Now turn the vinyl and coil over together
and adhere them to the bottom layer of the
transmitting coil case (Figure
P
). Trim away any
J
K
L
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