The final piece features a light that receives power based on the amount of light received through a photocell, a rotating map, magnifying glass and a clear plastic layer for marking routes, etc.
I would love to see a larger version of this with space for peole to mark the maps however they'd like. Or maybe even have a series of backgrounds for people to write on as they rotate. Something about the mixture of a very rigid background set in a particular space in time that allows new meaning to be constantly superimposed on it, seems like an interesting exercise in artwork and modern relevance (beyond artifacts).
Motor
The final motor I used came from this aquarium/lamp I spotted in a 99¢ store in my neighborhood. I had initially planned on using a battery-powered motor, but the one I managed to find was pretty noisy and not as powerful as this motor.
Circuitry
I managed to extract the motor from the aquarium/lamp, but couldn't quite figure out how to work with the circuit board. I didn't realize that only the halogen bulbs from the lamp were powered by the circuit board so I didn't need it at all.
I managed to extract the motor from the aquarium/lamp, but couldn't quite figure out how to work with the circuit board. I didn't realize that only the halogen bulbs from the lamp were powered by the circuit board so I didn't need it at all.
Extension Cords
Once the circuit board was removed I needed a way to get a/c to a breadboard so I could add lights. Based on your recommendation, I hacked into an extension cord and connected the wires, which gave me three additional plugs.Sautering the a/c wires was a real challenge. The switch I was using ended up in pretty bad shape.
Once the circuit board was removed I needed a way to get a/c to a breadboard so I could add lights. Based on your recommendation, I hacked into an extension cord and connected the wires, which gave me three additional plugs.Sautering the a/c wires was a real challenge. The switch I was using ended up in pretty bad shape.
A/C --> Electrical Tape
After a few scary shocks from the wires, I wrapped everything in electrical tape.
After a few scary shocks from the wires, I wrapped everything in electrical tape.
Lights!
This is my first test with something plugged into the hacked extension cord. I was pretty nervous as you can see by my hand clutching the side for dear life! Fortunately, everything worked as hoped.
This is my first test with something plugged into the hacked extension cord. I was pretty nervous as you can see by my hand clutching the side for dear life! Fortunately, everything worked as hoped.
Breadboard
The plan was to plug an a/c converter into the extension cord to power a breadboard, but it's bulky.
The plan was to plug an a/c converter into the extension cord to power a breadboard, but it's bulky.
LED's
It did work.
It did work.
Bulb
But I preferred the lamplight to the led's, so this is what I went with.
But I preferred the lamplight to the led's, so this is what I went with.