Close
0%
0%

Sticks with LEDs

Worst persistence of vision project idea.

Similar projects worth following
Stick some LEDs on a Stick, take them for a spin, and try to make them interactive.
Warning: This is going to get artsy.
The fire picture is not mine, its from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_sticks
I have seen sticks with LEDs and not even the flashing ones were interactive at all. Anyone seen anything interactive?

The Plan:

  • Get some LEDs.
  • Add a microcontroller, a vibration detector, and a battery, then try to beat them to death.
  • Detect tapping patterns (me hitting it).
  • Use those patterns as timing codes to activate extremely interactive light patterns coordinated with the spinning of the stick. Not just the illusion of it increasing and decreasing in speed, but timed to programed routines.
  • Impact resistant case and fast vibration response.
  • Make some night time videos.
  • OK, so really not much of a plan at all.

Why LEDs?
It turns out, if your not on stage in some side show, playing with fire freaks people out (see Fire Devil Sticks in My Sticks project log).

Why is this the worst POV idea?
The axis of rotation is constantly moving position. Also, they usually have a second alternating spin on their own horizontal axis in between taps, so no POV "Hello World" :(

To Do:

  • Brainstorm some patters for the timing codes.
  • Record stick tapping patterns and find out the exact timing involved for basic routines.

View all 2 project logs

Enjoy this project?

Share

Discussions

Daniel wrote 07/08/2015 at 20:43 point

Hey Man that's awesome! I love spinning sticks and I know at the festival I'm going to there has been talk from the top of banning fire. I have thought of the idea of having a cool pair of LED one's, but creating a nice pair of tappered one's with electronics, good battery life, that can handle getting the shit beat out of them seemed a real challenge. It could just be ends attached to a wooden tappered stick... But then how would the ends synch....

  Are you sure? yes | no

frankstripod wrote 07/08/2015 at 20:48 point

What festival? If you don't mind sharing :)

  Are you sure? yes | no

Daniel wrote 07/08/2015 at 21:02 point

It's actually any festival at "Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park" It is an awesome Park in Florida. I meet the owner recently and he was really torn between taking the fire away from festival goers or not. He's worried about getting sued if someone burns their face off from blowing fire. I suggeted he still let people "spin". I'm going to Hulaween there.

  Are you sure? yes | no

frankstripod wrote 07/08/2015 at 21:07 point

Fire or not, sounds like fun. I will update this soon :)

  Are you sure? yes | no

davedarko wrote 06/03/2015 at 07:29 point

I made something interactive with my sonic screwdriver - a gyro xyz to rgb thing. Man I was rocking infront of the mirror ;) 

  Are you sure? yes | no

frankstripod wrote 06/03/2015 at 07:37 point

Awesome! How did I miss the video of that!

  Are you sure? yes | no

davedarko wrote 06/03/2015 at 08:03 point

I don't think there is one - well I hope not :D

  Are you sure? yes | no

Similar Projects

Does this project spark your interest?

Become a member to follow this project and never miss any updates