For final preparation I had to spend a lot of time finalizing the wiring and code for my project. My plans to include audio got canceled this week because the audio shield I got for my Arduino could not be run at the same time as other vital functions of the box like the potentiometer inputs and PWM servo control. Furthermore the transducers did not vibrate the mirrors as much as I expected. Audio quality through the transducers mounted to the plywood box frame was pretty good. All things considered I thought it would be better to focus on the visual and light aspects of the project.
With the new fog machine it proved best to have the fans on continuously. This results in two of the potentiometers having no purpose. Not having the audio also freed up a potentiometer. To give these three knobs a purpose I changed the servo control to be an average of the four potentiometer inputs. The gave the user more precise control of the angle of the servo in a very noticeable way. More discrete adc values => more resolution of control. This does however result in the user having to switch what knob they are using. In a way it forces the user to experiment with the knobs.
I also created an auto mode. When in auto mode the servo pans on a 90 degree angle back and forth slowly. Two buttons in the back inside control the mode.
The new fog machine works really well. Sometimes too well so that it blocks the laser. For best results you have to wait a few seconds for the computer fans to thin the fog. This allows the beam to reflect a couple times before dissipating and makes it visible.
When attempting to get photos and videos for my post I accidentally grabbed the wrong power supply. As a result I over volted the entire system and fried my Arduino and laser diodes. There is no chance I get it working again as I don’t have the money or time to rebuild it. As such I can not get any of the photos/videos I need for my final posts. For my final post I plan to “wizard of oz” it a bit by using a friends hand laser and destroying part of my wooden box so I can shine it in the side. I really didn’t want to have to do this especially after having it fully functioning for demo day and never getting the chance to record it. 🙁
Photo album included below.
Final Assembly
Infinity Mirror
Fan Illumination
