For the Mechanisms midterm, I created a zoetrope that used a motor to rotate it. I wanted to make a working model of an idea I have for the final. One idea I had was to use a servo motor to make the zoetrope just go back and forth instead of all the way around. I was thinking to integrate a sensor, but decided against it after coming into some problems.

I finally decided on using an AC driven motor from a small single speed fan. The fan was already wired and had a switch. Unfortunately, as I was soldering extensions for both the switch and plug – I melted TWO switches. I know non-lead solder is safer, but man is it harder to work with.

I was also able to find a wooden bowl and lazy Susan that fit perfectly together.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 am and is filed under ITP, Mechanisms and Things That Move. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.