Orbital Sound 2
Introduction: Orbital Sound 2
Having created a previous project called Orbital Sound, the thought came to mind as to whether I could bring it more up to date and include lighting in addition to sound. This would entail electronics and some form of sensor and control.
The solution presented itself in the form of a Circuit Playground* microcontroller.
This ticked a number of boxes for preinstalled elements, sounder, Neopixels (arranged in a circular pattern), and accelerometer with a small footprint and bolt compatible electrical connections which would come in handy as part of the assembly. 1003
Battery operation also being a bonus.
The original version was a fixed form whereas this updated version would enable different sounds and lighting schemes to be employed enabling many variations.
All this would be encapsulated within a 3D printed body.
*The author has no affilation with the CPE/CPB, its creators, manufacturers or suppliers.
Supplies
Circuit Playground Bluefruit
Battery LiPo 3.7V/500mA
MakeCode Maker
Filament PETG Transparent/Clear - Main Body
Filament PETG Transluscent Green - Cord Fixtures
Slicer Cura or similar application
Bolts M2.5/30mm + nuts - Qty 4
Paracord 140cm length, 1.18mm diameter
No affiliation to any of the suppliers used in this project, feel free to use your preferred suppliers and substitute the elements were appropriate to your own preference or subject to supply.
Tools
3D Printer
Cutters
Screwdriver (to suit bolt head pattern)
Soldering iron/Hot plate
Sanding Paper
Needle Files
3mm Drill Bit
Drill
Know your tools and follow the recommended operational procedures and be sure to wear the appropriate PPE.
Step 1: Design
The spinner was designed using BlocksCAD as a 4 part assembly.
The aim being to keep the size similar to the original Orbital Sound for stability and ease of use.
The body consisting of 2 parts, housing the battery in one half and the microcontroller in the other half.
Light transmissible filament is used to enable the Neopixel lighting effects to be seen.
Openings are placed to enable access to the USB and battery connectors.
This means that coding updates and testing via USB and battery charging can be applied without dismantling.
The reset and buttons A & B are accessible.
Additionally, holes in the body align with the bolt through connection points on the microcontroller which are also utilised with bolts to clamp the halves together. The two halves fit together forming a cylindrical encapsulation.
The cord supports consisting of 2 identical elements which fit on the outer side of each body half.
These are separate elements due to the inability to loop a single cord through the central body of the spinner and as such needs to be robust to withstand the pulling forces applied during normal use.
The cord supports also contain bolt alignment holes, enabling the body and cord supports to be clamped together.
Four bolts which pass through both the supports and body are used to clamp everything together.
Step 2: Slicing
Cura was used for the slicing process.
For maximum strength the Infill was set to 100% for all elements.
Base adhesion: Brim
No supports are required.
The total number of elements consisting of a battery compartment, microcontroller compartment, two buttons and two cord supports.
Subject to the size of your printer bed and any colour options, elements can be grouped togther to reduce print runs.
Total print time: 12 hrs 30 mins (In my experience Cura over estimates the print time, therefore consider this worst case)
Step 3: Post Processing
Post processing may be required subject to the quality of the printing.
Remove any rough or sharp edges with sanding paper or a file from the outer edge of the body halves.
Stringers may exist in the holes which can be cleared out with a drill bit or round needle file.
Ensure the domed holes in the cord support are clear and smooth to reduce the likelyhood of cord fraying due to rough surfaces.
The button extenders may require a little sanding on the base to adjust the height to ensure the CPB buttons are not depressed when the two halves of the main body are clamped together.
Step 4: Attach Cords
Using a 70cm length of 1.18mm cord per side.
Having tried a number of different types of cord/ string etc. twisted packing string starts to loose its twist and flat film raffia starts to fray, paracord has shown better long term performance in use.
Additionally of the varieties tested thinner cord (allowing more twists), performed better than thicker cord. 16