Spinning RGB LED Globe

thingiverse

This is my entry for the #LightItUp challenge. I successfully created a 3D printable version of a spinning RGB globe that's incredibly easy to print and get started with. My design was heavily influenced by makerj101's youtube tutorials on how to make a spinning LED ball. If built correctly, this design should produce a glowing orb 15 centimeters in diameter just above your kitchen table. A spinning RGB globe works by utilizing a motor to rotate a spinner head featuring three LEDs on each blade. As the head gains velocity, the LEDs whir into a blur forming a circle. Adding another motor, which spins perpendicularly to the first one, creates an orb of light that's eye-catching in any environment. I designed this globe using TinkerCAD and basing my design off various youtube videos and schematics. I wanted an aesthetically appealing finish so I curved the edges and gave it a windmill look. Initially, I planned on using slip rings and brushes to transmit electricity but decided against that in favor of a simpler design with fewer electronics. There are also other variants of the spinning globe, so while designing, I opted for dual motors instead of three. The spinning globe makes for an awesome installation at parties and can be used to impress family and friends with cool light displays! Here's a video of makerj101's globe and what mine hopefully will look like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7TIs2R7kZ8. And here's another version of an RGB globe following a different design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEvToQ9jMXs