Worldmap Lithophane

thingiverse

I'm excited to share my latest project, a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for my son - a mesmerizing rotating worldmap lithophane. This intricate design combines art and technology in a way that's sure to delight both kids and adults alike. To bring this innovative idea to life, I've carefully selected the necessary components: A reliable relay module (available on eBay) serves as the heart of the project, ensuring seamless communication between the motor controller and the LED strip. With its high-low trigger functionality, it perfectly complements my Arduino setup. The PWM speed controller (also available on eBay) allows for precise control over the motor's rotation speed, creating a smooth and dynamic experience for the viewer. The 1-meter long RGB LED stripe with a remote controller (found on eBay) provides an incredible display of color and light. Its IP20 rating ensures that it can withstand even the most intense environments. A high-torque V-TEC Micro Metal Gearmotor (available from Eckstein Shop) powers the motor, offering exceptional performance and reliability. This motor is perfect for this project, with its 10x8mm dimensions and 3V operating voltage. To add an extra layer of complexity, I've incorporated a light-dependent resistor (LDR), which detects changes in ambient lighting conditions. When the LED lights up, the LDR triggers the relay module, turning on the motor and creating a truly magical effect. A Pololu step-down regulator (available from Eckstein Shop) ensures that the motor receives a stable 5V supply, even when the input voltage fluctuates. All of these components are readily available in Germany, making it easy to assemble this incredible project. The print time for the lithophane is approximately 28 hours, while the rest of the parts take around 12 hours to print. Functionality: The motor controller is triggered by the LDR, which responds to changes in ambient lighting conditions. As soon as the LED lights up, the LDR triggers the relay module, which in turn switches on the motor. This creates a mesmerizing display of light and motion that's sure to captivate anyone who sees it. Videos: To give you a better idea of this project's potential, I've included two videos showcasing its functionality: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JeK8fpKiauE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tzPw266dSr8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> If you have any questions or would like to see more of this project, please don't hesitate to leave a comment.