Digital sand

Digital sand

The project for this month is one that we've been talking about internally for a while now. This plain looking box has an 8x8 LED matrix inside and does a simple physics simulation, making what we're calling "digital sand". It has no purpose other than to be neat to look at while you move it around in your hand. We LOVE this thing! 

This version was designed by DSK001 who has designed several of our projects. He also designed an optional base that puts it in motion, if you happen to have a TTmotor lying around (you do if you've been subscribed for a while!). 

Find the Print files here:https://www.printables.com/model/1377807-digital-sand-simulation-toy 

Find the arduino code here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VaVc1iFYPnucMi7VdaxW3COl7B7GuP-T/view?usp=drive_link

Parts included in the box:

  • 1x Battery Case
  • 4x AA batteries
  • 4x m3x6 screws
  • 4x m3x10 screws
  • 10x wires 
  • 1x 6mm button
  • 1x 8x8 LED matrix
  • 1x LED matrix wire
  • 1x ESP32 dev board
  • 1x Accelerometer board

assembly video

and here is the circuit layout

This month's accessory

Everyone needs a handy little monoscope tucked away in their car or bag. You never know when you'll need to get a glimpse of a bird or a cool car or something. Trust us, this is very necessary.

Filament

For this month's filament selection, we went to Numakers.  They're based out of Richomond VA, but we ran into them at Midwest RepRap Fest. They had a very nice selection of Matte PLA, which caught our eye. 

 
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