Thanks to @MadlabUK and @ideasfoundation for supporting the development of this open project, now available in kit form. It’s a high-impact playful design for a digitally controlled LED display. Using just 8 LEDs it paints text and simple icons in the air as you wave it. In workshops, people can build and personalise the device with their own text and graphical designs.
Our POV kit provides a more hackable alternative to the costlier @adafruit MiniPOV3, and is suited for ad-hoc construction by hobbyists who have breadboard, ATMEGAs and a few LEDs on hand, or groups who want to buy in bulk components.
Classroom resources are available to help teachers and hackspaces to run workshops using the layout. You can use the image below to construct a circuit, or access the raw resources we use and the teaching material.
For those working with one of our kits after a workshop, the direct link to the code is http://tinyurl.com/shrimpovcode and you’ll to reprogram your circuit you’ll want to download the Arduino IDE and need to install the CP2102 drivers unless you have a Linux desktop.
If you’re interested in the pedagogical angle, read our critique of PCB soldering kits like the MiniPOV3.
Persistence of Vision circuit materials – overlays also available
A number of educational activities based on this circuit are possible;
Icon design
You can work with learners to design bitmap icons on graph paper, and display the icon on your POV circuit, learning binary along the way.
Tilt switch design – to improve behaviour
creating a tilt-switch by soaking a penny in Coca-cola and soldering together some stripboard back-to-back.
A snapshot of a demo video, exploring alternative designs for POV
MonoPong
An alternative design mod. Lovely, check it!
