the orb project (stage 1, step 1, proof of concept and prototype)
- January 8th, 2012
- Posted in electronics
- By zajebi
- Write comment
I finally got around to trying to see how the thing would go along. I needed to figure out how to mount the leds, to shine into the piramid spikes.
The ‘structure’, or as I’ll refere to it as ‘the orb’, is intended to hold a candle on the inside, and provide illumination.
Ofcourse, I like electronics, and LEDs, so when I saw thins thing in a store, an imediate idea was of why not put LEDs into it, to provide some ambiant lighting. Girlfriend talked me into gotting it, instead of just wondering, and maybe coming back to get it at a later time. Ofcourse, she was right, and the other 2 were sold out a lil while later when I came back to see about getting another one.
Ultimately, the idea is to place a tri-color controlled LED that shines into each of the pyramid spike. The holes that are used for air circulation, would be used to hide ir disatnce sensors (proximity detectors), for human interface. Think of the kids waving hands around it, and the thing changes colors in response. It would basically be an interactive light fixture, suspended from ceiling… lastly, I would like to have a wireless (zigbee / xbee) module put into it, to interact remotely, with say ambiant lighting scheme for the room.
Like the project’s headline states, this is the 1st step for the project, seeing how well it looks. Also, it is better to have it sitting providing illumination from a shelf, instead of just sitting on the floor.
I guess it’s a geek in me thinks that this could be used as a prop in scifi show… such as say star gate…
… and some more pics of prototype proof of concept construction… and with 3 pyramids light, it sits on the floor again, until I actually get more raw materials, to construct the fixtures for the other spikes…
where the candle is supposed to fit. it will be strapped with electronics and loaded with a mess of wires.
some of the parts used to construct the led holders
constructed sample led module. this is for testing with bench power supply, as the resistors need to be changed to accomodate whatever reused switcher I end up using.
inside view, mounted the leds on 1st pyramid spike.
was trying to catch the led shining through the tip, and flaring across the camera lens…
got 3 peaks done
the work bench…
(a few more shots from the test build)
Hecuvka good job. I sure appreciate it.
I’d like to know where you bought that lamp. I really dig the bullseye glass, however,if it was replaced with acrylic, you could drill into it edge wise,and mount the led in the hole. Then,anything you engraved into it would light up.
I’ve been looking for those ‘star lamps’ for awhile,ever since seeing them in a movie set- the awful remake of ‘The haunting of hill house’.Trash movie,but some cool props.
Ok, so this was one of those puff-stuff shops, that had 2 or 3 of the lamps (actually they’re candle holders).
The glass is not quite bullseye, just some flower(y) raised designs. But it does disperse the light somewhat.
I know what you’re talking about, regarding the side light, and etching/engraving a pattern to light up. Not a bad idea. For now, I’m looking for the lamp to be more of illuminator itself, not just a decoration in the window…
Bottom line, I have no idea where else to try to find one… besides specialty/craft stores, maybe fairs, antique shops, or another puff-stuff place.