Spinning RGB LED Globe

thingiverse

This is my entry for the #LightItUp challenge. I couldn't 3D print my design, but it is basically a 3D printable version of a spinning RGB globe designed to be very simple to print and get started. My design was based off of makerj101's youtube tutorials on how to make a spinning LED ball. If built properly, this design should hopefully create a glowing orb 15 centimeters in diameter just off of your kitchen table. A spinning RGB globe works by using a motor to rotate a spinner head which has 3 LEDs on each blade. As the head picks up velocity, the LEDs whirl into a blur forming a circle. As we add another motor, spinning perpendicularly to the first it creates an orb of light which is eye-catching in any environment. I designed this globe by using TinkerCAD and basing my design off of various youtube videos and schematics. I wanted an aesthetically appealing finish so I curved the edges and gave it a wind-mill look. When I started out the design I was planning on using slip rings and brushes to move electricity. I decided against that in favor of a simple design with fewer electronics. There are also other variants of the spinning globe so while I was designing I decided in favour of dual motors instead of 3. The spinning globe can make for a great installment at parties and can be used to impress family and friends with cool light displays! Here is a video of makerj101's globe and what mine hopefully will look like; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7TIs2R7kZ8 Here is another version of an RGB globe following a different design; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEvToQ9jMXs