[cd ~]

# moon lamp

Moon Lamp is a fun lamp, providing a conversation-sparking piece that can be put anywhere in your home.

2024 · 87 views

[github]

Displayed at Maker Faire 2023, City of Fremont Engineering Expo 2024

Introduction

Introducing the Moon Lamp, an innovative project that combines mechanical engineering and software engineering to create not just a lamp, but a conversation starter. Utilizing magnets for an eye-catching display, this lamp is a statement piece perfect for any room.

Supplies Needed

  • Raspberry Pi 3B+
  • Jumper cables
  • Bread Board
  • MOSFET
  • LED Strip
  • 3D Printer (We used a PRUSA XL)
  • Fishing Wire
  • Hot Glue, Contact Adhesive, Acrylic Cement
  • HDMI Cable
  • 8x Circular Neodymium Magnets
  • Plastic Clamps
  • 1/4 inch wood and Acrylic
  • Power Adapter
  • Autodesk Fusion 360

Building Process

Step 1: Creating a 3D Moon

Insight: Opted for a 3D-printed moon using Prusament Galaxy Silver to match our vision. The process involved designing in Fusion 360, extruding a crescent shape, and preparing the model for printing.

Assembly: Gluing the two printed halves together and securing them with clamps.

Step 2: Cork & Magnet Assembly

Purpose: To house the magnets with precision for effective attraction.

CAD/Design Process: Measurements were taken, and designs were adjusted in Fusion 360 to fit the magnets snugly.

Assembly: Magnets were placed inside the cork, which was then sealed with adhesive.

Step 3: Laser Cut Box

Purpose: To create an aesthetically pleasing housing for the components.

Process: Designed with Maker Case and cut from acrylic, ensuring space for component visibility and access.

Step 4: LED Strip Setup

Setup: Involved cutting, soldering, and configuring an LED strip with MOSFETs and resistors for safe operation with the Raspberry Pi.

Step 5: Limit Switch Mechanism

Component: A crucial element that activates the lamp's lights upon magnetic contact.

Step 6: Raspberry PI Code

Utilized the PIGPIOD library for LED control, highlighting the software engineering aspect of the project.

sudo apt-get install build-essential unzip wget
wget http://abyz.me.uk/rpi/pigpio/pigpio.zip && unzip pigpio.zip && cd PIGPIO && sudo make install