2015-06-30 (Tu) Automated Aerator and Laser Show for Domestic House Pets

Parts were gathered to start construction of the laser deflector. Electromagnets acting on permanent magnets will change the angle of a mirror which will redirect a laser. Two magnets will be placed at opposite corners of a square mirror. In the corner between the mirrors there will be a pivot point. For this experiment the pivot point was a stack of double-sided tape discs and rubber discs. Rubber discs were cut from a wide rubber band using an ordinary paper punch.

 Parts gathered. Wide rubber band, hole punch, fishing lures, mirror, magnets, clear plastic box, coils, and double-sided tape discs

Beginning of rubber/tape stack
Rubber/tape stack and fishing lure suspension

Corners were suspended by placing small pieces of fishing lure material between the mirror and enclosure surface. Fishing lure material is inexpensive, easy to find, and comes in many shapes. Air gap between permanent magnet and electromagnet could be problematic. Experimenting with simple materials should give an idea of the feasibility and necessary design changes. Video was taken which shows how the deflection of the mirror is properly at right angles to the pivot point. Reflected images in the mirror, the camera lens in this case, move at right angles when the corners are pressed.

Video showing mirror deflection


To Do:
  • Design structure and explain
  • Build structure 
  • Write instructions
    • Make a linkable parts list
    • Draw schematic 

The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.

First time here?

Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2



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2015-06-30 (Tu)

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