Switch-Activated Simulator
Have you ever rubbed your eyes while they’re closed and “seen” bursts of colors? These phenomena are known as phosphenes. Phosphenes can be induced by mechanical, electrical, or magnetic stimulation of the retina or visual cortex, much like our circuits can be enhanced with mechanical stimulation (Conductive Pressure Sensitive Sheets) or magnetic stimulation (magnets and reed switches).
For this tutorial, you will create your own handheld viewer that simulates bursts of color when a magnet actuates the reed switch in the circuit.
Materials:
- Conductive Fabric Tape
- Reed Switch (Magnet On)
- Rainbow Fade Animating LED Stickers
- 3V Coin Battery
- Magnet
- Holographic Foil Cardstock
- Double-sided tape
- Craft Cutter (or printer/scissors/craft blade)
Step 1: Cut Design on Cardstock
The first step is to cut out the design on holographic cardstock.
There are three suggested ways to cut out the main parts for this project: Silhouette Cameo, Cricut, or by hand with a craft blade or scissors.
Use the provided .dxf for the cut lines on Silhouette Cameo; use the .svg for Cricut or a laser cutter; or print the PDF on the back of the foil cardstock and cut with craft blade or scissors
[NOTE: My Silhouette Cameo 4 could not cut to the ends of the cardstock, so I had to use scissors to complete the lines.]
Step 2: Fold Cardstock
The next step is to prep and fold the cardstock.
View the PDF to see the fold lines. Ensure that the holographic foil is inside and the brown is outside.
Step 3: Assemble Circuit
After you’ve prepped the fold lines, it’s time to create the circuit.
Use Conductive Fabric Tape, a 3V coin battery, Rainbow Fade Animating LED Stickers, and a Reed Switch (Magnet On) to create the circuit on the inside of the viewer.
[Note: The negative lead should go underneath the battery while the positive lead goes over it.]
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once you’ve tested the circuit to ensure that it works, it’s time for a couple of finishing touches.
Use double-sided tape to fold up and create the 3D form of the viewer.
I recommend assembling the bottom half first, and then the top half as a lid.
Then place your magnet near your reed switch to activate the circuit and view your animating rainbow phosphene simulator through the peep holes.
Step 5: Enjoy the Show!
Enjoy the simulation!
[NOTE: This time-lapse GIF is sped up; actual animating LEDs are slower.]