Arc reactor prop

Synopsis

Print and assembly of a halloween prop.
Custom microcontroller used to make the reactor pulsate slowly.
There is a switch included that enables two states:
PWM pulsing and solid light.
Both modes are dimmable with analog potentiometer.

 

Components needed

Resistor
Capacitor
mosfet (N-channel) IRF2807
battery holder for 2x AA or use a USB powerbank
Cold white LEDs
PCB prototyping board
Two state switc
3D printer
STL files - Arc reactor - credit goes to Showphi on Thingiverse
PCB belt clip - credit goes to me ; )
Attiny13 or similar


Printing the parts

Four parts for the reactor.
Two parts for the box.


Good old ANET 8 brint bed.



Size comparison.



Stacked prints.

 


Arc PCB box


Supports needed.

 

Schematic

Resistors are all 180Ω
PWM pulse sets the ontime for LEDs, they can all be parallell
connected since the MOSFet removes the current load from the microcontroller.
I placed a 100kΩ potentiometer in series with the LED resistors, makes the light dimmable. also in dark environment battery life is greatly extended.
lowest current draw per diode is 22μA


Basic schematic, no caps needed.
This circuit does not have "state" switch


I've misplaced the code...
perhaps I'll find it soon.

Prototype board


Proof of concept



Components on board

 

Installation of circuit board


Fit components for prototype box.


Installation of LEDs

I only installed ten LEDs, it'll bright enough.


For each diode a resistor is needed,
the center collection is in series with the potentiometer.


Lights up ok, maximum load on 5V

 

Testing the setup IRL

Unit is place through a hole in a shirt.

clip in belt, powerbank in pocket


-191015