Learn how to build the "persistence of vision" display, which is a classic DIY project with a computer chip that flashes LED lights super fast, as you swing the gadget through the air — making them appear like hundreds of lights displaying a message.
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Step #1: Gather your Materials
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- Open up the MiniPOV bag and check to make sure that you have all of the necessary components to build the kit.
Step #2: Insert the 3, 4.7K Resistors.
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- In spots, R10, R11, and R12, insert the resistor with color bands of yellow, purple, red.
- Resistors are not directional, so it does not matter which way you put them in.
Step #3: Tip: Clip your leads!
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- To avoid annoying wire leads, it is important to clip your leads once you finish soldering the components in.
Step #4: Insert the Remaining Resistors
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- In spots, R1-R9, insert the 8 remaining 47 Ohm resistors.
- Solder them in, and clip the leads!
Step #5: Insert the Zenzer Diodes.
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- The diodes are directional, so it is important to insert the diodes with the black stripe matching up with the silk-screened white stripe.
- After inserting the diodes, turn the board over and solder them in. Then you can clip the leads.
Step #6: Insert the Serial Port Connector.
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- The leads of the serial port connector sandwich the circuit board.
- The 5 upper leads of the connector match up on the board with the 5 metal strips. The 4 lower leads of the connector match up with the 4 metal strips on the bottom of the board.
- Be sure to properly solder the connector leads to the metal strips on the board.
Step #7: Insert the 8 LEDs.
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- LEDs are polar, so it is important to insert them properly.
- The flat end of the LED should match up with the flat part of the image on the board. In other words, the negative, shorter lead is the outward lead.
- Turn the board over, and solder the LEDs in to the board. Once the LEDS are soldered in, you can clip their leads.
Step #8: Insert the Microcontroller Socket.
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- The little notch on the IC socket should match up with the notch that is printed on the circuit board.
- The socket is loose, so I used my pliers handle to prop up the circuit board to help me solder the socket in.
Step #9: Insert the Battery Leads.
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- The (+) lead is the red wire. While the (-) lead is the black wire.
- Insert the wires into their respective holes, and solder them in.
Step #10: Insert IC and Batteries.
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- Insert the chip into the microcontroller socket.
- You will need 2 AA batteries, and you can insert them into the battery holder. Find the small screw, and screw the battery holder shut.
Step #11: Test it out!
- Hit the switch on the battery holder, and your LEDs should begin pulsating.
- Now you can follow the rest of the instructions to customize the pulsation!
