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Work log - Week 2 - February 2, 2022

This is just a way to keep a record of what I’m doing during FabAcademy Spring 2022.

2/2

  • Spent a large amount of time researching different microcontrollers to use for capturing rotary encoder data.
  • Started to research using Mouse Optical Sensors for rotary encoders.
  • Continued to work on design for final project. Continued looking for better/cheaper solution for high resolution/precision rotary encoders.

2/3

  • Discussed what type of microcontrollers to use with Dr. Harris. He discussed using a modular/extensible system using small attiny’s or samd1’s.
  • Downloaded and starting to learn how to use SolveSpace. Fairly decent learning curve for CAD. Would have been completely lost with tutorials. https://solvespace.com/index.pl
  • Also experimented with StructureSynth. Generative system. Not really CAD in any sense. High learning curve. Very fun to experiment and play with. Purely for artistic designs. < http://structuresynth.sourceforge.net/> Also check this out for 2d generative designs: https://www.contextfreeart.org/index.html and a modern interpretation of structure synth is here: https://github.com/kronpano/BrowserSynth

2/4

  • Tried to get an OnShape account. OnShapes system failed miserably.
  • Tried to install Antimony, spent a couple hours on this. No luck.
  • Spent time playing around with StructureSynth and OpenSCAD.
  • Looked into capturing mouse data on Raspi some more. Found some workable options I think.
  • Downloaded and installed extension for using Digispark USB attiny85 with Arduino IDE.

2/5

  • Spent hours learning and trying all sorts of remeshing and smoothing options in Meshlab. Hours.
  • Finally got around to printing out the Ball Bearing test.
  • Came across this: Blender and StructureSynth - https://elfnor.com/structure-synth-meets-sverchok-generative-art-inside-blender.html
  • Gave this a go: Using Meshlab to turn my StructureSynth models into Voronoi models. The method worked well, but the models I choose were just not really the correct ones to use the Voronoi effect on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY9cGwcN2Fk

Voronoi Experiments

bubbles - openscad

Starting Point: A bunch of spheres created in OpenSCAD.

bubbles - sampled

After sampling points and applying a “quality” setting around the area with points.

bubbles - voronoied

Removing areas that do not meet a specific, arbitrary quality threshold.

bubbles - thickened

Adding volume to what was a flat surface. I wasn’t excited by this result. A large part of the Voronoi effect comes from selecting the right model to begin with.

2/6

  • Finishing documentation
  • More work in Meshlab, OpenSCAD.

2/8 - Tuesday

  • Administrative Meeting (w David and Denny)
  • worked on documentation.

2/9 – Wednesday

  • Finally got access to OnShape. Too late.

  • Worked with Dennis Leak and Michael Long on Vinyl Cutter and Laser Engraver respectively.

  • Laser Cutter
    • Learned how to to create, import, and print file from inkscape to laser cutter.
    • Learned laser setup and safety procedures.
    • Tested laser cutting power settings.
    • Laser Power for cutting and engraving 1/8” Cardboard
      • Cutting- 100% Speed, 100% power, 50% freq/rate
      • Engraving – 100% Speed, 50% power, 50% freq/rate
  • Worked with Denny Leak on Vinyl Cutter.
    • We set up, learned how to use the vinyl cutter.
    • Tested and replaced the blade
    • Able to print reliably from inkscape.
Last update: April 30, 2022