Summary of Direction Aware Messaging LED Spin Top using Tiny44 microcontroller
This article describes an improved LED spinning top capable of displaying messages in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Unlike the original Elektor design which required earth's magnetic field synchronization for single-direction spin, this version uses a quadrature phase detection system to identify spin direction and adjust the LED pattern accordingly. The project utilizes a Tiny44 microcontroller, powered by AAA batteries via a DC-DC converter, with a custom circular PCB milled on a Modela machine.
Parts used in the Direction Aware Messaging LED Spin Top:
- LEDs arranged along the radius
- 2-channels magnetic field detector circuit
- Tiny44 microcontroller
- 2x1.5V AAA size batteries
- MAX756 DC-DC converter
- Circular PCB
- Modela milling machine
We recently built a LED spinning top with message display. Its an improved version of a similar top published by Elektor in their December 2008 issue. The Elektor top can be spun only in one direction. The synchronization required to print message on the LEDs arranged along the radius of the top is achieved by detecting the earth’s magnetic field.
Demo
video Direction Aware Messaging LED Spin Top
Our top can spin in either direction and print a message accordingly. In our improved version of the spinning top, we used 2-channels of magnetic field detector circuit placed 90 degrees apart along the circumference of the circular PCB, to provide quadrature phase output that allows the top to detect the direction of spin and thus is able to adjust the LED pattern appropriately. The top uses a Tiny44 microcontroller and is powered by 2×1.5V AAA size batteries with a MAX756 DC-DC converter to provide the +5V power supply to the circuit. The circular PCB was made on the Modela milling machine. For more Detail: Direction Aware Messaging LED Spin Top using Tiny44 microcontroller
- How does the improved top detect spin direction?
It uses 2-channels of magnetic field detector circuit placed 90 degrees apart to provide quadrature phase output. - Can this top spin in either direction?
Yes, unlike the original Elektor top, this version can spin in either direction and print a message accordingly. - What microcontroller is used in the project?
The top uses a Tiny44 microcontroller. - How is the +5V power supply provided?
A MAX756 DC-DC converter provides the +5V power supply to the circuit. - What type of batteries power the device?
The device is powered by 2x1.5V AAA size batteries. - How was the circular PCB manufactured?
The circular PCB was made on the Modela milling machine. - What was the limitation of the original Elektor top?
The original Elektor top could only be spun in one direction. - Does the top adjust the LED pattern based on movement?
Yes, it detects the direction of spin and adjusts the LED pattern appropriately.
