Imagine soaring through the sky, effortlessly navigating your way, guided by an innate sense of direction. This extraordinary ability, possessed by birds, has long fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. But what if we could experience this magnetic sense firsthand? Enter Chris Hill, a creative genius from Instructables, who embarked on a remarkable journey to create a sensory extension puppet that allows us to feel the directionality and strength of magnetic fields, just like birds do.
The Birth of “Compy”: A Puppet with a Magnetic Sense
Inspired by the extraordinary navigational abilities of birds, Hill set out to create a puppet that would allow him to perceive magnetic fields. Aptly named “Compy,” this puppet features a pair of AAH002 GMR modules, acting as magnetic field sensors. These sensors, consisting of a sandwich of materials, exhibit a change in resistance when exposed to a magnetic field. By measuring this resistance, the device can calculate the strength of the magnetic field.
Tactile Feedback: Bringing Magnetic Fields to Life
To create a tactile display for the user, Hill ingeniously soldered together nine ERM vibration motors into a grid. This grid serves as a low-resolution tactile display, providing feedback to the user regarding the direction and strength of the magnetic field. As the puppet moves through magnetic fields, the vibration motors on the grid activate, providing a tactile sensation that corresponds to the field’s direction and strength.
Compy’s Design: A Symphony of Craftsmanship and Functionality
Hill cleverly housed the GMR sensors in the beak of an eagle puppet, while the main circuitry resides in the puppet’s chest cavity. The entire setup is powered by a single micro-USB cable, ensuring portability and ease of use. The result is a visually stunning puppet that seamlessly blends art and technology, allowing users to explore the hidden world of magnetic fields.
Unveiling the Secrets of Magnetic Fields: A Video Demonstration
In a captivating video demonstration, Hill showcases the capabilities of his creation. As he moves the puppet through magnetic fields, the vibration motors on the grid activate, providing him with a tactile sensation that corresponds to the direction and strength of the field. This innovative puppet offers a unique way to experience and understand the otherwise invisible world of magnetic fields.
Delving Deeper: The Technicalities Behind Compy
For those eager to explore the inner workings of Compy, Hill has meticulously documented the project in a comprehensive write-up. This write-up delves into the components, assembly process, and the programming involved in bringing Compy to life. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone interested in understanding the technical aspects of this remarkable creation.
Bonus: Exploring Magnetic Fields in Everyday Life
Magnetic fields are an integral part of our daily lives, shaping everything from the Earth’s magnetic field to the functioning of electronic devices. Understanding magnetic fields can lead to fascinating discoveries. For instance, birds use the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation, while some animals, like sea turtles, can detect magnetic fields to find their way during long migrations. By unraveling the mysteries of magnetic fields, we unlock a deeper appreciation for the intricate workings of the natural world.
Conclusion: A New Sensory Experience
Chris Hill’s creation, Compy, is a testament to human ingenuity and our insatiable curiosity to understand the world around us. This sensory extension puppet not only allows us to experience magnetic fields in a tangible way but also opens up new avenues for scientific exploration and artistic expression. Compy serves as a reminder that the world is full of hidden wonders waiting to be discovered, and sometimes, all it takes is a creative mind and a willingness to explore.
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