In a world of digital weather forecasts and monotonous weather apps, Mikey Makes, a creative genius with a knack for blending art and technology, has crafted a captivating weather-telling device that’s as informative as it is entertaining.
Mikey Makes’ Mechanical Weather Widget: A Symphony of Moving Parts
Inspired by the charming simplicity of old BBC weather symbols on stickers, Mikey embarked on a mission to replicate and mechanically swap components, resulting in a mesmerizing weather widget that physically displays current conditions.
Unveiling the Widget’s Intricate Design
The centerpiece of this mechanical marvel is a large fixed gray cloud, beneath which rotating symbols dance in sync with the ever-changing weather. Cloudy, rainy, or snowy conditions are depicted with ease, but integrating partly cloudy and full sun posed unique challenges.
Overcoming Design Hurdles: A Story of Innovation
To capture the dynamic nature of partly cloudy skies, Mikey ingeniously employed rotating disks behind the cloud, gradually revealing sunshine rays as they twirl. For full sun, a large sun symbol takes center stage, majestically gliding across and blocking the cloud, mimicking the sun’s dominance over a clear blue sky.
The Brains Behind the Widget: A Symphony of Electronics
At the heart of this mechanical marvel lies a MKR WiFi 1010, the brains of the operation. This tiny yet powerful microcontroller tirelessly fetches real-time weather data from the vast expanse of the internet, courtesy of the openweathermap API.
Translating Data into Motion: A Delicate Balance of Signals
Depending on the desired movements, the MKR WiFi 1010 sends signals to either an A4988 stepper motor driver or an H-bridge module for DC motors. These electronic maestros orchestrate the intricate dance of the rotating symbols, ensuring they respond gracefully to the ever-changing weather conditions.
Witness the Magic Unfold: A Video Showcase
To truly appreciate the beauty and ingenuity of Mikey Makes’ mechanical weather widget, we invite you to embark on a visual journey. His demonstration video offers an in-depth look at the project’s intricate mechanical design and functionality. Prepare to be captivated as the widget gracefully transforms, reflecting the dynamic nature of our ever-changing weather.
Bonus: Mikey Makes’ creation is a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when art and technology converge. It serves as a reminder that even the mundane can be transformed into something extraordinary with a touch of creativity and a dash of engineering prowess. Embrace the whimsical nature of this mechanical marvel and let it bring a smile to your face, one weather update at a time.
As the weather shifts and changes, so does Mikey Makes’ mechanical weather widget, adapting seamlessly to nature’s ever-changing moods. It’s a delightful reminder that even in the most unpredictable aspects of life, there’s beauty to be found if we only take the time to appreciate it.
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